After the financial and sovereign debt crisis, state bailouts and budget cuts, the May 2014 European elections are expected to take the pulse of public confidence towards the European Union. For the first time, voters will also indirectly choose the next president of the European Commission, giving citizens a fresh chance to shape the future of Europe.

If the authorities in Kyiv release Yulia Tymosenko and the country’s parliament continues to deliver on reform, Brussels should be ready not only to sing through the EU-Ukraine association agreement, but Ukrainians must make sure that they deliver after receiving this “privileged treatment”, MEP Jacek Saryusz-Wolski told EurActiv in an interview.

In the face of the antiquated gunboat diplomacy practiced by Russia vis-à-vis Ukraine, the EU representation in Kyiv has launched a communication programme called ‘Stronger together,' in line with the European aspirations of the Ukrainians, writes Martin Nunn.