About exactly three years ago I arrived to Ukraine for the first time ever. I had ahead of me a three year posting in the Embassy of Finland. Ukraine was quite unknown to me then. Already the fact that Kyiv is only two hour flight away from Helsinki was surprising. When summarizing the past three years I can say that I’ve enjoyed and I’ve gotten a special affection to Ukraine and to Ukrainians. A lot has happened.
Ukraine is a country of huge potential. That is the phrase I’ve heard so many times during the three years. Saying this shows that there is a trust on Ukraine’s abilities. It has all the ingredients to become a successful European country. But if the same phrase is repeated year after year, does it have a meaning anymore?
The past years in Ukraine have been characterized with increasing attention to the development of democracy and human rights. Reforming the country has been the key issue. The common values, the rule of law and the democratic principles have been the key words. A lot more has been expected from Ukraine – that’s because Ukraine has the potential and her abilities are believed in. One never improves enough if the goal is not set high enough. If one always stays in the comfort zone there is no improvement.
Of course there have been reforms but a lot of important reforms remain to be implemented such as fighting the corruption, guaranteeing the independent and transparent judiciary and improving the investment climate.
One of the most pleasant tasks I’ve had during my posting has been the cooperation with Ukrainian NGOs. Embassy of Finland gives out small grants to NGOs for projects concerning gender equality, environmental protection and good governance. The effort many active and devoted Ukrainians make to develop their country is admirable. They do valuable work and are a good example to the rest of us.
When visiting Kyiv last year, Mr. Ilkka Taipale, a retired former Finnish Member of the Parliament and editor of a book 100 Social Innovations from Finland, pointed out that in Finland most of the Members of the Parliament are also members of one or more NGOs and a membership is almost a precondition if a candidate wants to succeed in the elections. Finnish voters consider activity in civil society an asset for an MP. NGOs’ role in building up and maintaining a democratic society is important and their potential should be used in full terms.
The Euro-2012 seemed to be far away three years ago. The closer the opening match came the hotter the topic became. The news were often more negative than positive with stories about slowly proceeding preparations and side effects of the games. So far Euro-2012 has been a pleasant sports festival. The atmosphere has been excellent and the coexistence between the fans, the authorities and the citizens of the host cities has been exemplary.
I appreciate Ukrainians’ hospitality and positive curiosity towards foreigners. Ukrainians are eager to know where you are from, what do you do and what do you think of Ukraine. It is natural to be concerned what others think of you. At the moment the country brand of Ukraine is not so good abroad and that has kept also some of the football tourists away. A good country brand means not only prestige but also money in the form of foreign investments and tourists. Ukraine is a very interesting travel destination and the touristic sector should be further developed also after the Euro-2012. Tourists nowadays are ready to spend money but they demand quality and service in return.
During the past three years Kyiv has welcomed many official and unofficial guests from Finland and everyone has been amazed at the nice character the city has. The problem is that most people don’t know about it and it never crosses their minds to come to Ukraine for a vacation.
As in sports also in politics the best results are achieved when the team spirit is good and everyone works together to reach the common goals. One should also be able to trust the other. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. In Ukraine trust and cooperation between different actors unfortunately seem to be often absent. Nonetheless, I do believe in Ukraine’s potential but I hope that in the coming years the phrase that we hear is that Ukraine is finally using its full potential.
Outi Isotalo has worked as a Second Secretary in the Embassy of Finland in Kyiv during 2009-12. Her next posting will be in Belgrade as a Deputy Head of the Embassy of Finland
