Mykola Katerynchuk: Political thriller with the EU continues, no “happy end” is expected

Today it is has become known that the 20th round of negotiations on the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union ended in failure.

The European Party of Ukraine believes that the reason for this is hastily internal and external policy of the government, its short-sightedness and unwillingness to improve the living standards of ordinary Ukrainians.

We consider such a resounding failure of the European prospects of Ukraine as a result of actions committed by the authorities in recent months. The primary and indisputable argument of the European Union representatives which is not in favor of approval of controversial moments of the Association Agreement was arrested Yulia Tymoshenko and her verdict. In addition, detention of other opposition figures and representatives of the previous government, their constant prosecution by law enforcement agencies also adversely affected the progress of negotiations.

Another strong argument against the European integration perspectives of Ukraine became the constant flirtation with Russia and declared on 18 October by the Vice Prime Minister Tihipko statement about the possibility of Ukraine to join the Customs Union in the event of further deterioration of relations with the EU. In fact, the authorities a priori knowingly waive the benefits of creating free trade zone with the European Union.

The European Party of Ukraine believes that such actions are contrary to the declared principles of government foreign policy. The government must realize aspirations of the majority of Ukrainians to live in the European community.

Regrettable is the fact that today’s negotiations have not determined the date of the next meeting of the EU and Ukraine representatives and in future it is even unclear if it can happen.

Therefore, we consider it necessary to address the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the recommendations to make a statement about keeping Ukraine’s European intentions. Ukraine has no right to cancel negotiations on the Association Agreement and shall announce it publicly, because the living standards of the EU citizens and European-Asian Economic Community countries can not even correlate.

In addition, the European Party of Ukraine demands the resignation of Minister of Foreign Affairs and execution of government promises given on Yulia Tymoshenko’s case.

Leader
of the European Party of Ukraine
Mykola Katerynchuk