REUTERS

The report was released ahead of the third EU-Ukraine Association Council scheduled for December 19, 2016 with the participation of Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman and members of government.

"Ukraine has taken big steps in the last two years, under very difficult circumstances, not least the conflict in eastern Ukraine and the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol. Today's report fully recognises this work done by the Ukrainian authorities. It is now crucial to move from passing legislation and setting up institutions to full implementation of these reforms so that Ukrainian citizens can reap the benefits. Ukraine can count on the European Union's support moving forward”, said EU High Representative and Vice-President Federica Mogherini.

Read alsoMingarelli: Visa-free travel for Ukraine will be available in a few months"Ukraine's reform efforts are bringing results”, said the Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn. “Ukraine has taken important steps to address the key, systemic challenge of corruption both by limiting the scope for corruption in a number of areas, and strengthening the means to pursue wrongdoers. This work must continue, and bring real change to the way the country operates.  Tackling corruption and creating a reliable judicial system are also key to transforming the business climate and rebuilding prosperity.

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Mr Hahn also affirmed that the European Union would continue to support Ukraine in reform efforts, both politically and financially.

Read alsoEP may vote for Ukraine visa lib February 1, 2017The joint report looks at important developments and reforms undertaken in line with the strategic priorities agreed between the EU and Ukraine as part of our Association Agenda. According to the report, Ukraine has implemented a number of reforms to curb corruption and to clean up the banking system, and has embarked on ambitious energy reforms, as well as strengthened democracy and the rule of law. Progress in other areas in the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, parts of which have been provisionally applied since November 2014, has also been made, for example regarding the adoption of constitutional amendments to the judiciary, the adoption of an ambitious human rights strategy and action plan, and the undertaking of decentralization reforms.