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.