Valery CHALY, international programs director, Razumkov Center:
Our studies show that Ukraine’s integration into the European Union, proclaimed by the political leadership as a top foreign policy priority, is supported by the state political elite. The idea, however, is still to be adequately comprehended and supported by the population. It has not become a nationwide unifying concept, although our polls over the past several years have shown a growing number of EU membership supporters – in fact, more than one-third of the population are resolutely for it. People want to live in a democratic, economically advanced, and socially oriented country, and they associate all this with Ukraine joining the European community of developed states.
At present, we have an understanding that meeting the EU membership criteria means changes inside this country; it is a movement in one direction. The EU integration process is quite long and complex: it requires a concentrated effort and painstaking work in terms of economic reform, bringing Ukraine closer to the Western democratic standard and fostering a civil society. Declaring our intent to join the European Union is not enough; even now it is necessary to demonstrate in deeds that Ukraine has actually made its choice and will do its utmost to reach this goal.
I am deeply convinced that Ukraine will succeed in integrating into the European Union only by following a two-way street. Regrettably, the EU stand remains cautious and reserved -too much so in my view. EU markets remain practically closed to Ukraine. Even economically profitable, hi-tech projects are turned down by EU states for political reasons. Countries with economic situations no better than in Ukraine and a considerably smaller potential of mutually advantageous cooperation are standing in line for EU membership. So far, no such schedule has been defined for Ukraine – even by way of joining the free economic zone or associate membership. This situation does not help rally the Ukrainian population round the European choice idea and promotes the appearance of new boundary lines in Europe.
Although there is a definite Europatriotic touch to the sentiments of the Ukrainian elite, Ukraine’s international practice has repeatedly shown that no large-scale internal changes can be achieved only with help from the West. It is important to know that no one is going to clean house for us. We cannot expect EU membership unless we step up economic reform, root out corruption, form effective civil social institutions, and show a consistent observance of the democratic principles.
Today, we have clearly defined stages of our movement toward Europe: implementation of all our commitments, WTO membership, market economy status, access to the free economic zone, and EU associate membership. The target is set and we know how to reach it. What we lack so far is specific results.
Also, we must remember that overstated and never implemented expectations result in apathy. We need deeds, not words.
The president’s recent message to parliament, “The European Choice,” reads that creating the prerequisites for a full-fledged EU membership is the key priority, and that joining the Union is our “main geopolitical task.” The document reaffirms the time frame previously declared: applying for EU associate membership before the end of 2007, and having secured the actual (internal) prerequisites of associate status in the Union by 2011.
Among other things, the message correctly emphasizes that “determining the new strategy requires maximum political consensus and social unity.” Sadly I have to admit that the powers that be demonstrate an altogether different stand, compared to what has been declared, even in this matter which is far from the most complicated phase of moving toward the EU.
We can expect Ukraine not to lose its chance to jump onto the last car of the European train only if our deeds tally with what we declare in our messages, strategies, and programs. If we don’t do so now, the people’s hopes for the best will never come true and Ukraine will be left standing on the platform forever.
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