MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

3.4.2006

to wind up the debate on statements by the Council and Commission
pursuant to Rule 103(2) of the Rules of Procedure
by Charles Tannock, Elmar Brok, Iles Braghetto, Christopher Beazley, Jerzy Buzek, Bogdan Klich, Aldis Kušķis, Marcello Vernola, Zbigniew Zaleski, Tadeusz Zwiefka and Rihards Pīks
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group
on the situation in Ukraine after the 26 March 2006 Ukrainian elections

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B6-0235/2006

B6‑0240/2006

European Parliament resolution on the situation in Ukraine after the 26 March 2006 Ukrainian elections

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to its resolution of 20 November 2003[1] on ‘Wider Europe - Neighbourhood: A New Framework for Relations with our Eastern and Southern Neighbours’,

–  having regard to its resolutions of 28 October 2004[2] and 2 December 2004[3] on the previous rounds of the presidential elections in Ukraine,

–  having regard to its resolution of 13 January 2005[4] on the results of the Ukraine elections,

–  having regards to its resolution of 19 January 2006[5] on the European Neighbourhood Policy,

–  having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, and Ukraine[6], which entered into force on 1 March 1998,

–  having regard to European Council Common Strategy 1999/877/CFSP on Ukraine[7], adopted by the European Council in Helsinki on 11 December 1999,

–  having regard to the Joint EU-Ukraine Action Plan endorsed by the EU-Ukraine Cooperation Council on 21 February 2005,

–  having regard to the Joint Statement issued at the European Union-Ukraine Summit of 1 December 2005 in Kiev,

–  having regard to the Council of the European Union decision of 23 December 2005 granting Ukraine Market Economy Status,

–  having regard to the OSCE/ODIHR's preliminary statement on the Ukrainian elections of 27 March 2006,

–  having regard to Rule 103(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas the European Neighbourhood Policy recognises Ukraine’s European aspirations and the importance of Ukraine as a country with strong historical, cultural and economic links to the Member States of the EU, and whereas a genuine and balanced partnership can only be developed on the basis of shared values with regard, in particular, to democracy, the rule of law and respect for human and civil rights,

B.  whereas the serious political crisis of December 2004 led not to bloodshed but to the adoption of internationally recognised democratic standards and to the free and fair election of President Viktor Yushchenko,

C.  whereas the European Union, its Member States and Ukraine have since moved towards an ever closer relationship based on shared respect for fundamental European values and human rights,

D.  whereas, despite constitutional reforms, Ukraine is still in a period of transition and whereas further clarification of the powers of the Presidency and the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada is needed,

E.  whereas Ukrainian society has strongly manifested its commitment to democracy, the rule of law and other values which are at the basis of the European Union,

F.  whereas Ukraine has clearly confirmed its desire to be part of Europe and its willingness to be integrated with the European Union on the basis of the EU’s fundamental principles and criteria,

G.  whereas the 'orange revolution', and the year of reforms since, have been an example to other former Soviet Union states as to the values of democracy and respect for human rights,

H.  whereas the parliamentary elections of 26 March 2006 were held in a transparent and satisfactory manner, which fully respects Ukraine's international obligations as a member of the OSCE and Council of Europe,

1.  Welcomes the substantial transformation of Ukraine since the fair elections held on 26 December 2004 and expresses satisfaction at the rise of democratic values and transparent government in Ukraine, but calls for further action towards transparency and democratic institution-building; welcomes the inclusion of Ukraine as a member of the Council of Europe's Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO);

2.  Welcomes the fact that the parliamentary and local elections of 26 March 2006 were held in a satisfactory manner fully in accordance with international electoral standards and that Ukraine is firmly on the path towards becoming a mature democracy and assuming its rightful place in the European community of democratic nations;

3.  Calls again upon the new government formed after these elections to consolidate Ukraine’s espousal of common European values and objectives by taking further steps to promote democracy, human rights, civil society and the rule of law, by further pursuing the liberal market reforms and by overcoming the political divisions in Ukraine;

4.  Repeats its support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine and Ukraine's right to legislate the conditions under which foreign military units and bases can be located on its soil;

5.  Welcomes the Council’s adoption of the EU-Ukraine Action Plan on 21 February 2005; calls for its rapid implementation; stresses, however, that the Council and Commission must consult with the European Parliament on all Action Plans foreseen under the European Neighbourhood Policy;

6.  Calls on the Commission to draft an Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States and Ukraine, to replace the current Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which expires in 2008; looks forward to a visa-facilitation agreement between the EU and Ukraine with the final goal of a non-visa regime but in the interim calls on the Commission to fully respect the existing agreements on free multiple entry visas with seven Member States, and looks forward to other actions towards Ukraine's European integration; calls for further action to move Ukraine towards full World Trade Organisation membership and granting of market economy status by the EU Member States;

7.  Calls on the Council, the Commission and the Member States to support economic and administrative reforms in Ukraine through the relevant programmes and projects, including a substantial increase in financial assistance;

8.  Recalls in this context the provisions of Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union, which state that EU membership is an option for all European countries that satisfy the relevant conditions and obligations; looks forward to a sustained transition process in Ukraine that would bring the country towards this objective, and commits itself to assisting and supporting Ukraine in this process;

9.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Parliament and Government of Ukraine, the Parliamentary Assemblies of NATO and the OSCE, and the Council of Europe.

• [1]  OJ C 87 E, 7.4.2004, p. 506.
• [2]  Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2004)0046.
• [3]  Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2004)0074.
• [4]  Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2005)0009.
• [5]  Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2006)0028.
• [6]  OJ L 49, 19.2.1998, p. 3.
• [7]  OJ L 331, 23.12.1999, p. 1. Common strategy as amended by Common Strategy 2003/897/CFSP of the European Council of 12 December 2003 (OJ L 333, 20.12.2003, p. 96).