Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Oct. 30 had a phone call with President-elect of the European Commission (EC) Jean-Claude Juncker, who is taking office as of Nov. 1.
Juncker congratulated Poroshenko on democratic parliamentary elections and expressed hope that a new Ukrainian government would be formed soon, the presidential press service reported.
Poroshenko thanked for high evaluation of the elections and noted that Ukrainians had lived through a serious challenge democracy could face when free and transparent elections were held under the difficult conditions for the country.
The Ukrainian president expressed hope for further development of relations between Ukraine and the EU, particularly, for the efficient implementation of the Association Agreement with the EU.
The parties also discussed the situation in Donbas. Poroshenko informed that the fact that militants in the east of Ukraine do not observe the bilateral ceasefire and plan to hold illegitimate local elections on November 2 would ruin the Minsk peace agreements.
In addition, Poroshenko and Juncker touched upon the EU’s macro-financial assistance to Ukraine. The Ukrainian president noted that Ukraine is expecting two tranches worth EUR 760 million by the end of the year. At the same time, Ukraine is well aware that it is necessary to form an efficient government that will ensure the transparent use of these funds.
The parties also discussed tripartite gas consultations currently being held in Brussels. They stressed the need to introduce financial tools to arrange regular gas supplies from Russia to Ukraine and ensure European energy security.
Poroshenko invited Juncker to make his first visit to Ukraine as President of the European Commission.
