European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy Johannes Hahn told the press recently that the European Commission and the Ukrainian government would soon complete the work on the “road map” for the Ukrainian reforms. The European official noted also that the commission would provide maximum assistance in the implementation of the “ambitious” plan of reforms that Ukraine wants to implement. The Day turned to director of the Institute for Euro-Atlantic Cooperation Oleksandr Sushko for a comment on the importance of the “road map” for Ukraine.
“We have seen a number of documents appearing in recent months that outline the Ukrainian government’s plans for transforming the country and government policies in key areas. We saw a quite meaningful coalition agreement signed, the Cabinet’s program passed, and Strategy 2020 approved by the president.
“Led by Volodymyr Hroisman, who was previously a deputy prime minister, officials developed a document that was to prepare Ukraine for the donors conference, to offer a reform project to the international community. It is this document that they will be now developing further in cooperation with experts from the EU. The ‘road map’ from Commissioner Hahn’s speech is based on this incomplete document developed by the Hroisman team.
“Unusually, the ‘road map’ not just declares an intention to implement reforms, but also comprises a clearer timeframe and lists resources to be attracted, indicators to look at and ways to control the degree of implementation. That is, the document is more focused on practical implementation.
“This ‘road map’ will be useful, because it will allow to consolidate the resources of international aid by enabling international donors to see a clear scheme to further reform and decide who will provide support for Ukraine, to what extent and in what fields.
“This document is also useful in terms of monitoring reforms. It gives civil society an opportunity to more thoroughly monitor public policy.
“Any program of reform is based on relevant planning documents, especially when it comes to European integration. It happens in this way in most countries. There were some cases, though, where reforms were carried out more spontaneously, based on the political will of the country’s leader, as it was in Georgia. There was no pre-approved plan of reform there. However, it occurred under the disciplined, semi-authoritarian administration of president Mikheil Saakashvili who gave the orders and expected them to be implemented. We have a different situation, though, so they need to negotiate and put commitments on paper.”
