EU says reforms needed in Ukraine

• Tweet

BRUSSELS, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- A meeting Monday between the Ukrainian and European officials was conducted in a positive light but reforms are needed, the European Commission president said.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych met in Brussels with European leaders to discuss political association. The European Union said last week that a partnership agreement could be signed in November if "tangible progress" is made in selective justice and international election standards.

President of the European Commission Jose Barroso said Monday's talks with the Ukrainian president were "positive ... very open and constructive."

"Ukraine is already a member of the European family of nations and we want all Ukrainians to enjoy the benefits of that, through the signing and entering into force of the Association Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement," he said in a statement.

Ukraine's parliamentary elections last year were described as a political setback. The European Union has also expressed concern about what is sees as selective justice targeting opponents of Yanukovych.

Barroso said "deep reforms" are required from Kiev before it can step closer to the European community.

Members of the Ukrainian Parliament last week passed a resolution in favor of European integration.