"In their resolution, MEPs strongly condemned the violation of democratic principles and European values in the Ukraine. They urged the Ukrainian government to change its behaviour, otherwise, the convergence of the Ukraine and the EU will be threatened. At the same time, the resolution illustrates the EU's double approach towards its Eastern neighbour. On one hand, it is a policy of severity and high requirements towards the authorities, on the other, a policy of openness towards the society and its European aspirations. Today the Parliament sent a clear message to the Ukrainian society: the Ukraine is justified in its European aspirations and this path is still open to the country", Jacek Saryusz-Wolski MEP stated today after the votes.
MEPs are concerned that the meeting with President Yanukovych has not yet taken place. They believe that it would have been a perfect opportunity to tackle serious problems and re-establish a constructive dialogue on the Association Agreement, especially now, when the negotiations have been finalised. Therefore, the MEPs have urged the Council and the Commission to reschedule the meeting as soon as possible, ahead of the EU-Ukraine Summit that is anticipated for the month December, during the Polish Presidency.
According to the EP, the ratification of the Association Agreement depends on the actions undertaken by the Ukrainian government towards Yulia Tymoshenko and the political opposition. "Given that the Ukrainian government has not reformed its law and that the former PM Yulia Tymoshenko is still detained, it is unlikely that we will conclude the Association Agreement before the end of December. Nevertheless, I am optimistic for the success of the Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and I hope we will manage to ratify it in December, during the Polish Presidency" concluded Jacek Saryusz-Wolski MEP.
