Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine

The Chair of the Verkhovna Rada s Committee on Ukraine's Integration into the EU was a guest of the “Think Atlantic” podcast, which is run by the International Republican Institute. Together with MEP Andrius Kubilius, she discussed the possible reformatting of the EaP.

Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze noted that many in Brussels are relieved not to think about the stagnation in the Eastern Partnership, when the problems related to the COVID-19 pandemic are on the agenda. However, before looking for the ways to “treat” this format, it must first be diagnosed. “The only way forward is the fundamental change of the format and the content of the EaP. We have to ensure that it s not a simulacrum of the integration for the countries that are still under the Russian influence. We have to finally agree on using differentiation approach to the countries, which do have the European aspirations and which do not have them as such. At the same time, it s very easy to destroy and very difficult to build and create something new. So my suggestion is not to destroy but to transform”, — Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze said.

In recent years, Andrews Kubilius has advocated a differentiated approach in the European Parliament within the framework of the Eastern Partnership. He is convinced that the Trio's strategy towards Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia may become a transformation of the EaP.  “The differentiation policy within the EaP should be based on principle “more for more”, “less for less”. If Ukraine, for example, is very successful in reform policy — the EU will have to decide how to proceed further. Maybe we can come out with the kind of intermediate status for the EaP countries, which will bring all the benefits of the EU membership for those countries”, — Andrews Kubilius suggested.

The Chair of the Committee reminded that membership in the EU and NATO was a strategic goal of Ukraine and was enshrined in the Constitution. However, it takes time to do the “homework”. “The interim step could be an offer with clear understanding, given from the EU that yes, you are eligible, capable ant potentially welcomed, when you are ready. We can talk about sectoral integration, about this new and very interesting idea of interim membership. With all this different steps and the prospect, provided to the countries, that would be very welcomed from our side”, — Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze concluded.

The Eastern Partnership was launched in 2009 by Poland and Sweden. The aim of the initiative was to promote reform processes in the EU's partner countries, including through the association agreements, the creation of free trade zones, as well as the liberalization of the EU visa regime for citizens of partner countries.