Polish ambassador suggests CE8 group for Ukraine relations

The Ambassador of Poland to Ukraine Bartosz Cichocki
recommended a new platform for Ukraine’s relations with its neighbors. Speaking
at the 1st Ukrainian Central European Forum on Sept. 16, Cichocki offered a G7
ambassador-like format, and he pointed to the consultative role the G7
ambassadors play. To this end, he recommended that Ukrainian officials meet
with the CE8 ambassadors, consisting of the ambassadors of the Baltic States,
Visegrad Group, and Romania. He also suggested considering a role for Austria
in the group, ukinform.net reported on Sept. 17.

James Hydzik: Further
integrating Ukraine to the rest of Europe starts first and foremost with the
improving and strengthening of its ties with its neighbors in the EU. Without
that collective support, and on occasion, stick, the rest of the EU is far less
likely to accept Ukraine’s case. Also, making Ukraine a common focal point, at
least for the ambassadors here, strengthens their respective countries’
diplomatic positions with each other and with the outside world.