Tuesday, 17 February 2009
After a month of Russia -Ukraine gas agreement, European Commission's Vice President Gunter Verheugen stated out that Russia - Ukraine gas dispute of early 2009 will not affect EU's attitude to Ukraine's Eurointegration bids. Verheugen and Tymoshenko came together at a joint news conference after signing the declaration between Ukraine and the European Commission on the policy in the field of small and medium-sized business development. While Verheugen put stress on country's desire and efforts it is taking to join the values of European Union, EU sees the gas dispute resolved and looks for the new system which will not be break down is such a crises. Verheugen said that the EU is satisfied with the result they have. On the other hand Tymoshenko claimed that Ukraine appreciates such credence adding that European integration remains Ukraine's strategic goal.
As a response to the EU's statements Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko said Ukraine fully supports the Eastern Partnership initiative. During the meeting Yushchenko also stressed that Ukraine's relations with the EU are fundamental and that dialogue on the key issues is underway.
The recent joint news conference was important not only because it was the first meeting after gas dispute but also because of its possible affects on Russia - EU relations. It is well known that EU - Ukraine relations mostly can not evaluated ignoring Russia and its position on Ukraine's possible membership. Since EU and Russia are trade partners predominantly in gas, it is generally accepted that Russia's policies towards Ukraine is being shaped by Ukraine's stance on world politics. Considering those factors, Verheugen's and Yushchenko's statements need special attention.
Habibe Ozdal (JTW)
