“Reloading” by Khoroshkovsky

Probably, many people have already forgotten the word “reloading” introduced into the foreign-policy vocabulary by Hillary Clinton in 2009. We remind our readers that this way Barack Obama’s administration tried to improve the relations with Russia. It is a separate issue whether they managed to do it or not. Last Monday the term “reloading” was used by the First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Valerii Khoroshkovsky during the conference “EU-Ukraine Relations: the Road Ahead” in Brussels. “We have to take our relations with the EU back on the right track. To the fast track, I think... Thus, I would say that we have to ‘reload’ the relations between the EU and Ukraine,” UNIAN quotes him as saying.

Khoroshkovsky also remarked that he sees three main points in the agenda of the EU-Ukraine relations. The first point is holding honest and free parliamentary election in Ukraine this autumn, the second one is carrying out efficient reforms, the reforms aiming at improving the business climate among them, and the third one is pursuing policy of the European integration of Ukraine. The first deputy prime minister emphasized that none of these points can be realized without the others.

The Day addressed the political expert and program director of the European Policy Centre Amanda PAUL who attended this conference and asked her to comment the declarations made by the Ukrainian officials who participated in the conference.

“I think that Khoroshkovsky’s declaration about ‘reloading’ the relations between the EU and Ukraine was right and very timely. It is clear that in 2012 Ukraine and the EU are having hard times. That is why it is high time to analyze the mistakes that have been made and to put real efforts into ‘reloading’ the relationship. Khoroshkovsky also said that we need a new positive program. I think he has good ideas and we need a new moment, new positive dynamics to develop our relations. He is a brand new person who got down to this dossier and he has some new ideas. It is natural. I think that he will be gaining weight over the next few months due to the ‘reloading’ and positive agenda.”

So, you have no doubts that Khoroshkovsky and the Ukrainian government sincerely want to integrate into the EU as quickly as possible?

“I cannot say about Ukraine in general since I will have to consider various Ukrainians’ views. As for Khoroshkovsky, it seems to me that he has been always focused on the European integration. He managed to carry out successful reforms when he was minister of economy. He made it clear that he will work pragmatically and dynamically at his new position. However, he has been at his position for less than a week now. As we know, you do not know how a pie tastes until you try it. However, he sent right messages. It is true that we need to reload EU-Ukraine relations. Khoroshkovsky’s declaration was a good start.”

What about the declarations made by the secretary of the Council of National Security and Defense Andrii Kliuiev who admitted that Tymoshenko case has affected the image of our country and assured that “the Ukrainian authorities are doing their best to provide the further unprejudiced and transparent cassation concerning the national legislation and European standards.” On the other hand, he said that Ukraine would join the Customs Union using the formula 3+1. Are these declarations, especially the second one, the evidence of the movement towards the EU?

“As for the Customs Union, Ukraine has a positive approach. I think that EU’s reaction to this cooperation format was normal. It is thought that it will not hinder Ukraine’s integration into the EU. However, I have also read the declarations made by Moscow proving that Russia does not want to have such format of relations. Of course, it is difficult to deal with the Russians since they always want everything to be done as they want and they want their interests to be met the best. They want Ukraine to behave as they want and not as Ukraine wants. That is why this Ukraine’s declaration is correct. As for Tymoshenko case, let’s watch the developments. It is not the first time that Kliuiev or other members of Yanukovych’s government make similar declarations. Probably, they have realized that if they seriously want to make Ukraine closer to the EU they have to seriously stick to the European values. We have an impression that some of the Ukrainian officials understood that their behavior in Tymoshenko case does not correspond to the European values. Let’s hope that they sincerely want to change the situation with Tymoshenko case.”

The European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy Stefan Fuele has admitted that EU-Ukraine relations reached their critical point.

“EU-Ukraine relations have had their ups and downs. It is true that now the relations are at the lowest level. This is the reason why Khoroshkovsky said that we need ‘reloading.’ It is absolutely correct. However, it is not so easy to be done. There is a lot of work ahead.”

However, on the other hand he declared that the Association Agreement can be signed this autumn. Does it mean that it can happen before the parliamentary election in Ukraine and can it be a certain spur for carrying out reforms in our country?

“It is absolutely clear that the chances to sign the agreement before the parliamentary election are very insignificant. In all probability, he meant that it could be done after the election. Commissioner Fuele is doing a great job and he is very devoted to Ukraine. However, Ukraine has to do its part of work and in this respect Khoroshkovsky’s new positive program and his ‘reloading’ are very important. If it brings specific results in a number of areas including the judicial and constitutional reforms, fight against corruption… Khoroshkovsky said that these are the areas he is going to focus on. It is true that Ukraine has to demonstrate some progress in these areas. In my opinion, if the right steps are taken, the association agreement can be signed after the election. It will be positive for both EU and Ukraine and will become an efficient tool that will help Ukraine to transform in many areas.”

A lot of Europeans think that Kliuiev was a great negotiator with Brussels and his appointment as the secretary of the Council of National Security and Defense looks strange. What do you think about it, might it slow down the European integration of Ukraine?

“There is no doubt that Kliuiev did a good job. Everybody admits that he was efficient as the deputy prime minister. Unfortunately, he was involved in some scandals in Ukraine that I think resulted in his dismissal. However, there is no reason to doubt that Khoroshkovsky will positively influence the European integration. First of all, he speaks English and does not need the interpreter. It is very positive. Secondly, he has a business experience and is quite smart. He will have to quickly get down to work. Considering that he will have to deal with the EU, IMF, and Russia it will not be easy. It is true that Kliuiev worked well. Probably, he would have profited more from keeping his former position. We have to give Khoroshkovsky a chance and hope that he will realize his positive program.”