In about-face, European Parliament votes to give Ukraine 'clear European perspective' (01/23/05)

In about-face, European Parliament votes to give Ukraine 'clear European perspective'

by Vasyl Pawlowsky
Special to The Ukrainian Weekly

KYIV - As most Ukrainians both here and abroad awaited the decision of Ukraine's Supreme Court on Viktor Yanukovych's final legal appeal against the Central Election Commission's declaration of Viktor Yushchenko as the winner of Ukraine's presidential election, the European Parliament took a 180-degree turn in its attitude towards Ukraine. On January 13 the European Parliament voted 467 to 19 in favor of a resolution calling for Ukraine to be given "a clear European perspective" and the possibility of entering the European Union.

Such good news from Brussels has been long awaited, and local media have avidly reported developments regarding Europe's reactions to the new reality in Ukraine. It is clearly an about-face from an attitude held by Europe for some time - and particularly the position of former European Commission President Romano Prodi, who at one time said that Ukraine had as much chance as New Zealand of joining the European Union.

The European Commission stated, however, that there would be no change in a timetable for Ukraine's accession to the EU. EC spokeswoman Françoise Le Bail, stated that changing the plan for Ukraine's entrance into the EU was not on the agenda at the current time, but added, "The plan may be renewed and discussed with the new government."

Both Brussels, where the EU is based, and Strasbourg, home to the Council of Europe, have been hesitant to act too quickly on Ukraine moving closer to Europe, but with Mr. Yushchenko scheduled to address the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) during its next sitting in Strasbourg on January 24-28, these discussions are certain to begin.

Oleh Rybachuk, who headed Mr. Yushchenko's campaign team, told Stolychni Novosti that a special committee would be formed in order to push for Ukraine's accession to Europe. Mr. Rybachuk stated that he plans to head the committee.

The vote of the European Parliament is not the only signal that is being sent. EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson said on January 17: "I want to deepen trade and economic relations with a reforming Ukraine." There is even talk about granting Ukraine market economy status, however, this is dependent on a number of steps that Ukraine will have to take. Ukraine will have to eliminate its price-fixing practices, reform its bankruptcy procedures and institute the refunding of the value-added tax (VAT), the last of which has long been a thorn in the side of many foreigner businesses on the ground in Ukraine.

And it's not just the Europeans who are taking note of Ukraine. According to reports by various wire services, the U.S. administration will back a bill to be introduced in Congress that will exempt Ukraine from the Jackson-Vanik Amendment of the 1974 Trade Act, which limits U.S. trade with countries that do not allow free emigration of their citizens. This would further improve Ukraine's investment climate.

While the positive signals being sent to Ukraine have been well received, Ukraine's Parliament also has been paving the way for improving relations with its neighbors. As reported by Interfax, Ukraine ratified an intergovernmental agreement on financial cooperation with Germany on January 20. The agreement will allow Ukraine to benefit from up to 11 million euros for projects supporting farming and private enterprise in rural areas, and the efficient use of energy in small and medium-size enterprises. In addition, the agreement will provide 3 million euros in grants to implement these projects.

* * *

Early on January 20, Ukraine's highest court announced its judgment.

"The civil chamber of the Supreme Court of Ukraine has ruled that the appeal by presidential candidate Viktor Fedorovych Yanukovych, alleging inaction by the Central Election Commission concerning the outcome of the presidential election of December 26 and the resolution adopted by the commission regarding the outcome of the presidential election and the disclosure of the results on January 10, is hereby rejected. The decision is final and not subject to appeal," Anatolii Yarema, the court's chairman announced.

The decision paved the way for President-elect Yushchenko to be inaugurated on Sunday, January 23, as Ukraine's third president since the country proclaimed its independence in 1991.

Thus, President Yushchenko will address the PACE next week during his first official trip abroad. After that the new president will attend observances in Poland of the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi death camp in Auschwitz, and will participate in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

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