Today Prime Minister Balkenende of the Netherlands, as President of the European Council, welcomed that the Ukrainian people have in high numbers used the opportunity to determine the future of their country in the rerun of the second round of the presidential elections in Ukraine.

The OSCE/ODIHR International Election Observation Mission has in its preliminary findings stated that the rerun of the second round brought Ukraine substantially closer to meeting international standards. Prime Minister Balkenende welcomed this positive development, in particular that campaign conditions were markedly more equal, observers received fewer reports of pressure on voters, the election administration was more transparent and the media more balanced than in the previous rounds. He took note of the readiness of the OSCE/ODIHR International Election Observation to assist in resolving any possible outstanding issues.

The Member States of the European Union and the European Commission have contributed to holding these elections by sending election observers to the OSCE/ODIHR International Election Observation Mission and by providing financial assistance.

Prime Minister Balkenende stated that the European Union would continue to support and work closely with Ukraine and its next president. The European Union is looking forward to a new phase in Ukraine’s development, in which all parties and institutions cooperate to consolidate democracy and to enhance cohesion within the country. The European Union reiterates its readiness to strengthen its cooperation with Ukraine, making full use of the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan, thus enhancing Ukraine’s relationship with the European Union.