EU sets conditions for Ukraine Association Agreement

The European Parliament approved yesterday of a report outlining three conditions for ratification of the Association Agreement with Ukraine. According to the resolution Ukraine must respect minority rights, the rule of law and end prosecution of opposition politicians before the EU will move ahead with the new pact. In other news, an EU spokesperson, quoted by Ukrayinska Pravda, named three critical areas needed before the annual EU-Ukraine Summit can take place in December: ensure free and fair parliamentary elections in October, take action to correct instances of selective justice against opposition leaders, and accelerate reforms that demonstrate a commitment to the Association Agreement. The EU and Ukraine concluded negotiations on the Association Agreement in late 2011 and approved of terms via initialing in July 2012, but further progress has been hampered over EU concerns about Ukrainian democracy.

Brad Wells: There is little hope for a restoration in EU-Ukraine relations ahead of the October 28 parliamentary election – as the ruling Party of Regions is too entrenched in their positions on prosecution of the opposition and other issues to back down, which could be viewed negatively by their electorate. At the same time, there might be some token easing after the election, though given that current government officials (which we believe are likely to remain in power) have paid little more than lip service so far to remedy EU concerns, we believe relations overall will continue to remain frosty.