During a two-day visit to Ukraine (September 11-12), European Union Commissioner Günter Verheugen emphasized the new opportunities offered to Ukraine by the European Union regarding enlargement and especially in the context of the EU's "new neighbourhood policy."
After 10 new members join the EU on May 1, 2004, Ukraine will become a direct neighbour of the European Union. Therefore, first and foremost, the EU is interested in having an independent, politically stable and economically strong neighbour in the person of Ukraine. This is even a key condition for lasting peace and stability in Europe.
The EU's new neighbourhood policy aims to create an enlarged region of peace, stability and prosperity, which will include the EU's eastern neighbours that do not have prospects of joining the EU in the near future.
"To this end, the EU seeks to develop the closest relations with Ukraine on the basis of shared values - freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law, on which the European Union is based," noted Mr. Verheugen.
The broadest opportunity for such special relations could be integration into the EU single market. This may also include involving Ukraine in the European Union's policies in the areas of environmental protection, scientific research, and the development of trans-European transport, energy and telecommunications networks. To this end, the European Union proposes that Ukraine jointly approve an Action Plan by spring 2004 with a clear definition of common goals and deadlines for their implementation. In turn, Ukraine is expected to achieve significant progress on the path of approaching EU standards, including further development of reforms aimed at ensuring the functioning of a market economy and full-scale democracy.
"Such an approach is justified and realistic," said Mr. Verheugen. "It will allow full use of existing agreements, in particular the provisions of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), while leaving open all possibilities for the further development of our bilateral relations."
Regarding other neighbouring countries in Eastern Europe, Mr. Verheugen noted:
"Therefore we encourage Ukraine to develop close relations with all its neighbours, including Russia, while clearly adhering to the direction of strategic partnership with the EU. I fully understand the need to maintain a high level of cooperation with eastern neighbours, but at the same time I would advise my interlocutors to be cautious and make sure that the envisaged Common Economic Space is fully compatible with its existing obligations and aspirations for European integration. This concerns in particular the possible Customs Union. We are ready to discuss this issue with Ukraine, and I have agreed with government representatives on informal consultations.
Mr. Verheugen also noted that it is not by chance that Ukraine is the first country visited by Mr. Verheugen in his new capacity as Commissioner responsible for the implementation of the European Union's new neighbourhood policy.
During the visit, Mr. Verheugen met with President of Ukraine L. Kuchma; K. Hryshchenko, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine; V.I. Khoroshkovsky, Minister of Economy and European Integration of Ukraine; B. Tarasyuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on European Integration; V. Lytvyn, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and with other representatives of political parties: Yu. Tymoshenko, O. Moroz. Mr. Verheugen also delivered a speech at the Institute of International Relations of Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University.
Any information regarding the European Union's "Wider Europe" policy can be found on the website of the Delegation of the European Commission in Ukraine: www.delukr.cec.EU.int. For more detailed information, please contact Ms. Anje Schubert, Press and Information Programme Coordinator, by phone: (044) 462 00 10 or anje.Schubert@cec.EU.int.