Decision on association with Ukraine to be made late June – Rutte

First, the Dutch government is going to determine its position on UK’s referendum on EU membership scheduled for June 23. As reported, the Netherlands decided to initiate the amendments to the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement following the debates with participation of the political forces represented in the Parliament. On April 6th, the country held a referendum on the ratification of the Ukraine-EU association deal that stipulates closer economic and political ties. Over 60 percent of the votes were against the ratification, with a 32% voter turnout. The Netherlands remains the only country of 28-nation union that has yet to ratify the document. The trade part – on the deep and comprehensive free trade area has entered into force on January 1st this year.