Azarov itching for a gamble

“I’d like to assess the progress we have made concerning the complex treaty on the free trade area between Ukraine and the EU,” MEP, vice chair of the Committee on International Trade, and member of the Security and Defense Subcommittee Pawel Zalewski told journalists. “My colleagues and I hope that the negotiations will finish by the end of the current year.”

The MEP emphasized that Poland will preside over the EU in the second half of the year, providing our country “with the most profitable terms that may be included in the treaty.” Zalewski emphasized that today both parties are willing to finish the negotiations, and the treaty which is being worked out is considered in Europe not only as a tool to increase bilateral trade, but also as a possibility for Ukraine’s further integration with the EU and the spread of European standards in our country. Zalewski highlights that it’s not only the European position, but “the desire and the good will of the Ukrainian government.” According to him, the government is not only talking about reforms, but is also planning them and making steps for their realization.

Such opinions, expressed by the politician from friendly Poland, and similar ones from other EU representatives, are reassuring. However, should we count our chickens before they hatch, expecting to quickly overcome the distance from association talks and a free trade area to EU membership? Our government seems to have forgotten this well-known proverb and makes far-reaching plans, assuring the country that we are on the verge of joining the union. In particular, the Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov is sure that our country will enter the EU “in 10 years maximum.” He even suggested a bet on it with former Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski.

Do our European partners share our optimism? Asked this question by The Day, Zalewski reminded that in the middle of the 1990s the French president predicted that Poland would become a full EU member in 2000. However, after the country carried out deep structural reforms and met the requirements that had been set during the negotiations, Poland entered the EU only in 2004. 1992 became a starting point for EU membership acquisition — when Poland signed the Association Agreement and a free trade area treaty with the EU, he remarked, stressing that Poland needed “12 years and reforms in all spheres” to enter the EU. Zalewski says that it’s difficult for him to predict how this process will develop in Ukraine, “it might happen faster as Ukraine has a possibility to use both the positive and negative Polish experience.” He also emphasized that the EU will have to consolidate to be able to accept new members. Zalewski is “almost sure” that it will happen in the nearest future and Ukraine will carry out the reforms needed to meet EU standards.

Another participant of that press-conference, the MP and co-chairman of the interfactional association European Choice Anatolii Kinakh, told The Day: “I’m quite skeptical when the Ukrainian government announces the dates of our EU membership as it has happened several times.” “We’re sure,” continued the MP, “that the date is not an end in itself. It’s essential for us to create the corresponding European standards in all spheres in Ukraine.” He also remarked: “When we announce this or that date, our EU friends and supporters get into an uncomfortable position as these dates aren’t agreed upon with them.”