Policy brief “Almost There: The Carrots of Visa Liberalization as An Impetus ...Europe without barriers
Policy brief by Europe without barriers exploring why and how Germany can benefit by visa liberalization for Ukraine as well as how German NGOs and government can help in implementing Ukrainian reforms
Renewed policy brief focusing on visa liberalization as an impetus for domestic reform in Ukraine. Contains description and analyzes of reforms implemented due to visa waiver perspective, EwB recommendations on further cooperation between Ukrainian and German governments as well as NGOs
Proposal for a COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION setting out a recommendation for...Thierry Debels
1. Austria, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway to maintain proportionate temporary
border controls for a maximum period of six months, starting from the day of the adoption of
this Implementing Decision, at the following internal borders
- Austria at the Austrian-Hungarian land border and Austrian-Slovenian land border;
- Germany at the German-Austrian land border;
- Denmark in the Danish ports with ferry connections to Germany and at the Danish-German
land border;
- Sweden in the Swedish harbours in the Police Region South and West and at the Öresund
bridge;
- Norway in the Norwegian ports with ferry connections to Denmark, Germany and Sweden.
2. The Member States concerned should notify the other Member States, the European
Parliament and the Commission accordingly.
3. Border control should be targeted and limited in scope, frequency, location and time, to
what is strictly necessary to respond to the serious threat and to safeguard public policy and
internal security. The Member State that carries out internal border control pursuant to the
present Implementing Decision should regularly review the necessity, frequency, location and
time of controls, adjust the controls to the level of the threat addressed, phasing them out
wherever appropriate, and report to the Commission every two months.
Audit of reforms. Assessment report on changes in regions after visa liberali...Europe without barriers
“Audit of reforms” is the first complex assessment of implementing on the local level in Ukraine the tasks which were set by the EU during visa liberalization dialogue.
Four fields of reforms were explored in 6 regions:
1. Document security
2. Border management
3. Migration&asylum management
4. Countering discrimination
Presentation delivered by executive director of Ukrainian think-and-do tank "Europe without Barriers" Iryna Sushko in Berlin on October, 24, 2017 in the framework of "Platform for Analytics and Intercultural Communication"
Digest for May-June 2018 is dedicated to the process of reform of law enforcement authorities in Ukraine, first of all of police, prosecution authorities, State Bureau of Investigation and criminal justice legislation
Digest is dedicated to the process of reform of law enforcement authorities in Ukraine, first of all of police,
prosecution authorities, State Bureau of Investigation and criminal justice legislation. It is published
with the aim to better inform the society, expert community and international institutions on the state of
reforming mentioned authorities and spheres of their activity
Policy brief “Almost There: The Carrots of Visa Liberalization as An Impetus ...Europe without barriers
Policy brief by Europe without barriers exploring why and how Germany can benefit by visa liberalization for Ukraine as well as how German NGOs and government can help in implementing Ukrainian reforms
Renewed policy brief focusing on visa liberalization as an impetus for domestic reform in Ukraine. Contains description and analyzes of reforms implemented due to visa waiver perspective, EwB recommendations on further cooperation between Ukrainian and German governments as well as NGOs
Proposal for a COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION setting out a recommendation for...Thierry Debels
1. Austria, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway to maintain proportionate temporary
border controls for a maximum period of six months, starting from the day of the adoption of
this Implementing Decision, at the following internal borders
- Austria at the Austrian-Hungarian land border and Austrian-Slovenian land border;
- Germany at the German-Austrian land border;
- Denmark in the Danish ports with ferry connections to Germany and at the Danish-German
land border;
- Sweden in the Swedish harbours in the Police Region South and West and at the Öresund
bridge;
- Norway in the Norwegian ports with ferry connections to Denmark, Germany and Sweden.
2. The Member States concerned should notify the other Member States, the European
Parliament and the Commission accordingly.
3. Border control should be targeted and limited in scope, frequency, location and time, to
what is strictly necessary to respond to the serious threat and to safeguard public policy and
internal security. The Member State that carries out internal border control pursuant to the
present Implementing Decision should regularly review the necessity, frequency, location and
time of controls, adjust the controls to the level of the threat addressed, phasing them out
wherever appropriate, and report to the Commission every two months.
Audit of reforms. Assessment report on changes in regions after visa liberali...Europe without barriers
“Audit of reforms” is the first complex assessment of implementing on the local level in Ukraine the tasks which were set by the EU during visa liberalization dialogue.
Four fields of reforms were explored in 6 regions:
1. Document security
2. Border management
3. Migration&asylum management
4. Countering discrimination
Presentation delivered by executive director of Ukrainian think-and-do tank "Europe without Barriers" Iryna Sushko in Berlin on October, 24, 2017 in the framework of "Platform for Analytics and Intercultural Communication"
Digest for May-June 2018 is dedicated to the process of reform of law enforcement authorities in Ukraine, first of all of police, prosecution authorities, State Bureau of Investigation and criminal justice legislation
Digest is dedicated to the process of reform of law enforcement authorities in Ukraine, first of all of police,
prosecution authorities, State Bureau of Investigation and criminal justice legislation. It is published
with the aim to better inform the society, expert community and international institutions on the state of
reforming mentioned authorities and spheres of their activity
Presentation held by Dr. Michaela Kontríková, Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic International and European Public law Department, within the Regional Workshop on Georgia's anti-corruption and public service delivery reforms (22-24 September 2011).
The paper shows insight into the Polish response to the elections to the European Parliament held in 1979. It focuses on the opinions presented by journalists in the Polish press, and
also highlights the response of the Ministry of the Interior of the Polish People’s Republic to the
EEC’s political unification process announced after 1975. The paper also presents the response
of the public in the EEC ‘nine’ to the important event that the elections to the European Parliament were
Implementation of Action Plan on Visa Liberalisation: a Case of UkraineEurope without barriers
Independent Monitoring Findings
This publication includes the findings of the annual 2011 VLAP
civic monitoring aimed at providing adequate level of transparency and accountability demonstrated both by Ukrainian authorities and relevant EU institutions.
Digest for March-April 2018 is dedicated to the process of reform of law enforcement authorities in Ukraine, first of all of police, prosecution authorities, State Bureau of Investigation and criminal justice legislation
Building Scalable and Personalized News FeedEyal Ronel
My presentation from the Israeli Web Developers Community Meetup held on Jan 17, 2017 at Microsoft Ra'anana.
~
News feeds are quickly becoming the center of many web and mobile applications. In fact, personalized news feeds are everywhere - from social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to multi-player games and content apps like Pinterest, Houzz, etc.
~
In this talk, we'll introduce design and architectural challenges when building scallable news feeds systems, cover the different types of popular real world examples and demonstrate how you can get started building your own using modern technologies, distributed systems and NoSQL database
Presentation held by Dr. Michaela Kontríková, Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic International and European Public law Department, within the Regional Workshop on Georgia's anti-corruption and public service delivery reforms (22-24 September 2011).
The paper shows insight into the Polish response to the elections to the European Parliament held in 1979. It focuses on the opinions presented by journalists in the Polish press, and
also highlights the response of the Ministry of the Interior of the Polish People’s Republic to the
EEC’s political unification process announced after 1975. The paper also presents the response
of the public in the EEC ‘nine’ to the important event that the elections to the European Parliament were
Implementation of Action Plan on Visa Liberalisation: a Case of UkraineEurope without barriers
Independent Monitoring Findings
This publication includes the findings of the annual 2011 VLAP
civic monitoring aimed at providing adequate level of transparency and accountability demonstrated both by Ukrainian authorities and relevant EU institutions.
Digest for March-April 2018 is dedicated to the process of reform of law enforcement authorities in Ukraine, first of all of police, prosecution authorities, State Bureau of Investigation and criminal justice legislation
Building Scalable and Personalized News FeedEyal Ronel
My presentation from the Israeli Web Developers Community Meetup held on Jan 17, 2017 at Microsoft Ra'anana.
~
News feeds are quickly becoming the center of many web and mobile applications. In fact, personalized news feeds are everywhere - from social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to multi-player games and content apps like Pinterest, Houzz, etc.
~
In this talk, we'll introduce design and architectural challenges when building scallable news feeds systems, cover the different types of popular real world examples and demonstrate how you can get started building your own using modern technologies, distributed systems and NoSQL database
The western blot technique uses gel electrophoresis to separate proteins in a tissue homogenate or extract by molecular weight. The separated proteins on the gel are then transferred to a membrane (usually nitrocellulose or PVDF) which is then incubated with an antibody specific for a target protein. The protein of interest can be visualised using conjugated secondary antibodies and detection reagents.
Do you have a technical question? Get in touch: info@stjohnslabs.com
Protocol series - http://www.stjohnslabs.com/services/video-protocol-series
Activity of CDK2 is maximal during S phase and G2; activated by interaction with cyclin E during the early stages of DNA synthesis to permit G1-S transition, and subsequently activated by cyclin A2 (cyclin A1 in germ cells) during the late stages of DNA replication to drive the transition from S phase to mitosis, the G2 phase. EZH2 phosphorylation promotes H3K27me3 maintenance and epigenetic gene silencing. Phosphorylates CABLES1 (By similarity). Cyclin E/CDK2 prevents oxidative stress-mediated Ras-induced senescence by phosphorylating MYC. Involved in G1-S phase DNA damage checkpoint that prevents cells with damaged DNA from initiating mitosis; regulates homologous recombination-dependent repair by phosphorylating BRCA2, this phosphorylation is low in S phase when recombination is active, but increases as cells progress towards mitosis. In response to DNA damage, double-strand break repair by homologous recombination a reduction of CDK2-mediated BRCA2 phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of RB1 disturbs its interaction with E2F1. NPM1 phosphorylation by cyclin E/CDK2 promotes its dissociates from unduplicated centrosomes, thus initiating centrosome duplication. Cyclin E/CDK2-mediated phosphorylation of NPAT at G1-S transition and until prophase stimulates the NPAT-mediated activation of histone gene transcription during S phase. Required for vitamin D-mediated growth inhibition by being itself inactivated. Involved in the nitric oxide- (NO) mediated signaling in a nitrosylation/activation-dependent manner. USP37 is activated by phosphorylation and thus triggers G1-S transition.
To purchase this antibody, use the following link: http://www.stjohnslabs.com/cdk2-antibody-p-91630?filter_name=STJ92197
Main trends and stats regarding migration profile of Ukraine and Ukrainians in 2016, including
Regular migration
Visa applications
Refusal of entry at the border
Border management
Ukrainian detection of irregular migrants
Asylum seekers
Analysis of consequences of visa-free regime
POLICY BRIEF. Ukrainian Migration Policy Reform: Paving the Way for the EU-Uk...Iryna Shevchenko
CEDOS think tank and Europe without Barriers presented in Brussels an approach to make Ukraine EU’s backyard partner in handling intensive immigration. (One-pager version: http://bit.ly/29e24C2)
Analysts stated that Ukraine is already Europe's safe neighbour and can satisfy the needs of many migrants heading to EU. Thus, Ukraine can be an attractive destination country for migrants.
As Andriy Solodko (migration and human rights analyst, CEDOS) explained, “An integration system that refugees and migrants (incl. internal ones) would rely on can convert Ukraine from transit to a destination country. Guarantees of human rights’ compliance, social services, access to health care and education, job opportunities and social ties, create stronger mechanisms to stay, than any fence or border control. Ukraine is able to fulfil those demands but country needs to organize its resources and actions”. And it is the organization and development of a well-designed integration policy, where Ukraine would appreciate EU's assistance.
It would be a wise long-term decision that would create a trustworthy partner for migration matters just at Europe’s backyard. This durable solution will help Ukraine and will benefit the EU.
Regional Gap Analyses of Institutional Migration Management Capacities in Ukr...Europe without barriers
The study on migration mangement and migration situation in Ukraine, conducted by Ukrainian analysts within the project "Strengthening Migration Management and Cooperation on Readmission in Eastern Europe (MIGRECO)"
Regional Gaps Analysis of Institutional Migration Management Capacities (Ukra...Europe without barriers
The analytical report contains the regional gaps analysis of the institutional migration management capacities in Ukraine. Alongside, the analytical report includes recommendations for relevant bodies of state authorities in Ukraine concerning gaps in the migration policy of Ukraine and recommendations on how to overcome them.
The project aimed to strengthen partnership and cooperation at practice between bodies of state authorities responsible for migration policy implementation and Ukrainian civil society for the support of open and wide dialogue on migration issues and joint raection on migration challenges.
Expansion and Modernization of the Schengen: Consequences and Perspectives fo...Europe without barriers
This publication is another contribution of Center for Peace, Conversion and Foreign Policy of Ukraine into its monitoring of visa policy and practice conducted by EU Member States. Previous publications, in particular “Ukrainian View on Visa Policy of the European Union Member States” (2006) and “Ukraine-EU: on the Way to Visa Free Regime” (2007) caused signifcant resonance and were the subject for broad discussions inside expert and public circles.
Designing a roadmap towards visa free regime between the EU and UkraineEurope without barriers
The publication is aimed to summarize Ukraine’s homework needed to be done to achieve visa free regime with the EU. The experience of international campaigns against visa barriers in Europe has been analyzed. Recommendations are provided for the better use of existing mechanisms and opportunities, in particular, the Agreement on the Facilitation of the Issuance of Visas between EU and Ukraine.
Visa regime, which is rather complicated in many cases, will be still hampering human contacts for a while. It will also serve as an obvious factor of division of Europe. Moreover, in the nearest future the number of European nations living outside EU visa barrier, will be significantly smaller due to Western Balkan countries; this number will embrace only several post Soviet Eastern European nations, including Ukraine. Such situation does not benefit to optimistic outlooks, it also causes natural disappointment within Ukrainian society, and such disappointment has been accumulating over the last years. At the same time it is obvious that a certain path consisting of a number of concrete steps should be taken towards visa free regime. At this point the path comprises one of principle components in official political dialogue between Ukraine and European Union, it is also viewed as the real perspective, unlike the situation over the last years when the whole Europe has been considering introduction of visa free regime for Ukrainian citizens only theoretically.
For the first time political commitment concerning the perspective of visa free regime between EU and Ukraine was documented in the Agreement on the Facilitation of the Issuance of Visas between EU and Ukraine signed in June 2007. In September 2008 in accordance with the decision of EU Ukraine Paris Summit, the parties launched visa dialogue with the final aim of full waiving of visa obligations for the citizens of Ukraine on behalf of EU. The comprehensive document should summarize the outcomes of the first stage of visa dialogue and define concrete priorities and steps which should be taken.
Visa liberalization for Ukraine. Which is more difficult: to get it or to kee...Europe without barriers
Brief analytical report analyzing risks for Ukrainian visa-free regime with the EU after its entering into force, espeсially regarding the revised suspension mechanism
Public Monitoring of the EU Member States’ Visa Issuance Policies and Practic...Europe without barriers
Center for Peace, Conversion and Foreign Policy of Ukraine presents the results of large scale research project which was carried out during the second half of 2008 and the beginning of 2009. The research was focused on monitoring of visa issuance policy and practice conducted by EU Consular establishments in regard to Ukrainian citizens after the Schengen zone expansion (on December 21st, 2007) and after the Agreement on Facilitation of the Issuance of Visas between Ukraine and the EU (VFA) had entered into force (on January 1st, 2008).
Turkey receives an additional 3 billion euros in 2018 from the EUThierry Debels
The EU-Turkey statement states that "once the
allocated EUR 3 billion are about to be used to the full, and provided all commitments have been met, the EU will mobilise additional funding for the Facility of an additional EUR 3
billion up to the end of 2018"
Digest is dedicated to the process of reform of law enforcement authorities in Ukraine, first of all of police,
prosecution authorities, State Bureau of Investigation and criminal justice legislation. It is published
with the aim to better inform the society, expert community and international institutions on the state of
reforming mentioned authorities and spheres of their activity.
Schengen Consulates in Assessments and Ratings. Visa Practices of the EU Memb...Europe without barriers
With this publication Europe without Barriers (EWB) summarizes comprehensive data of the large scale field research conducted in the summer 2010 with the support of International Renaissance Foundation.
Visa issuance procedures applied by the EU and Schengen Member States was the main research target, as it still remains one of the most sensitive issues for Ukrainian citizens regarding all the EU agenda, mainly due to the complications during obtaining visas.
Nevertheless, the problems rising within visa application procedure are important not only for Ukrainian citizens who spend their time and money in order to obtain the right to enter the territory of the Schengen zone; the consulates are also affected, as complaints by the clients may indicate administrative deficiencies and detect a quality level of the services provided.
Long “real” and “virtual” queues, visitors’ complaints on the unfriendly treatment by the staff, ambiguous application of existing regulations cause wide spread disappointment on visa regime with the EU and negative perception of European visa policies and practices in the eyes of Ukrainians.
At the beginning of 2010 Edward Lucas, famous British analyst and journalist, reflected in Ukrainian mass media upon the discrepancies regarding high EU requirements in the sphere of public administration taking as an example the visa practice of particular EU consulates functioning on the territory of Ukraine.
Mr. Lucas mentioned that accountability and transparency as the main principles of European administration system should be symmetrically applied by all parties of the process. The expert advised to fight for adherence to all the principles mentioned above by compiling ratings of consular services on the basis of multilevel monitoring, which will detect the discrepancies among the Consulates and will serve as an important argument for promoting necessary elimination of existing drawbacks.
EWB experts not only made that idea real, providing unbiased expertise of visa issuance by the EU and Schengen zone members; they also continued comprehensive evaluations of implementation of existing regulatory framework, including the Agreement between Ukraine and EU on the Facilitation of the Issuance of Visas (Visa Facilitation Agreement – VFA) and the EU Visa Code that entered into force on April 5th 2010.
The data and assessments provided here were presented at the roundtable held by EWB in Kyiv on October 27th 2010. Among others, 14 top officials out of 20 consular services surveyed participated in the event.
We hope that increased publicity and openness demonstrated by many consulates of the EU Member States is only the first step towards productive atmosphere of transparency, openness and trustworthy dialogue between the consulate officials and Ukrainian society which will contribute to the solution of the problems restricting the freedom of people to people contacts.
Similar to Sixth Progress Report on the Implementation by Ukraine of the Action Plan on Visa Liberalisation (20)
План впровадження реформ в рамках реалізації пропозиції Європейської Комісії щодо Регламенту Європейського парламенту та Ради Європейського Союзу про створення Українського фонду
Конституційне подання 99 народних депутатів «щодо офіційного тлумачення статті 4 Конституції України в аспекті положення про те, що в Україні існує єдине громадянство».
ЗВЕРНЕННЯ
Верховної Ради України до Конгресу Сполучених Штатів Америки щодо надання Україні двостороннього статусу основного союзника Сполучених Штатів Америки поза НАТО (MNNA)
Safety Directive: Operations in FIR Minsk (UMMV)Andrew Vodianyi
EASA issues Safety Directive calling on Member States to mandate avoidance of Belarus airspace
This follows the incident involving Ryanair flight FR4978 on May 23, 2021.
Концепція Державної цільової національно-культурної програми забезпечення всебічного розвитку і функціонування української мови як державної в усіх сферах суспільного життя на період до 2030 року
Київський суд наказав заблокувати РБК, LiveJournal і ще 424 сайтиAndrew Vodianyi
Голосіївський райсуд Києва вирішив заблокувати 426 сайтів у справі №12020100010005155 про шахрайство (ч. 3 ст. 190 Кримінального кодексу). Серед них - російський новинний сайт РБК, вінницькі "20 хвилин", блог-платформа LiveJournal, сайт статистики телеграм-каналів TGStat та багато інших менш відомих веб-ресурсів.
Про це повідомила Національна комісія, що здійснює державне регулювання у сфері зв`язку та інформатизації.
Ухвалою слідчого судді накладається арешт на "майнові права інтелектуальної власності, які виникають у користувачів мережі Internet при використанні веб-ресурсів".
Рішення суду зобов'язує інтернет-провайдерів закрити доступ до цих сайтів. Повний список веб-ресурсів опубліковано на сайті регулятора.
Ухвала підлягає негайному виконанню, але може бути оскаржена в Київському апеляційному суді.
Рішення суду ще не публікувалося в реєстрі, тому обставини справи не відомі.
‘वोटर्स विल मस्ट प्रीवेल’ (मतदाताओं को जीतना होगा) अभियान द्वारा जारी हेल्पलाइन नंबर, 4 जून को सुबह 7 बजे से दोपहर 12 बजे तक मतगणना प्रक्रिया में कहीं भी किसी भी तरह के उल्लंघन की रिपोर्ट करने के लिए खुला रहेगा।
ys jagan mohan reddy political career, Biography.pdfVoterMood
Yeduguri Sandinti Jagan Mohan Reddy, often referred to as Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, is an Indian politician who currently serves as the Chief Minister of the state of Andhra Pradesh. He was born on December 21, 1972, in Pulivendula, Andhra Pradesh, to Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy (popularly known as YSR), a former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, and Y.S. Vijayamma.
03062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
CLICK:- https://firstindia.co.in/
#First_India_NewsPaper
हम आग्रह करते हैं कि जो भी सत्ता में आए, वह संविधान का पालन करे, उसकी रक्षा करे और उसे बनाए रखे।" प्रस्ताव में कुल तीन प्रमुख हस्तक्षेप और उनके तंत्र भी प्रस्तुत किए गए। पहला हस्तक्षेप स्वतंत्र मीडिया को प्रोत्साहित करके, वास्तविकता पर आधारित काउंटर नैरेटिव का निर्माण करके और सत्तारूढ़ सरकार द्वारा नियोजित मनोवैज्ञानिक हेरफेर की रणनीति का मुकाबला करके लोगों द्वारा निर्धारित कथा को बनाए रखना और उस पर कार्यकरना था।
01062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
CLICK:- https://firstindia.co.in/
#First_India_NewsPaper
In a May 9, 2024 paper, Juri Opitz from the University of Zurich, along with Shira Wein and Nathan Schneider form Georgetown University, discussed the importance of linguistic expertise in natural language processing (NLP) in an era dominated by large language models (LLMs).
The authors explained that while machine translation (MT) previously relied heavily on linguists, the landscape has shifted. “Linguistics is no longer front and center in the way we build NLP systems,” they said. With the emergence of LLMs, which can generate fluent text without the need for specialized modules to handle grammar or semantic coherence, the need for linguistic expertise in NLP is being questioned.
Welcome to the new Mizzima Weekly !
Mizzima Media Group is pleased to announce the relaunch of Mizzima Weekly. Mizzima is dedicated to helping our readers and viewers keep up to date on the latest developments in Myanmar and related to Myanmar by offering analysis and insight into the subjects that matter. Our websites and our social media channels provide readers and viewers with up-to-the-minute and up-to-date news, which we don’t necessarily need to replicate in our Mizzima Weekly magazine. But where we see a gap is in providing more analysis, insight and in-depth coverage of Myanmar, that is of particular interest to a range of readers.
27052024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
CLICK:- https://firstindia.co.in/
#First_India_NewsPaper
role of women and girls in various terror groupssadiakorobi2
Women have three distinct types of involvement: direct involvement in terrorist acts; enabling of others to commit such acts; and facilitating the disengagement of others from violent or extremist groups.
Future Of Fintech In India | Evolution Of Fintech In IndiaTheUnitedIndian
Navigating the Future of Fintech in India: Insights into how AI, blockchain, and digital payments are driving unprecedented growth in India's fintech industry, redefining financial services and accessibility.
31052024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
CLICK:- https://firstindia.co.in/
#First_India_NewsPaper
Sixth Progress Report on the Implementation by Ukraine of the Action Plan on Visa Liberalisation
1. EN EN
EUROPEAN
COMMISSION
Brussels, 18.12.2015
COM(2015) 905 final
REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL AND THE EUROPEAN
PARLIAMENT
Sixth Progress Report on the Implementation by Ukraine of the Action Plan on Visa
Liberalisation
{SWD(2015) 705 final}
2. 2
I. INTRODUCTION
The EU-Ukraine Visa Liberalisation Dialogue was launched in October 2008. In
November 2010, the European Commission presented the Ukrainian Government with an
action plan on visa liberalisation (VLAP). The VLAP sets a series of precise benchmarks for
four ‘blocks’1
of technically relevant issues, with a view to adopting a legislative, policy and
institutional framework (phase 1) and ensuring its effective and sustainable implementation
(phase 2). The benchmarks need to be met before Ukrainian nationals holding biometric
passports can enter the Schengen zone for short stays without the need for a visa.2
In September 2011, the Commission adopted its first progress report on Ukraine's
implementation of the VLAP3
and made several recommendations for completing the first
(legislative and planning) phase. The Commission published its second progress report on 9
February 2012, and the third on 15 November 2013. Following the Commission’s fourth
report (27 May 2014)4
and its endorsement by the Council (23 June 2014), Ukraine was
officially in the second phase of the action plan where an assessment was made regarding
sustainable implementation of the legislative and policy framework.
The Commission adopted the fifth progress report on Ukraine’s implementation of the
VLAP on 8 May 20155
. The report stated that the progress achieved by the Ukrainian
authorities in the implementation of the second phase of the VLAP was noteworthy. In line
with the methodology outlined in the VLAP, the Commission organised on-site evaluations
involving experts from EU Member States. The report was accompanied by an assessment of
the potential migratory and security impacts of future visa liberalisation for Ukrainian citizens
travelling to the EU.
The sixth report is the second progress report on Ukraine’s implementation of the second
phase of the VLAP. It considers how effectively and sustainably the Ukrainian authorities
have implemented the second-phase benchmarks, in line with the recommendations issued in
the Commission’s fifth report. This report does not elaborate on those benchmarks that were
considered as already achieved in the last report because monitoring has demonstrated that
they are continuing to be fulfilled. These benchmarks are: judicial cooperation in criminal
matters, conditions and procedures for the issuance of travel and identity documents.
The factual information and assessment are based on findings of the EU evaluation missions
that took place in Ukraine from 31 August 2015 to 2 October 2015 in all four blocks of
VLAP, which involved experts from EU Member States, Commission officials,
representatives of the and the EU Delegation to Ukraine. Additional information was obtained
through subsequent meetings and communications between the Commission, the EEAS
1
These are: (i) document security, including biometrics; (ii) integrated border management, migration
management and asylum; (iii) public order and security; (iv) external relations and fundamental rights.
2
Beneficiaries of the visa waiver holding a biometric passport could transit through or stay in the territory of the
EU Member States (except for the United Kingdom and Ireland) and Schengen associated States for a duration
of no more than 90 days in any 180 days period without applying for a visa.
3
COM (2013) 809 final.
4
COM(2014) 336 final.
5
COM (2015) 200 final.
3. 3
and the Ukrainian authorities, as well as the progress reports submitted by Ukraine on 17
August and 22 November 2015.
The report is accompanied by a Commission staff working document6
which elaborates on
the developments described in the report. In the annex to the staff working document, as
required under the VLAP, the Commission provides an updated analysis and statistics-based
information on possible migratory and security impacts of future visa liberalisation for
Ukrainian citizens travelling to the EU, based on inputs from relevant EU agencies and
stakeholders. The assessment of impact gives prospective main trends in migration and
security areas. It shows that the EU remains an attractive destination for migrants from
Ukraine and that there are potential migratory and security challenges to be monitored.
2. ASSESSMENT OF MEASURES UNDER THE REMAINING BENCHMARKS OF
THE ACTION PLAN ON VISA LIBERALISATION
2.1. Block 1: Document security, including biometrics
Significant progress has been achieved since 12 January 2015, with the issuance of biometric
passports that comply with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
For checks on Ukrainian citizens leaving the territory, the second line control in Kiev
Boryspil airport can access fingerprints stored in Ukrainian passports and so can check the
holder’s fingerprints against those stored on the chip.
Amendments to the rules of procedure were adopted on 19 August 2015 to tackle any side-
effect of name changes on the issuance of travel and ID documents. Both the internal
passport and the passport for travelling abroad are cancelled in the event of a name change.
Technical consultations on establishing an automatic link between the Unified State
Demographic Registry and Civil Registry records are ongoing. The link is expected to be
operational from 1 January 2016.
In May, Ukraine started issuing biometric diplomatic and service passports and issuing
biometric passports in consulates. The equipment was deployed in 98 consular posts. The new
biometric ID cards are being tested and will be issued starting from 1 January 2016.
The document security benchmark is deemed to have been achieved.
2.2. Block 2: Integrated border management, migration management, and asylum
2.2.1 Integrated border management
Implementation of an integrated border management system in Ukraine has advanced. The
State Border Guard Service (SBGS) is advancing towards a modern law-enforcement agency
in line with the EU best practices, despite the complex situation in the east of the country.
6
SWD(2015)705 final.
4. 4
The Ukrainian authorities have ensured access to Interpol databases at border crossing
points. In November, 39 border crossing points were connected to Interpol databases. The
remaining 118 BCPs will be connected in 2016. Ukraine has taken further steps in
cooperation on border control and border surveillance with neighbouring countries, which
already functioned fairly well. On the future Integrated Border Management Strategy, the
SBGS drafted a new Concept for the period 2016-2020. The SBGS, in an inclusive dialogue
with other border agencies and relevant actors, is now expected to deliver a comprehensive
document following the best EU examples and addressing key issues of interdepartmental,
interagency and international cooperation and coordination.
As of 6 November 2015, SBGS is considering proposals from the line ministries and agencies
on the draft Concept and its implementing Action Plan. The draft envisages that the Concept
will enter into force on 1 January 2016.
The integrated border management benchmark is deemed to have been achieved.
2.2.2 Migration management
The law on external labour migration was adopted in second reading on 5 November 2015
and was signed by the President on 21 November. This is a very positive step, as the law will
regulate reintegration issues on the legislative level.
The capacity of the State Migration Service (SMS) to handle inland detection has been
increased. On 27 May 2015, the Government of Ukraine adopted a resolution that from
1 January 2016 the SMS will be given 500 more staff, including officers tasked with fighting
irregular migration and with inland detection. Language training is currently being carried
out. The SMS is exploring further ways of involving international partners in improving the
foreign language skills of its staff. The Migration Profile for 2014 was updated and
published on 5 May 2015.
The migration management benchmark is deemed to have been achieved.
2.2.3 Asylum
Substantial progress has been made in carrying out the recommendations of the fifth report.
The ‘refugee’ subsystem of the foreigners’ database was installed. Country of origin
information is available to case processors on the website of the State Migration Service. One
hundred publicly financed regional and local legal aid centres started work on 1 July 2015,
providing secondary legal aid to international protection applicants.
Food corresponding to a certain daily amount of required nutritional value per person
independent of cost is provided at the temporary accommodation centres for persons seeking
international protection and of those entitled to international protection.
Training was given to staff working in reception centres, case handlers and judges. Ukraine
currently has a reception capacity of 100 places available in Odessa and 130 places in the
Transcarpathian Oblast. The opening of a new accommodation centre in Yahotyn, Kyiv
Oblast with 353 additional places was postponed from this year to 2017. The refurbishment of
5. 5
100 additional places in the Odessa temporary accommodation centre depends on unblocking
the funds earmarked for this.
One ongoing point of concern is that the current practice of detaining certain categories of
asylum seekers is not based on grounds for detention laid down in law. On
10 November 2015, Parliament adopted in first reading a draft law on amendments to the Law
on Foreigners, which provides for the introduction of judicial decisions on the detention of
persons subject to return procedures. Similar safeguards and specific detention grounds could
be foreseen for the detention of applicants for international protection who stay legally in
Ukraine.
The asylum benchmark is deemed to have been achieved.
2.3. Block 3: Public order and security
2.3.1. Preventing and fighting organised crime, terrorism and corruption
2.3.1.1. Preventing and fighting organised crime
On 26 May 2015 the President of Ukraine approved the National Security Strategy, which
aims at defining the overall vision and direction of the reform process. The Strategy is a
good step forward.
The complex reform process of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the agencies responsible
for preventing organised crime is ongoing. The authorities aim to establish competences of
the law-enforcement agencies’ remits clearly, including a clear chain of responsibility for the
investigation and prosecution. Key elements of the reform, such as clear jurisdiction and
preventing functions overlapping in the fight against organised crime should be further
followed -up.
The Ukrainian authorities undertake efforts to reduce the pre-trial investigative powers of
the Security Service for intelligence and counterintelligence. On 21 November 2015, the
President signed the law aimed at the optimising law-enforcement powers in pre-trial
investigation. The competence on the pre-investigative powers of illegal smuggling was
transferred from the Security Service to the Ministry of Interior. The specialization of judges
and prosecution for organized crime cases has been further considered.
To ensure effective witness protection, the Ukrainian authorities will consider the allocation
of resources for the next budgetary period. A new procedure for cooperation on witness
protection issues and consistent application of witness protection orders is envisaged.
The preventing and fighting organised crime benchmark is deemed to have been
achieved.
6. 6
2.3.1.2. Trafficking in human beings
Ukraine has taken a number of significant steps to develop an anti-trafficking policy and
actions, through the adoption of a new State Program to Combat Trafficking in Human
Beings, which is scheduled to enter into force on 1 January 2016.
The Ministry of Social Policy holds consultations with other authorities and international
organisations; however, an assessment of the reasons for the decrease in identified victims
and a better monitoring of emerging trends is still work in progress.
The numbers of victims identified continues to be very low. As of 19 November, the
Ukrainian authorities granted the status of victim of trafficking (VOT) to 140 people: 60
women, 59 men and 21 minors.
The Ukrainian authorities introduced a formal procedure for identifying victims but the
identification relies on the victims themselves applying for identification. A national
mechanism to facilitate cooperation between relevant bodies involved in combating
trafficking in human beings (THB) was also set up. The current anti-trafficking system
focuses on Ukraine as a country of origin and only a few foreign victims of trafficking have
been formally identified. Further attention should be paid to internal trafficking, especially in
relation to internally displaced persons.
The monitoring system for the existing action plan still needs to be implemented as does
evaluation from 2016 onward. This should include a clear role for non-governmental
organisations, and sufficient funds for their effective participation. Ukraine would benefit
from introducing a unitary statistical national monitoring system in the improving the process
of identification of victims.
Ukrainian authorities envisaged funding under the national referral mechanism for the
NGOs. Training for officials on their role and responsibilities in relation to the victim
identification process has been improved.
The trafficking in human beings benchmark is deemed to have been achieved.
2.3.1.3. Preventing and fighting corruption
The progress noted in the fifth report on anti-corruption policies, particularly the legislative
and institutional progress, has continued. The adoption by the Parliament, on 8 October 2015
of legislative packages covering aspects of the report's recommendations, is an important step
forward. Civil society continued to play a key role in moving the anti-corruption agenda
forward.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) was created, its head was appointed on 16
April 2015 following an open and competitive selection process, and around 100 investigators
have been recruited and trained. The establishment of the NABU is therefore well-on track.
However, the NABU cannot be fully operational without a specialised anti-corruption
prosecution office.
7. 7
While the setting-up of this new specialised anti-corruption prosecution office has begun, it
nevertheless remains to be ensured that its independence and integrity are recognised beyond
doubt. Shortcomings in the selection process for the leadership of the anti-corruption
prosecution office such as the lack of objective track-record criteria for the nomination of the
members of the selection committee and the candidates, highlighted the need for the relevant
legal and institutional framework to be further improved in order to fully ensure the office's
independence and integrity. To this end, the selection, appointment and dismissal procedures
for the office’s leadership and staff must follow stricter independence and integrity
safeguards. The specialised anti-corruption prosecution office should become operational as a
matter of top priority; it is an indispensable component of an effective and independent
institutional framework for combating high-level corruption. On 30 November, the General
Prosecutor appointed the head of the specialised anti-corruption prosecution.
There has been progress in setting-up of the National Agency for the Prevention of
Corruption (NAPC), especially since the new election of the Agency's board which took
place on 28 August 2015. The Government is expected to approve the five-member board in
December 2015. The law on prevention of corruption, adopted in October 2014 entered into
force on 26 April 2015. It provides for mechanisms to check asset declarations. These tasks
will be performed by the NAPC. The NAPC will also administer the web-portal of asset
declarations, which is currently being developed. A law on political parties financing was
adopted in 8 October 2015. A draft law on the National Asset Recovery Office (ARO) and the
Asset Management Office (AMO) passed first reading in Parliament on 8 October 2015. On
10 November, Parliament adopted in second reading a set of laws aimed at improving asset
recovery procedures. Specifically, the draft laws: on ARO and AMO, on asset seizure and on
special third-party confiscation. In the form proposed by the Government, the draft laws
envisaged the establishment of an Asset Recovery Office which also comprised management
functions concerning frozen and confiscated assets, as well as provisions on the freezing and
confiscation process. A number of amendments to the text in Parliament have limited the
Agency's functions of active management of the seized assets, as well as the provisions on
seizure and confiscation.
Progress made on legislative and institutional aspects can only bring significant end results if
fully implemented.
The Ukrainian leadership committed to:
- ensure that the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and specialised anti-corruption prosecution
are fully operational in the first quarter 2016;
- ensure by the first quarter 2016 independence and integrity of the specialised anti-corruption
prosecution office, including through amendments to the Law "On Prosecution" appropriate
safeguards for the selection and dismissal of the office’s leadership;
- ensure that the National Agency for Prevention of Corruption is fully operational in the first
quarter 2016 and verification of assets and potential conflicts of interests of public officials in
areas and positions most vulnerable to corruption will be launched immediately after;
8. 8
- improve the institutional capacity on recovery and management of assets and, in the first
quarter of 2016, adopt legislation on procedures concerning seizure of assets and special
confiscation with a view to make the Asset Recovery Office fully effective;
- ensure in the State Budget for 2016 and onwards the necessary financial resources for the
well-functioning anti-corruption institutional framework, including the National Anti-
Corruption Bureau.
Based on these commitments, the anti-corruption benchmark is deemed to have been
achieved.
2.3.1.4. Money laundering and financing of terrorism
The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) took measures against banks which do not disclose
ultimate beneficial ownership and ensure effective client identification. As of 5 October
2015, 132 out of 135 commercial banks had disclosed their ownership in line with the new
regulations. A special unit was created in the NBU, to monitor beneficial owners. By the end
of December 2015, the NBU planned to finalise a risk-based off-site and on-site anti-money
laundering supervisory tools focusing on risk related to domestic politically exposed persons.
A specialised unit to coordinate investigations into money laundering and terrorism financing
was set up on 2 September 2015 in the Department of Supervision in Criminal Proceedings of
the Prosecutor General. The unit is tasked with coordination of investigations in cases of
money laundering and terrorism financing. The operational functioning of this unit should be
further monitored.
All online services that do not have client identification or monitor the origin of the money
must be seen as a risk. The NBU is making efforts to regulate payment systems not offered by
banks. It also cooperates with law enforcement authorities to ensure compliance with
legislation by those payment systems that are not in the NBU. It is also important to highlight
that the Prosecutor Office brought charges and began criminal investigation into webmoney
agents suspected of money laundering.
The money laundering benchmark is deemed to have been achieved.
2.3.1.5. Drugs
The National Anti-Drug Strategy and its related action plan is being implemented through
the second action plan for the period 2015-2020.
The authorities considered consolidating the provisions regulating drugs in a single legal
instrument. This will help to harmonise the legislation of Ukraine on drugs. The Ministry of
Health ensures cooperation with other drug policy institutions that participate in implementing
state policy on drugs control on regular basis. As part of the Action Plan for 2015 on the
implementation Strategy of Drug Policy in 2020, the Ministry of Internal Affairs is involved
in implementing of planned measures together with the Security Service, the State Border
9. 9
Guard Service, and the State Fiscal Service, including conducting operative-preventive
measures to detect and seize drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues and precursors,
and toxic and potent drugs. Between 1 January and 9 November 2015 the SBGS seized more
than 200kg of drugs.
The anti-drug benchmark is deemed to have been achieved.
2.3.2. Judicial cooperation in criminal matters
The judicial cooperation in criminal matters benchmark, which was deemed to have been
achieved in the fifth progress report, has remained achieved.
2.3.3. Law enforcement cooperation
Regarding inter-agency cooperation, reform of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is still
ongoing. By the end of 2015, the Ministry is planned to be transformed into a civilian body,
whose main purpose is to form a consistent state policy on internal affairs and direct the
activities of other agencies (the National Police, the National Guard, the State Border Guard
Service, the State Migration Service and State Emergency Service). On 2 July 2015, the
Parliament adopted the Law of Ukraine “On the National Police”, which entered into force on
7 November 2015. The law envisages the optimisation of the National Police, a clear
separation of structural powers, the elimination of duplicate functions in line with European
standards. The Ministry's reform efforts in this regard are very positive.
The exchange of information between law enforcement agencies is being carried out using the
"Arkan" system - an integrated interagency information-telecommunication system on the
control of persons, vehicles and goods crossing the state border.
The procedure for the conclusion of a Europol operational agreement is very advanced. On
11 March 2015 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Ukrainian Party and on
19 March the document was signed by Europol. On 4 June, Parliament adopted a law ratifying
the Memorandum of Understanding between Ukraine and Europol on establishing a secure
communication channel; the law came into force on 13 July. The decision to launch
negotiations on signing the Agreement on Operational Cooperation was made by the
Management Board of Europol on 7 October 2015. Currently the Ukrainian Bureau of
Interpol is conducting negotiations with Europol to begin work on establishing the SIENA
secure communication channel. The Serious Organised Crime Threat Assessment
(SOCTA) for Ukraine is carried out using Europol's methodology.
International cooperation with Ukraine's law enforcement bodies is provided through Interpol
and Europol channels for the prevention, detection and investigation of criminal offences.
The law enforcement cooperation benchmark is deemed to have been achieved.
10. 10
2.3.4. Data protection
The Ukrainian authorities have been satisfactorily implementing the law on protection of
personal data and the independent data supervisory authority operates efficiently.
The budget of the Ombudsman’s Secretariat was increased by UAH 7 million (25%) and
was allocated to three departments of the Secretariat: Data Protection Department, the Non-
Discrimination Unit and the Unit for Access to Public Information.
The data protection benchmark is deemed to have been achieved.
2.4. Block 4: External relations and fundamental rights
Despite the continuous substantial external and internal challenges which the country is
facing, Ukraine has made substantial progress in this area over a short period of time.
2.4.1 Freedom of movement within Ukraine
HIV/AIDS infection was excluded from the list of contagious diseases by order of the
Ministry of Health No. 329 of 11 June 2015. This means that HIV/AIDS status cannot be
invoked to refuse immigration permits. The Ukrainian authorities have gradually improved
the application of the legal framework for access to and from the territories not under
government control and have introduced measures simplifying the crossing of the contact line.
The benchmark is deemed to have been achieved.
2.4.2 Conditions and procedures for the issuance of travel and identity documents
This benchmark was deemed achieved in the fifth progress report.
2.4.3 Citizens’ rights, including protection of minorities
Ukraine has demonstrated a strategic approach to developing the capacity of the equality
institution, the key institution dealing with anti-discrimination issues. The number of its staff
has been increased to 15; the 2015 budget and the forecast for the 2016 budget indicate
significantly higher allocations. The institution continued to implement the strategy and the
action plan on preventing and combating discrimination in Ukraine 2014-2017. Several
awareness-raising campaigns were launched by the equality institution and relevant
ministries. The President adopted the national human rights strategy on 25 August 2015,
which includes sections on anti-discrimination. Ukraine continued to implement at a
reasonable level the legal framework on the protection of persons belonging to national
minorities. Significant progress was made on delivering training on anti-discrimination to law
enforcement officials, prosecutors and judges with a more systematic and permanent
approach. Since Ukraine committed in annex XL to article 21 of the Association Agreement
to approximating its legislation with EU antidiscrimination directives, the recommendation of
the last progress report on the improvements of the antidiscrimination law would be deemed
fulfilled provided the action plan on the implementation of the national human rights strategy
includes identified gaps and indicates a limited time for their redress. Parliament also adopted
on 12 November amendments to the Labour Code which explicitly prohibit discrimination on
11. 11
the basis of sexual orientation. They were signed by the President on 21 November and
entered into force on 27 November. Subsequent legislation in this area, such as the new
Labour Code which is pending adoption in the Parliament, will need to guarantee the same
prohibition.
The benchmark is deemed to have been achieved.
3. OVERALL ASSESSMENT AND NEXT STEPS
Since the launch of the EU-Ukraine Visa Liberalisation Dialogue in October 2008 and the
presentation to the Ukrainian authorities of the Action Plan on Visa Liberalisation (VLAP) in
November 2010, the Commission has regularly reported to the European Parliament and to
the Council on the progress made by Ukraine in fulfilling the benchmarks identified under the
four blocks of the first and second phase of the VLAP.
The Commission has also continued to monitor the progress made by Ukraine in relevant
areas of the VLAP through:
the Senior Officials Meeting of the EU-Ukraine Visa Dialogue;
the EU-Ukraine Joint Visa Facilitation Committee;
the EU-Ukraine Joint Readmission Committee;
the EU-Ukraine Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security;
and the EU-Ukraine Human Rights Dialogue.
At the last Visa Facilitation Joint Committee held on 23 April 2015 and attended by
representatives of EU Member States, the Commission noted that implementation of the
amended Visa Facilitation Agreement was very satisfactory overall. A recent consultation
held on 6 May with Member States confirmed that the implementation of the Readmission
Agreement continued to proceed with overall satisfaction.
The EU-Ukraine Visa Dialogue has proved to be an important and particularly effective tool
for advancing far-reaching and difficult reforms in the Justice and Home Affairs area
and beyond, impacting on areas such as the rule of law and justice reform. These issues are
monitored in other dialogue frameworks, such as the Association Committee and the
Association Council and will also be monitored in the context of the Association Agenda.
The progress achieved by Ukraine in all areas covered by the four blocks of the VLAP is
steady and effective. It demonstrates the commitment and constant efforts of the Ukrainian
Government and all state institutions that have made the fulfilment of the VLAP benchmarks
a top national priority.
Ukraine allocated appropriate financial and human resources to ensure that reforms are
sustainable. The EU is also contributing to this process, having already allocated over EUR 35
million for the construction and equipment of temporary holding facilities for illegal migrants
(READMIT project), budget support for integrated border management (EUR 60 million) and
substantial support through technical assistance and budget support for the fight against
corruption (approximatively EUR 30 million).
12. 12
The continuous implementation of the VLAP-related reforms will continue being supported
by the upcoming large package of migration support projects which will cover comprehensive
capacity building and an upgrade of information management systems for the State Migration
Service, the State Border Guards and the Courts dealing with migrants cases (EUR 28
million). Further initiatives supporting anticorruption and law enforcement are under
preparation.
It is also essential to continue organising targeted information campaigns aiming to clarify the
rights and obligations entailed in visa-free travel to the Schengen area and in the rules
regulating access to the EU labour market.
Five progress reports on the implementation of the VLAP have been presented. The fifth
progress report confirmed that given the exceptional circumstances the progress achieved
under the four blocks of the VLAP has been noteworthy. Further, it stated that fulfilling the
actions required in the report would ensure Ukraine's fulfilment of all benchmarks for the
second phase of the VLAP.
The Commission considers that since then Ukraine has made the necessary progress and
undertaken all the required reforms and commitments to ensure effective and sustainable
achievement of the remaining benchmarks. All the measures identified in the fifth progress
report have been addressed in order to ensure that the legislative and policy framework, the
institutional and organisational principles, and the implementation of procedures throughout
the four blocks comply with European and international standards. The Commission will
continue to monitor the implementation of ongoing reforms, in fields such as, anti-corruption,
trafficking in human beings and organised crime.
Based on this assessment and the commitments taken, and given the outcome of the
continuous monitoring and reporting carried out since the launch of EU-Ukraine Visa
Liberalisation Dialogue in October 2008, the Commission considers that Ukraine meets all
the benchmarks set in respect of the four blocks of the second phase of the VLAP.
Taking into account overall relations between the EU and Ukraine, the Commission will
present, early 2016, a legislative proposal to amend Regulation (EC) No 539/2001.
The Commission will continue actively to monitor Ukraine's continuous implementation
of all benchmarks under the four blocks of the VLAP through the existing association
structures and dialogues, and, if necessary, through ad hoc follow-up mechanisms.