Ukraine-EU political association to be signed on March 21

The EU will sign the political portion of the Association Agreement with Ukraine at a March 21 summit in Brussels, according to a March 17 EU Council resolution. It reaffirmed its readiness to allocate serious macroeconomic aid to Ukraine and called upon the Ukrainian government to conduct reforms. “The EU also confirms its readiness to continue offering aid to Ukraine in ensuring the diversification of energy suppliers, increased energy effectiveness and effective cooperation with the EU,” the resolution said.

Zenon Zawada: Signing the Association Agreement is far greater retaliation against the Russians than any of the sanctions so far. Needless to say, the Kremlin won’t be pleased. We expect attempts to stir more trouble this weekend in pro-Russian regions of Ukraine, such as the Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts, where similar referenda could be organized.

What looks worrying in the EU Council resolutions is the lack of information on the timing of macroeconomic support for Ukraine, which European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said on March 11 would arrive this week.