The European Union Signs Historic Accords with Georgia,
the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine
At the Brussels signing ceremony of the Association Agreements with Georgia, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, stated: “I wholeheartedly welcome President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili of Georgia and Prime Minister Iurie Leanca of the Republic of Moldova. We are here to sign the Association Agreements between the European Union and each of your countries. These are not just any other agreements – but milestones in the history of our relations and for Europe as a whole. In Kiev and elsewhere, people gave their lives for this closer link to the European Union. We will not forget them.” (Read PDF >>) José Manuel Durão Barroso, the President of the European Commission, stated: “This is indeed a historic day: for the three countries themselves, for the European Union and for the whole of Europe.” (Read PDF >>)
Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko declared: “The document that we will sign today is not just political and economic. It is a symbol of fate and unbreakable will. It is a tribute to people who gave their lives and health to make this moment happen. And it is the strongest reminder that today’s Europe is and must be about people’s determination to live in a better and fairer world.” (Read PDF>>)
Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili delivered a speech at the ceremonial of signing of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, and stated: “Today a new date is being written down in the history of my homeland that creates hope in us and our descendants will be proud of it. Many generations sacrificed their thoughts and care to this day. My country has been waiting for this day for a long time. I am happy that our generation has the honor to realize our ancestors’ dream.” (Read PDF >>)
Prime Minister Iurie Leanca of the Republic of Moldova signed the EU-Republic of Moldova Association Agreement and observed: “European integration will make us stronger.” (Read PDF >>)
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry congratulated Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine on signing Association Agreements with the European Union. He stated: “The agreements signed today mark a major step toward integrating these Eastern Partnership countries more closely with the European Union and realizing a Europe whole, free and at peace.” (Read PDF>>)