MEPs raise EU membership prospect for Ukraine

The Parliament has given overwhelming support to a resolution
that would offer a “clear European perspective” to Ukraine. The
Commission, however, says that Kiev’s membership is “not on the
agenda”.

In a non-binding vote, the 13 January plenary session of the
European Parliament in Strasbourg decided overwhelmingly to endorse
Ukraine’s aspirations for membership of the EU. 

In a resolution which passed with 467 votes in favour, 19
against and seven abstentions, the MEPs welcomed the “substantially
fair elections” held on 26 December 2004, and said that the time
was ripe to consider frameworks for association with Ukraine other
than the EU’s Neighbourhood Policy, which they said should be
revised in order to help Ukraine in its political and economic
reforms. According to the resolution, Ukraine should be given a
“clear European perspective” that comes complete with “the
possibility that Ukraine enters the EU”. The reviewed plan is
scheduled to be officially presented to Kiev later in January.

The EPP-ED Group said that “it is in our best interest” to
encourage reforms in the country, and thus “we must offer Ukraine
the prospect of EU membership”. The ALDE Group welcomed the EP
vote, arguing that “our duty is to open Europe to
Ukraine”. 

The Council and the Commission, however, continue to be
reluctant to expressly designate Ukraine as an EU candidate. For
now, the Commission aims to enhance ties with Kiev by offering a
“new kind of relationship” once the country manifests progress with
its reforms under President Viktor Yushchenko. Commissioner Janez
Potocnik said in no uncertain terms that “the question of
Ukrainian entry into the European Union is not on the agenda”. The
EU’s current Action Plan with Ukraine was negotiated with the
government of former Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich.

Meanwhile, President Yushchenko has been invited to Brussels,
and his scheduled February visit is also likely to take him to
the Parliament.

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