Squaring the Circle: You Can’t Join Both EU and Eurasia

“If we say that we want to integrated into two integrated entities, the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Community, we are talking of squaring the circle. We can’t integrate into two customs, currency, and financial unions,” Oleksandr Chaly, foreign ministry state secretary for European integration, told the media people at the ministry’s press club. He went on to say that the possibility of a consolidated course toward European integration could be discussed today, because the whole thing is becoming like a national idea. European integration is a chance for Ukraine, and there are signs that the European Union has recognized the fact. This course is supported by presidential edicts and parliamentary resolutions, Mr. Chaly pointed out.

He believes that the idea of European integration can serve as a basis for the parliamentary majority, although the current Verkhovna Rada with its political potential will be more consistent in following that course than its predecessor, majority or none.

Despite Mr. Chaly’s optimistic forecast, the fact remains that there is squaring the circle in Ukrainian politics. Among other things, this can be explained by the struggle for European integration and resistance by those supporting the Eurasian direction or even their own options of national development.