BRUSSELS/KIEV, Oct. 27 – The recent local elections in Ukraine are another important step in the consolidation of the country's democratic governance following the presidential and parliamentary elections last year, according to a statement by the EU External Action Service.

"As stated in the OSCE/ODIHR's preliminary report, the elections were competitive, well organized overall and the campaign generally showed respect for the democratic process. Nevertheless, additional efforts are needed to further enhance the integrity of and public confidence in the electoral process," reads the statement which was released in Brussels on Tuesday.