So here is it, the end of one year and the beginning of the next – so fittingly represented by this double issue dated December 25, 2016/January 1, 2017. Yes, dear readers, in your hands you are simultaneously holding the last issue of the year, and the first issue of the next year.
It’s nice, at this point on the calendar, to have some good news to report about Ukraine after what was yet another tumultuous year. We are referring to the European Commission’s report on Ukraine (a story about that appeared on the front page of our previous issue), which cited “intense and unprecedented reforms.” The joint report released on December 13 by the European External Action Service and the European Commission, took a look at Ukraine’s implementation of the association agenda agreed upon by Ukraine and the EU.
The summary to the report states: “In 2015 and 2016, Ukraine has undertaken intense and unprecedented reforms across a number of sectors of the economy and society, while its democratic institutions have been further revitalized. Ukraine is committed to the protection and promotion of common fundamental values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by the Russian Federation and the conflict in the east of the country provoked by Russia’s destabilizing actions pose significant challenges to Ukraine’s reform process from a political and economic perspective, in addition to causing significant human suffering. Ukraine is actively seeking peaceful legal and political solutions in this area.”
It underscores that Ukraine’s authorities “have committed to the reform agenda,” explaining that, “The practice of consultation with a particularly vibrant civil society and professional organizations in Ukraine has also gained ground. Across many reform areas, implementation is well advanced, while in others, legislation has been adopted and institutions put in place, with actual implementation still pending.”
The report also comments on Ukraine’s battle against corruption: “Ukraine has set up new anti-corruption institutions and adopted legislation on anti-corruption, which it is starting to implement. It is mainstreaming an innovative public procurement system (ProZorro)… Ukraine has diminished the space for corruption through reforms of the banking and energy sector… Constitutional amendments as well as new legislation on the judiciary have been adopted in order to strengthen judicial independence and to reorganize the court system… A civil service law and a strategy on reforming the public administration, in line with European standards, are in place. A new National Police has been set up.”
As well, the document reports on moves toward decentralization, progress in social/health policy, stabilization of the economy, and good governance initiatives.
To be sure, the EU report also cites negatives, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as a result of which “the humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine remains of serious concern, mainly in the non-government-controlled areas where humanitarian activities are restricted,” and the illegal annexation of Crimea, where “a new series of violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law” have occurred. “The human rights situation of Crimean Tatars remains a particular concern in this regard,” the report states. Also noted is the Ukrainian government’s “lack of progress so far in the investigation of crimes committed during Maidan in Kyiv (2013-14) and in Odesa (2 May 2014), persisting instances of torture and illegal detention, violations of freedom of expression and media (the safety of journalists), cases of socio-economic exclusion, discrimination based on different grounds and insufficient protection of vulnerable groups.”
Other topics covered in the detailed report include foreign and security policy, economic development and market opportunities, energy efficiency and the environment, and education and research.
Besides the over-all progress reported in various areas covered by the report, there is also good news in that, as EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/European Commission Vice-President Federica Mogherini said, “Ukraine can count on the European Union’s support moving forward.” Her words were seconded by Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn, who said, “The European Union will continue to support Ukraine in these efforts, both politically and financially.” Thus, as we enter 2017, we can certainly hope for more advancements in Ukraine.