Camiel Hamans, the General Secretary of the Netherlands delegation of the Social-Democratic fraction in the European Parliament has kept an eye on many revolutions that have taken place in Europe, including the Orange Revolution. The Dutch deputy thinks that all these revolutions have brought disappointment. Two years ago he warned that Ukrainians would be disappointed too. In his interview with The Day , the Dutch deputy explained that it is crucial for Ukraine to convince Euro-skeptics that its entry into the EU is sensible. He also thinks that the president and the prime minister should reach an immediate compromise.
What should Ukraine do in order to be attractive for Europeans, so that they will come to realize that it should be accepted into the European community?
Ukraine is a European country, and this is beyond discussion. We in the EU are trying to strengthen European values, and Ukraine should become a member of the EU. Of course, the EU is thinking about what benefits and security it will gain from Ukraine’s EU membership. Since all the EU countries share common values, we want to underline that here, in Ukraine, you should work at developing democracy and strengthening rule of law. Thus, democracy must become part of your thinking. This may take 10, 15, or 20 years. But this is your country, your people’s prospects, and the prospects of all the EU countries.
We also share a common interest in preserving peace and security. You have a very powerful neighbor — Russia. Your country lies near the Caucasus, a very problematic region of the world. That is why you can help us stabilize this region, because we are not capable of doing this on our own. Therefore, we need you to accomplish this aim. We also need Ukraine as a transit country to transport oil and gas. On the other hand, you need us too. We should pay for the transit, and you can receive profits from this. That is why it is better for us to have good relations.
Of course, you should have very good relations with Moscow. Before Holland became a member of the EU (this was before the Eurocommunity was created), we were trying to have very good relations with a large and powerful neighbor — Germany. You should do the same thing that my country did. It is better for you to have good relations with Russia. But when people in Ukraine say that you must remain neutral, this usually means that you must have very special relations with Moscow, and as for the rest of the world, we will consider this. I would like to emphasize that Europe needs you and that you need Europe. And what Moscow wants to do is its own business.
Shouldn’t Europe take certain steps to encourage Ukraine on its way to Euro-integration?
Yes. At the present moment, Ukraine’s political and economic system is not completely transparent, and not only for us but for the majority of people in Ukraine. This is the first thing that must be done here. But this does not mean holding new elections. That will not bring any good and will not help the situation. It is very strange for us that people whom we call oligarchs are exercising such considerable power in the country’s political life. We do not like this. But it is not we who should tell you what to do. But, in my opinion, this is not making the system very transparent.
This is a mixture of economic and political powers. Meanwhile, it is the political power that should control the economic one. It cannot be that the economic power is at the same time a political one and has to control itself. On the other hand, the president and the government must reach a compromise concerning their respective powers as soon as possible. I repeat, they must reach an effective compromise as soon as possible, so that it does not reach the point that your wonderful president will be told what he should do. I am not in a position to tell you what your prime minister should do. But I can say that international friends in Brussels or Martti Ahtisaari, the former president of Finland and a well-known intermediary, may be of use to you. Be wise or intelligent: take advantage of his or other intermediaries’ advice.
Do you believe that they will reach a compromise? They will hardly seek others’ assistance or advice.
I would prefer it if they did this on their own. Of course, if anything goes wrong, be smart. Do not start a conflict but ask intermediaries to conduct negotiations. The president and the prime minister must find a compromise. And immediately, I would add.
