BRUSSELS, March 3 - The European Union is ready to sign an Association Agreement with Ukraine when Ukraine is ready, EU Commissioner for Trade Karel De Gucht said at a press conference in Athens after the Informal Foreign Affairs Council/Trade.

"If and when Ukraine is ready to sign the deal, then the European Union is ready to sign the deal. The democratic future of Ukraine is for the Ukrainian people to decide, including in respect of a future Association Agreement with the European Union," he said.