EU Offers Ukraine Closer Ties To Brussels

KIEV, Ukraine -- A high-ranking European delegation visiting Kiev for a bilateral summit, on Friday urged Ukraine's leadership to break free of longstanding political turmoil promising stronger cooperation in return, but stopped short of offering EU membership to the troubled former Soviet republic.

A powerful EU "troika" - José Manuel Barroso (L), Benita Ferrero-Waldner (C) and Javier Solana (R)
The meeting was held at a crucial period for Ukraine, two weeks before snap parliamentary elections will gauge how much progress Kiev's fragile democracy has made since the Orange Revolution of 2004.

Political parties backing Kiev's pro-western president, Viktor Yushchenko, will battle for power with Viktor Yanukovich, the current premier and leader of a governing coalition viewed as loyal to Moscow interests.

The summit was attended by European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner and High Representative Javier Solana.

Ms Ferrero-Waldner said: "The mere fact that we have attended this summit two weeks ahead of the elections is a signal of trust from the EU in Ukraine and its democratic institutions. Hopefully the elections will be free and fair."

"We have a huge amount of issues" in the pipeline, she said pointing to an un-ratified agreement signed this summer aimed at relaxing Schengen visa access for Ukrainians.

Both sides are also to strengthen energy security cooperation and ink a free trade agreement to open up bilateral market access by 95 per cent, she said.

"We have gone very far with Ukraine." she added.

Trade between the EU and Ukraine has steadily increased, totalling €26.6 billion in 2006, making the EU one of Ukraine's leading trade partners.

Foreign Direct Investment from the EU into Ukraine swelled from €230m in 2003 topping €5.5 bn last year.

Mr Yushchenko has repeatedly called upon Brussels to provide a signal of his country's chances to join the union.

Ms Ferrero-Waldner said Ukraine was "not ready" and should focus on building democratic institutions and implementing reforms.

Source: MSNBC