Ukraine: The Changing of the Guard

Author: Jan Piekło

Publisher: Institute of Public Affairs, Warsaw, Poland
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Poland
Tel: +48 22 556 4266
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http://www.isp.org.pl


Institute of Public Affairs (ISP), Warsaw – Analyses & Opinions,
No. 12/106, April 2010

  • The promise of Orange Revolution was not fulfilled. The objections of old EU member states and fear of Kremlin’s adverse reaction made it impossible for the EU to offer Ukraine the “carrot” of membership. At the same time political instability, corruption and lack of reforms resulted in “Ukrainian fatigue” syndrome in the West.
  • The declaration of newly elected Ukrainian President Victor Yanukovych on the neutral status of his country met with an enthusiastic response in most of the old EU member states, and the phrase about his “pragmatic approach” became popular in Berlin, Paris and Brussels.
  • The EU and Ukraine should continue negotiations on an Association and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) Agreement. The EU should strengthen the monitoring of EU-funded assistance programmes. Brussels should also negotiate with Ukraine a realistic roadmap towards a visa-free regime, while easing the existing travel restrictions as much as possible.
  • The EU should involve Ukraine in strategic bilateral energy security projects based on diversification of transport routes and energy suppliers, and should assist Kyiv in modernisation of its energy system, while promoting energy efficiency.
  • EU member states and partner countries should further develop the Eastern Partnership, taking into consideration important regional security issues and encouraging Ukraine to play a more active role in the Black Sea region. The EU should also enhance the role of civil society organisations in further development of the EaP.
  • In the wake of the Bandera debacle, strengthening the reconciliation process between Poles and Ukrainians remains an urgent challenge. One-sided historical narratives carry the risk of heightening tensions between our two societies, which can work to the advantage of third countries (Russia).
  • The joint organisation of the Euro 2012 European football championships is a unique chance for co-operation on all levels between Poland and Ukraine, as well as for promoting the cause of Ukraine in the EU member states.

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