EU, Ukraine wrap up summit with focus on reforms, visa-free regime

In December 2015, the Commission concluded that Ukraine had met all the benchmarks for the visa-free requirement.

Regarding the crisis in east Ukraine, EU leaders at the summit reiterated their support to Ukraine on the implementation of the Minsk agreements.

"Europe must do everything in its power to make sure that Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and stability are preserved," said Tusk.

"We continue to support the Minsk process and our sanctions are linked with the complete implementation of the Minsk agreements," he added.

In July and September 2014, the EU imposed economic sanctions targeting exchanges with Russia in specific economic sectors, in response to an alleged role that Russia has played in conflicts in east Ukraine.

In March 2015, EU leaders decided to align the existing sanctions to the complete implementation of the Minsk agreements.

Taking stock of the situation in east Ukraine, the EU in July extended the sanctions against Russia until Jan 31, 2017.