How does Austria view the prospect of Ukraine’s membership in the EU and the development of further cooperation within the framework of the European community? How are bilateral relations between Kyiv and Vienna developing? These and other questions are raised in The Day’s exclusive interview with Federal Chancellor of Austria Dr. Alfred GUSENBAUER.
Are you planning to meet with Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko in the near future?
“Austria is interested in developing good relations with Ukraine. In realizing its democratic right, the nation makes a decision during the elections, after which the process of forming the government begins. We will work with every Ukrainian government no matter what parties will be included there. I plan to visit Ukraine and have a meeting with Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko because, in my opinion, this is important for the further development of cooperation between our countries.”
The new Ukrainian government professes the European choice policy, which is aimed at Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. However, the EU has not approved such a prospect for Ukraine within the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy. What are the prospects of closer cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union in the future?
“First of all, the last wave of the EU enlargement was rather large. After accepting 12 new members, the European Union has to consolidate. The Lisbon Treaty on EU reform, which is now being adopted by the parliaments of some countries, will become an essential condition for the functioning of this united Europe of 27 countries. It will show how Europe will look after such a great enlargement.
“Second, we are cooperating with various European countries, both big and small, which are not members of the European Union. Ukraine is a large European state, and of course Europe is interested in intelligent and close cooperation with it. How close it will be and how intensive Ukraine’s approach to Europe will be are questions for concrete negotiations and concrete subjects that still need to be coordinated. However, Ukraine is indisputably a European county with a colossal potential. So far it is difficult for me to say how the European Union will accept new large European countries. In my opinion, Europe has to see whether it will be able to function, and only then it will be interesting for new members, because no one wants to be a member of an association that does not function.”
If this question is viewed realistically, people in Ukraine also understand that accession to the EU in the nearest future is impossible. The question is, however, about signing an agreement on the creation of a free trade zone with the EU or finding another form of closer cooperation with the EU.
“I don’t exclude this. In my opinion, there are many possibilities for strengthening closer ties between Ukraine and the EU in an agreement, and I support this.”
Austria was one of the first states to recognize the independence of Ukraine in 1991. How is cooperation with Ukraine developing on the bilateral level?
“First of all, I must say that relations between Ukraine and Austria are developing very well in all spheres. Second, it must be admitted that Austria is a state with a population of eight million, so it is not a very large country. If you think about how small Austria is and then look at the fact that it is the number-one investor in many countries of Central, Southern, and Eastern Europe, this tells you a lot. Many Austrian firms are important investors in Ukraine. Good relations and a high level of economic cooperation are apparent in the fact that every week Austrian airlines fly to a number of Ukrainian cities.
“In general, Ukraine is very close to us. The Hungarian-Ukrainian border is closer to Vienna than the western part of Austria. So, our countries are geographically close, we have good air connections, and a high investment level. Sooner or later, all the firms that are working in Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, and other countries, will be seen in Ukraine as well, because Austria is a country that directs most of its investments to Eastern Europe.”
This is a question for you as the sports minister. Austria and Switzerland are organizing the Euro 2008 soccer championship. Can your country share its experience of organizing such a sports championship with Ukraine?
“First of all, I want to mention that when Poland and Ukraine won the right to host the Euro 2012, I wrote letters to the prime ministers of both countries, congratulating them on this victory. From the very beginning I proposed cooperation with Austria so that, as far as possible, they could take part in Austria’s preparations for the Euro 2008. I underlined the fact that Austria is always ready to share its experience. Further proof of our readiness to cooperate is the participation of a Ukrainian representative in the seminar dedicated to the Euro 2008, which was held by the organizers and all individuals who are involved in these preparations. The seminar was aimed at explaining all the questions related to organizing the championship. So, we are doing everything in a transparent way.
“Our Ukrainian colleagues have an opportunity to observe the way we are preparing for the championship. We can tell what we learned during the preparations, where mistakes were made, so that they do not repeat these mistakes. We are ready for close cooperation already at the stage of the preparations for the Euro 2008. After we hold a successful championship, we will be able to share our knowledge and experience. I would be glad if Prime Minister Tymoshenko could come to Austria for a soccer match.”
The oldest Ukrainian Diaspora is in Austria. Your predecessors, chancellors Franz Vranitzky and Viktor Klima, maintained good relations with the Ukrainian community in Vienna, proof of which were their visits to our church and community. Would you accept this kind of invitation?
“I will gladly accept an invitation and come to see you. I will reserve time for this in my schedule.”
