MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Ukraine

16.2.2010

to wind up the debate on statements by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
pursuant to Rule 110(2) of the Rules of Procedure

Adina-Ioana Vălean and Siiri Oviir on behalf of the ALDE Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B7-0116/2010

B7‑0116/2010

European Parliament resolution on the situation in Ukraine

The European Parliament,

–   having regard to its previous resolutions on Ukraine,

–   having regard to the Eastern Partnership launched in Prague in May 2009,

–   having regard to the conclusions of the EU–Ukraine Summit held in Kiev on 4 December 2009,

–   having regard to the Statement and Recommendations of the EU–Ukraine Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, which met in Kiev from 26 to 27 October 2009,

–   having regard to Ukraine’s accession to the Energy Community Treaty, approved by the ECT Ministerial Council held in Zagreb in December 2009,

–   having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between the European Union and Ukraine, which entered into force on 1 March 1998, and to the ongoing negotiations on the Association Agreement (AA) designed to replace the PCA,

–   having regard to the EU–Ukraine Association Agenda, replacing the Action Plan, set up in June 2009,

–   having regard to the agreement between the European Community and Ukraine on visa facilitation, signed on 18 June 2007, which entered into force on 1 January 2008,

–   having regard to the results of the Ukrainian presidential election, in which the first round was held on 17 January and the second round on 7 February 2010,

–   having regard to the statement by the OSCE/ODHIR Observation Mission on the presidential election of 17 January and 7 February 2010, concluding that most international standards were met,

–   having regard to Rule 110(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas the fact that the presidential elections that took place on 17 January and 7 February 2010 were conducted smoothly with respect to civil and political rights shows that Ukraine is able to conduct free and fair elections,

B.  whereas the conclusions of the OSCE/ODHIR Election Observation Mission describing the elections as being mostly in line with international standards gives reason to believe that the Ukrainian authorities can ensure political stability, thus giving the authorities the opportunity to rebuild a stable political environment in order to restore the country’s economy,

C. whereas one of Parliament’s main foreign policy objectives is to enhance and foster the European Neighbourhood Policy, which aims at strengthening the political, economic and cultural relations of the countries concerned with the EU and its Member States,

D. whereas the Eastern Partnership is taking shape; whereas the new Ukrainian authorities should work in order to realise its objectives,

E.  whereas the EU favours a stable and democratic Ukraine that respects the principles of the market economy, the rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities and that guarantees fundamental rights,

F.  whereas Ukraine’s accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) marks an important step in Ukraine’s acceptance of international and European economic standards and of enhanced trade links with the EU, and accelerates the negotiations on the establishment of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) as an integral part of the Association Agreement,

G. whereas the accession of Ukraine to the Energy Community Treaty is of great importance for all parties,

H. whereas, irrespective of the presidential election results, Ukraine will follow its current road towards constitutional reforms in order to establish a viable and efficient system of checks and balances to define a clear distribution of competences between the President, the Cabinet of Ministers and the Verkhovna Rada,

I.   whereas Ukraine’s domestic political stability and focus on internal reform is a prerequisite for the further development of relations between the EU and Ukraine; whereas bilateral and multilateral relations (the Eastern Partnership) are a precondition for Ukraine’s cooperation by enhancing the country’s undisputed consistency in fulfilling its objectives,

J.   whereas the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine must serve as an instrument of the reform process and give a stronger role to civil society,

1.  Welcomes the reports by the International Election Observation Mission on the presidential elections (17 January – 7 February 2010) observing that significant progress has been made compared to previous elections, with this election having met most OSCE and EU standards on free and fair elections;

2.  Welcomes the statement by the OSCE/ODHIR Election Observation Mission on respect for civil and political rights, including freedom of assembly, association and expression in a pluralistic media environment;

3.  Welcomes the fact that this election saw a diverse field of candidates representing alternative political views, offering the electorate a genuine choice;

4.  Recognises that Ukraine, as a European country, shares a common history and common values with the countries of the European Union and acknowledges Ukraine’s European aspirations;

5.  Stresses the need for political and economic stabilisation, notably through constitutional reform, consolidation of the rule of law, and renewed efforts to combat corruption and improve the business and investment climate;

6.  Stresses the importance of reinforcing cooperation between Ukraine and the EU in the field of energy and calls for further agreements between the EU and Ukraine aimed at securing energy supplies for both sides, including a reliable transit system for oil and gas;

7.  Underlines the fact that, although progress has been made, the existing visa facilitation agreement should be re-examined with long-term objectives in mind and calls on the Council to mandate the Commission to revise this agreement with the Ukrainian authorities in order to work on a roadmap towards visa-free travel for Ukraine;

8.  Regrets that election rules remain an ongoing subject of discussion and points out that the existing election law, as amended in August 2009, is regarded by OSCE/ODHIR as a backward step compared to previous legislation, resulting in an unclear and incomplete legal framework; therefore encourages the Ukrainian authorities to review and complete the country’s electoral legislation;

9.  Calls on the Commission and the Council to reaffirm the EU’s willingness to help Ukraine in this direction through the instruments proposed by the Eastern Partnership and the EU–Ukraine Association Agenda;

10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Member States, and the government and parliament of Ukraine.