The European Union has granted Ukraine market economy status, as was declared by Tony Blair, Prime Minister of the UK, which currently holds the EU presidency. Tony Blair arrived in the Ukrainian capital Kiev at the first summit between the EU and Ukraine. Mr Blair said that despite turbulence, reform in Ukraine was on course. He said he hoped the Ukrainian people were in no doubt about the difference the last year had made in the way in which Ukraine was perceived in the world. Mr Yushchenko in his turn said that the question of legal recognition of the new country status may take one or two month. Ukraine had hoped to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) this year, but its parliament has failed to pass all the necessary legislation. Mr Barroso said the EU would encourage the government to address the remaining obstacles on the path to WTO membership, so that work could start on the creation of a free trade area. It is hoped the project will help prevent the trafficking of weapons, drugs and people. President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso said Ukraine had "come a very long way in a very short time". During the summit signing of three agreements between EU and Ukraine are expected - memorandum of better understanding in power economy collaboration, association agreement in Europe`s satellite-navigation system Galileo and in air communication. The memorandum provides for deepening the association in all fields of power system, including power industry, oil-and-gas system, coal-mining industry and perspective of future integration of energy markets of Ukraine and Europe. Besides, there are other issues to be discussed at the summit, in particular, the start of talks on the relaxation of visa requirements for Ukrainians visiting the EU, and on an agreement under which Ukraine will take back illegal migrants crossing into the EU from its territory, which have begun in recent months.