Ukraine pinned a lot of hopes on the EU’s Polish-Swedish initiative Eastern Partnership (EaP), inaugurated on May 7, 2009, in Prague, primarily as a tool for rapprochement with the EU. In the end, past year three countries – Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova – out of the six EaP members signed the Association Agreement. What is Ukraine to expect from this initiative, in view of the European Neighborhood Policy? How could the Czech Republic contribute to reforms in Ukraine? Below is The Day’s exclusive in which Ms. Jana Sindelkova, special envoy for Eastern Partnership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, shares her views on these issues while on a recent visit to Kyiv.
EASTERN PARTNERSHIP: ACHIEVEMENTS
Jana SINDELKOVA: “To begin with, this initiative guarantees that the six member countries are constantly on the EU agenda. To me, this is the most important added value. Second, not all EaP countries were interested in the endorsement of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area. Some of them were unable to make a free choice and others had to pay a dear price for the endorsement.
“After fully implementing the Association Agreement and DCFTA, your country will rise to an entirely new level of relationships with the European Union – I mean complete integration with the Internal Market. The only exception will be that Ukraine won’t be sitting at the table where decisions on that market are made. Your country will benefit from having access to the Internal Market.
“The member countries’ bilateral and comprehensive regional relationships mark another achievement of the Eastern Partnership. Add here their ties with the EU system, within the DCFTA framework and through the transport and energy resources networks – particularly in regard to the initiative of electricity interconnectors.
“The European Neighborhood Policy will be launched in 2016 and the good news for Ukraine is that security is among the EU-ENP cooperation clauses. Another important ENP clause reads that Eastern Partnership will continue and grow stronger.”
EU MEMBERSHIP PROSPECTS: MOST EFFECTIVE POLICY
“As for EU membership prospects [for Ukraine] – particularly being introduced in bilateral instruments – this could be achieved in the presence of consensus between the 28 EU member countries. After all, there is Article 49 [of the Treaty of Lisbon], so Ukraine can become a member of the EU when the preconditions laid down in this article coincide with the political will of the current member states. I believe that these membership prospects constitute the most effective policy the European Union has ever waged. This is also the best tool in our kit because it encourages reform and supports the economy and stability in our neighborhood.
“Your country needs a number of fundamental reforms. After implementing them you will get the results and your EU membership prospects will be even more likely to become a reality, so far as most EU countries are concerned. You’re obviously fighting two battles. One is for your territorial integrity and the other one is for reform. The European Union is supporting you on both fronts, except that reforms are your home front. We’re all used to the EU financially backing Ukraine. Your country has received more such backing than any others. However, financing isn’t as important as making reforms. You are expected to take measures against corruption, carry out the judiciary and the constitutional reform which is particularly complicated.”
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
“The Czech Republic is an active Eastern Partnership member, currently presiding over the Visegrad Four. We have given Ukraine 2 million dollars worth of economic aid for three years (2014-16) and are now focusing on reforms in your education, on humanitarian aid, and civil society’s needs.
“I’d like to see the Czech Republic gradually take the lead in the education system exports division, because this is something that does not meet the eye, especially in a complicated situation like the one in your country. This could become the biggest investment in the future. I believe that making effective reforms in any country takes proper education and rule of law.
“I’m going to meet with my Ukrainian colleagues at the Presidential Administrations, at ministries, and with Kyiv Mohyla Academy students. I will tell them what I’ve just told you. I won’t give them any recommendations.
“Ukraine is a big country with a big history, so much so I believe you know what has to be done. We can help you, including financially, we can offer you know-how, but I doubt that my colleagues at your ministries need my advice on what they should do next.”
