ALDE Group welcomes the adoption of anti-discrimination clause by the Ukrainian Parliament - Hoofdinhoud
Verkhovna Rada has adopted, today, a package of laws the European Union requires in exchange of its visa liberalisation action plan. Besides the anti-corruption bill, the Labour Code was the most controversial,as Parliament failed twice to pass the anti-discrimination amendments in earlier voting.
Following the Ukrainian Parliament's vote of today, Sophie in 't Veld (D66, The Netherlands), 1st Vice-President of the ALDE Group, said:
"We congratulate the Ukrainian parliament on adopting the anti-discrimination clause. Ukraine is sending out a clear message: cooperation with the EU is based on shared values and the protection of human rights. This is a very positive signal both to the people of Ukraine and to the citizens of the EU."
ALDE Group' spokesman on Russia and Ukraine, Hans van Baalen (VVD, The Netherlands) welcomes the adoption of the anti-discrimination law by the Verkhovna Rada:
"This is an important milestone in the fight against discrimination in Ukraine. Together with our Ukrainian liberal partners, we should closely monitor the implementation of the anti-discrimination law."
ALDE Group Vice-President, Petras Auštrevičius (Liberal Movement of Lithuania), Chairman of the Informal Group of Friends of European Ukraine:
"I welcome the package of laws particularly relating to the fight against corruption in Ukraine. These steps are expected by the EU in order to grant the visa-free regime to Ukraine. More importantly, these laws are a must to improve the rule of law and transparency. In addition, I particularly welcome today's amendments to the Labour Code putting an end to discrimination over sexual orientation, a shameful heritage of the Soviet past. The voting by the Verkhovna Rada is a clear demonstration of Ukraine's European way. The swift and effective implementation of the new legislation is now crucial."