Posted on 12/07/2011 6:18:27 AM PST by bremmer
With the euro zone crisis still dominating headlines, developments in the European Union's eastern neighborhood are perhaps not drawing as much attention as they deserve.
Ukraine has had to be content with being part of the EU's European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) and Eastern Partnership and been given a “to-do-list”, which, over time seems to become longer and more difficult. Being situated at the heart of Europe, Ukraine is without doubt a bona fide European state. Kiev has craved closer ties with the EU, but progress has been slow, because the EU has preferred to keep the country at arm's length. While many of Ukraine's neighbors have become EU members, Kiev has been refused in such perspective.
Nevertheless, Ukraine has made first step to give up on its EU dream. It is due to finalize negotiations on a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) and Association Agreement by the end of this year. In particular, the DCFTA negotiations have been tough, and Kiev has had to make a lot of concessions for an agreement which in the short term will be costly for the country. Unfortunately, these efforts have now become totally overshadowed by the judgment with regard to Ukrainian Ex-Prime-Minister Julia Tymoshenko. The case has viewed as politically motivated and caused a great wave of negative reaction from the side of European politicians, including intimidation to reject the signing of Association Agreement. However, according to the analysts by suspending talks on an association and DCFTA, the EU would not risk only its relationship with the most important country in eastern neighborhood but also the credibility of entire eastern neighborhood policy.
(Excerpt) Read more at euronewsweek.net ...
Would you buy a ticket on the Titanic after it has hit the iceberg?
The alternative is to be swallowed by Mother Russia always eager to dominate, a situation that has not exactly been a boon to Ukrainians in the past.
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