Fundacja im. Stefana Batorego

International Program

The Enlarged EU and Ukraine: New Relations

contact:
Grzegorz Gromadzki
ggromadzki@batory.org.pl,
Anna Wróbel
awrobel@batory.org.pl

The project is financed by the Stefan Batory Foundation (Warsaw), International Rennaissance Foundation (Kyiv), Open Society Institute (Budapest) and has been supported by the Poland-America-Ukraine Cooperation Initiative (PAUCI), financed by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Interviews

Interview with Yuri Yekhanurov, MP

Former first premier-minister of Ukraine, head of parliamentary committee for industrial policy.

What means "Ukraine's European choice" for you?

Strictly speaking, the phrase "Ukraine's European choice" isn't a proper term. It rather confuses, than explains something. Ukraine is a European country according to the fact of its existence; therefore it can't and mustn't choose anything.

Another matter is, that during the whole second part of the XXth century Europe was factitiously divided. A group of the most developed European countries headed the movement for overcoming of this tragic and unnatural split. In the course of this process, in our presence a new model of European integration, performed by EU, is being created. From cultural, economical and civilization side this model is attractive. And everyone in Ukraine agrees to it. In fact, the following two problems are discussed:

a) if this model is the most attractive for Ukraine;

b) how much is it accessible for our country in the real historical perspective, taking into consideration the present state of Ukrainian society.

All in all, European integration is a purpose and means of realization of Ukraine's interests, as well as method of its stable development in the new century.

Reasons and obstacles of Ukraine's participation in the processes of European integration

Unfortunately, now it's difficult to speak about Ukraine's participation in the processes of European integration that needs availability of active position and consistent realization of some long-term strategy: both from the part of our state and, in fact, EU. Forced involvement is more exact and honest definition. We evidently lack for clear articulation of national interests, expressed not on the level of declarations, but of concrete effective policy. Hitherto to all appearance, European side hasn't clarified itself, what should it do with a new boundary state. This inner and outer vagueness is the main obstacle.

Today there is a real threat of problem's deterioration, when search of the model of relations between Ukraine and EU can be brought to concordance of terms, describing new realities. In this situation bureaucratic inertia, naturally peculiar to interstate formations, can turn discussed status framework either of "associate membership" or "neighbourhood" into really existent "iron curtain". While the matter should be about the search of a real algorithm of co-ordination of processes, taking place within the limits of united Europe, which reaches the new integral level; and about a potential Europe's constituent — Ukraine, enduring difficult and painful stage of European self-identification.

What is, in your opinion, the contribution of your country in Europe's future; and what is Ukraine's role (real and desirable) in European political, economical and social processes?

Ukraine's contribution shouldn't be regarded as something static and disposable, and its role — as fulfilment of actions ordered by somebody. The strength of united Europe is in unanimity of variety, in riches of cultural traditions and economical structures. Having coped with economical and political problems, having provided its citizens for worthy life, Ukraine will be able not only to become equal in rights member of EU, but also give it a new impulse for development.

Today's EU expansion and its influence on Ukraine.

One wished it had a promotional influence. Ukrainian political elite should come to clear understanding, that outer support of Ukraine's direction towards Europe is only a subsidiary factor, an important, but not crucial term of successful course of the process. Ukraine must independently pass its part of the way, as it was made by the new members of EU.

The role of neighbouring countries, which soon must become EU members (Poland, Hungary, Slovakia), in realization of "Ukraine's European choice".

It's difficult to overestimate this role. On the whole, they understand our intentions and problems better, than states-initiators of EU formation. However, one should draw attention to a very important nuance. The listed countries (especially Poland) are often called Ukraine's attorney. I think this definition isn't rather exact. Firstly, it as though puts Ukraine in a position of accused. Secondly, the main problem of relations between Ukraine and EU is not Ukraine's transgression (real and supposed), but lack of mutual understanding and trust from the both sides. In spite of enough quantity of dialogue instruments (joint commissions, conferences, consultations etc.), the mutual prejudice embarrasses the dialogue itself. In this case both Ukraine and especially EU don't need attorneys. We need mediators, able to perceive kindly the argumentations of the both sides. Ukrainian neighbours, which in the nearest future will become EU members, have possibilities and serious motives to undertake this mission.

An effective way of Ukraine towards European structures: independently or along with Russia?

There are clear requirements to the candidates joining EU — so-called Copenhagen criteria. They are divided into three groups: political, economical and membership criteria. The latter demand significant changes in administrative system of a state. Can Ukraine influence on transformation of Russian legislation? No, it can't. Can Ukraine interfere in the process of political reform in the Russian Federation, or, for instance, control dimension of budgeted deficit in Russia? No, it can't. These are domestic problems that relate to exceptional competence of a sovereign state.

Somebody is unlikely to doubt, that negative attitude of Russia to Ukraine's European choice can create additional difficulties for our country concerning integration to Europe. Therefore, to all appearance, the most correct answer to this question is the formula: an independent way against a background of European vector's predominance in Russia's foreign policy.

The problems of visas and migration from Ukraine to EU

The today's visa restrictions are, per se, a kind of protective reaction on the part of EU. And from this point of view they are explainable. But it is also clear, how painfully Ukrainian society perceives these restrictions. Announced EU expansion will just redoubles these unpleasant feelings, as it will create extra difficulties for free moving of Ukrainian citizens in the areas, where these difficulties are unavailable.

Despite the fact, that some Ukraine's neighbours share our concern in this sphere and make perceptible steps towards us (the good examples are agreements with Poland, Bulgaria and Romania), the process of positions' concordance isn't simple. Besides, there is a tendency of factitious mixture of the problem of illegal migration to Europe from other countries using Ukrainian territory as transit one, with the problem of Ukrainian-European visa relations. Formally defending with visas and migration restrictions from Ukraine, Europe in fact fences off from huge territories to the east from our borders. One should admit, that there is no optimal solution of the problem yet. Probably, it doesn't exist on the given stage. So, time compromises are necessary.

What would you advise to change in the policy of EU concerning Ukraine?

These changes can be formulated so: there is more parity and reality in relations. Finance aid to Ukraine on the part of EU demonstrates validity of these changes the best. For the last 10 years its total volume amounted about 1,072 billion EURO, but at the same time the positive effect of realization of some basis projects reaches zero. The main drawbacks are:

poor adaptation to present Ukraine's needs, connected with insufficient level of Ukraine's participation in the process of their working out, ratification and realization;

<<general political>> orientation, causing, that received results, as a rule, have neither practical nor theoretical application;

unfairly high share of foreign advisers' service payment in total volume of financing, that brings about (in most cases) ceasing of a business when the validity period of their contract is over.

At the same time the gained positive experience prompts us what to correct. First, the status of Ukraine's participation at a stage of projects' working out is to be essentially raised. Second, one should move accent toward acceptance of narrowly directed projects, which have practical application. And, at least, third, one should provide involvement of Ukrainian subjects in the realization of those projects, who are able to continue started reformation, when financing term is over.

What are present state and perspectives of European business in Ukraine, and Ukrainian business in EU?

The present state of business both in Ukraine and in EU are in many respects determined by lack of clear game rules. And it applies not only to imperfect Ukrainian legislation and not always consecutive steps of the government, scaring away European businessmen, but also to double standards policy, rather often used by the West, as means of containment of Ukrainian proprietors entering EU markets. That's why the perspectives of business development (if it means mutually beneficial cooperation, but not competitive activity with the aim of destruction) will in many respects depend on, how political dialogue between Ukraine and EU become open, clear and acceptable (with regard to results) for both parties.

Common and different between Ukraine and "western culture". Is Ukraine a part of the Western World?

In the humanities there are many definitions of a notion "western" culture. If it means the culture of Western Europe, then Ukraine has its specific character, as it belongs to Western Europe. If the definition "western" is used as synonym of "European" culture, different from traditions of the East (for instance, Central Asia, China, India and Japan), then Ukraine is, of course, a part of western world, as integral constituent of European cultural and historical process.

In general, we have much more common, than different. We have common history, all the basic standards; interdenominational relations are oriented to the mental European tradition. The most of Ukraine's citizens share and support democratic values of the western world. Our differences are not principal. At present they are determined by substantial backlog from the West in the field of use of high technologies, and by social-economical indicators, showing the citizens' "quality of life".