Integrating Ukraine in Europe
Premier Viktor Yushchenko’s visit to Brussels left Kyiv feeling optimistic. Subsequent official statements sounded hopeful; some day the doors to the European Union would open to Ukraine, it would only be a matter of time.
But the sad fact remains that it is a question of much more than time. Clearly the distance between today’s Ukraine and the European Union, remains hopelessly wide for a variety of reasons. Romano Prodi, Chairman of the European Commission, said after a meeting with Viktor Yushchenko that Kyiv must first present its actual attainments to the EU and provide normal conditions for Western businessmen. Chris Patten, commissioner for EU foreign policy, has refuted Yushchenko’s statement that all differences between Kyiv and Brussels have been settled. Perhaps one positive aspect about Mr. Yushchenko’s trip is that at least both sides could discuss the possibility of some rapprochement.
Western newspapers showed little interest in Viktor Yushchenko’s visit, underlining the fact that, as far as Western Europe is concerned, Ukraine is a reality but a very remote one. Nobody regards it as a European polity and its status as an independent state was recognized only recently. Big-time western capital is not interested in Ukraine, hence in political quarters concern is muted. This absence of interest in Ukraine is explained largely by the country’s own lack of skill and desire, at all echelons of power, to create conditions which will attract foreign investment. There needs to be an ability to count not only one’s own money but also that in the state purse, to assume responsibility for one’s own actions and finally do something leading to Ukraine’s integration into all European institutions. An impoverished country, playing a game best known to itself, without any rules, with a rampantly corrupt regime, does not inspire anyone to consider doing serious business there. Viktor Yushchenko is the first Ukrainian Premier being generally positively regarded by the West, all scandals notwithstanding. But even he more often than not is treated with a noticeable degree of skepticism.
Still, this is just one side of the coin. Most EU countries refuse even to consider the theoretical possibility of Ukraine joining the exclusive club that is Europe one of these days. Some are loath to face complications with Russia, others do not understand what Ukraine is all about or why they should care about it one way or the other now that they have Russia. Anatoly Zlenko, Ukrainian Ambassador to France, correctly points out that no one is interested in backing a potential rival (without doubt Ukraine will eventually come out as a contender for European markets, at least in the agrarian sector and in terms of costs and quality). A paradoxical situation is taking shape: the West, refusing to support Ukraine at this stage while constantly talking about market reform, will be even less inclined to do should Ukraine show real economic growth.
Food for thought indeed. Viktor Yushchenko’s visit is perhaps the first sign that even Brussels does not rule out the need to think things over once in a while.
For the time being, there is the increasing likelihood of Ukraine eventually finding itself isolated, whether Kyiv likes it or not. Demands from Paris concerning rigid control over the eastern Polish and Hungarian borders only serve to emphasize this. As for the EU, it is on the verge of a grave constitutional crisis; the existing institutions are totally unprepared for any expanding and all talk about quick and effective reform or increasing EU membership, remains just that. Talk. What the EU will look like in the near future is anyone’s guess. Of course, under these circumstances no one will bother too much about Ukraine. The latter must, nevertheless, finally determine what it can expect from so-called European integration, clearly define the notion, and establish just how both sides are prepared for this integration, economically, politically, and psychologically.
So far there are no signs of such preparedness.
