The EU-Ukraine Summit took place in The Hague on 8 July 2004. The meeting was hosted by the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mr Jan Peter Balkenende in his capacity as the President of the European Council, assisted by the High Representative for the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy, Dr Javier Solana, and by the President of the European Commission, Mr Romano Prodi. The President of Ukraine, Mr Leonid Kuchma led the Ukrainian Delegation.

The Summit was the first after the historic EU enlargement on 1 May 2004 through which the EU and Ukraine became direct neighbours. Summit leaders agreed on the importance of a further reinforced relationship between the EU and Ukraine and confirmed the need to work together to contribute to increased stability, security and prosperity on the European continent, and to avoid the emergence of new dividing lines.

Leaders discussed recent developments in the EU and in Ukraine and addressed key issues in EU-Ukraine relations, including on trade, energy, nuclear safety, environment, transport and justice and home affairs, as well as cooperation in foreign and security policy. Summit leaders took note of ongoing consultations on a European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan between EU and Ukraine and underlined the importance of continuing discussions on the basis of joint ownership, differentiation and added value. They also had an in-depth exchange of views on international issues of common interest.

Leaders noted the outcome of the recent European Parliament elections and welcomed the successful outcome of the EU's Inter-Governmental Conference. They agreed on the importance of ensuring the democratic conduct of presidential elections in Ukraine in October 2004 in line with international standards, including on media.

The two sides agreed that Ukraine should be granted market economy status once the necessary conditions have been met. Summit leaders also agreed to move forward a constructive dialogue on visa issues.

Leaders welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on a steel agreement for the year 2004 and the recent adoption of a specific action plan to enhance science and technology cooperation between the European Community and Ukraine. They also welcomed the fact that an agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy will be signed soon.

Leaders reaffirmed the EU's and Ukraine's commitment to promoting peace and security throughout the world, including through cooperation on non-proliferation and the fight against terrorism.

They agreed to further strengthen co-operation in the field of crisis management. In this context the two sides noted progress achieved on an agreement on the security procedures for exchange of classified information and on an agreement establishing a framework for Ukraine's participation in EU crisis management operations and looked forward to their timely approval.

They reaffirmed their strong commitment to facilitating actively a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Moldova/Transnistria.

The Summit welcomed Ukrainian participation in the EU's police missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The parties welcomed, in particular, the signature in the margins of this Summit of an agreement on the participation of Ukraine in the EU's police mission in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.