EU’s top diplomat backs speedy conclusion of association agreement with Ukraine

Catherine Ashton, high representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy, said she favored conclusion of an association agreement with Ukraine as soon as possible as a mechanism to encourage Ukraine to adopt European standards and laws in comments made yesterday to the European Parliament, according to Interfax. Ashton is expected to visit Ukraine on September 29, according to an announcement yesterday from Ukraine’s presidential administration. Brad Wells: Ashton’s comments and upcoming visit are very encouraging for EU-Ukraine relations and overshadow growing criticism in Europe over Ukraine’s persecution of opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko. Ukraine has high expectations of concluding an association agreement and free trade pact with the European Union at the annual EU-Ukraine summit in Kyiv this December, particular since Ukraine’s biggest EU champion, Poland, is now holding the presidency of the council of the EU until January 1. We view conclusion of these agreements this winter as likely, but expect a lengthy-adoption scenario by EU members over concern for Ukraine’s democratic record – with true benefits of the agreements for Ukraine delayed for the mid-term (see more in our politics flash note from August 9).