The EU's response to the crisis in Ukraine - EPP Group Policy Paper
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EPP Group Policy Paper
The EU’s response
to the crisis in Ukraine
EPP Group
in the European ParliamentTh e EU ’s re s p o n s e to th e c ris is in U k ra in e
EPP Group Policy Paper
EPP Group Policy Paper
The EU’s response
to the crisis in UkraineTh e EU ’s re s p o n s e to th e c ris is in U k ra in e
EPP Group Policy Paper
Table of Contents
Introduction � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 5
1. Supporting the reform efforts � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 7
2. Restrictive measures � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11
3. Strengthening security � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 13
4. Enhancing energy security � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 17
Conclusion � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 19
2 3Th e EU ’s re s p o n s e to th e c ris is in U k ra in e
EPP Group Policy Paper
Introduction
> > The people of Ukraine spoke clearly and decisively in favour of peace, stability,
and a European, pro-reformist course for their country in the early parliamentary election
of 26 October. The Ukrainian authorities received double legitimacy this year through
the presidential and parliamentary elections and a mandate to pursue this course with
determination. The parliamentary election was pluralist, conducted orderly, fairly and
in accordance with internationally-recognised standards.
>> Today, Ukraine has again a unique opportunity to modernise, develop, prosper and
establish a genuine democracy and rule of law. Citizens of Ukraine expect their leaders
to deliver and cooperate pragmatically, not to engage in paralysing quarrels as was the
case in the not very distant past. The swift constitution and the participation of all pro-
European and pro-reformist parties in the new government is a very positive signal.
>> The European Union is at a critical juncture. Russia’s aggressive and expansionist policy
constitutes a threat to the unity and independence of Ukraine and to the European Union
itself. Considering the latest developments in Ukraine, the EU should not be naive and
must be ready to provide a strong and effective answer to the crisis. The principle of
international law agreed by all European countries, including Russia, is the respect of the
right of any sovereign country, including Ukraine, to have full freedom to decide about its
political association and economic integration without external interference. Freedom,
democracy, sovereignty, territorial integrity and the rule of law are not negotiable.
>> In the coming months, Ukraine faces the following main challenges: the occupation and
annexation of some parts of its territories, the implementation of the Minsk Agreements,
and an ambitious reform agenda. The role of the European Union is to actively engage in
supporting and assisting in this substantial reform effort. The end goal is for Ukraine to
come out of the current crisis as a showcase of successful reforms which will benefit the
people and change their lives for the better.
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EPP Group Policy Paper
1. Supporting
the reform efforts
> > Ukraine needs to introduce necessary > > In this difficult war environment,
deep and comprehensive economic, social Ukraine will have to tackle the
and political reforms on the basis of substantial reform agenda in parallel
a social market economy. The country to the crisis situation in the East.
needs a competitive economic system The reform programme proposed by
which provides a level playing field for President Poroshenko, including laws
everyone. It needs a justice system which on anti-corruption, decentralisation and
follows the letter and spirit of the law amnesty, is a step in the right direction
and is independent. A new constitution and needs to become a reality.
should strengthen transparency and
clearly distinguish the competences of >> Ukraine’s financial situation is of critical
the main authorities, thus avoiding an importance. A country that is under
unnecessary power struggle. The process external attack and at the same time needs
of decentralisation must not destroy the to drive forward deep and comprehensive
unity of the country and the authority reforms needs substantial support to
of the central government in crucial tackle its expenditure. The EU’s 11 billion
issues such as internal and external Euro package will support Ukraine over
affairs, economic order and policy. the next few years, including the Macro
The country’s financial system will give Financial Assistance and the loans
more competence and responsibility to from the IMF, the World Bank and
the regions and in effect bring decisions the EU-based International Financial
closer to the people. A main priority is Institutions. Financial assistance should
to eradicate systemic corruption. It is the be provided in a more flexible and swift
cancer in the fabric of Ukrainian society manner thus adjusting their conditions
and political life. to the specific circumstances of Ukraine.
However, it should be firmly dependent
6 7T h e E U’s r esponse to the cr isis in Ukr aine Th e EU ’s re s p o n s e to th e c ris is in U k ra in e
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on the achievements of conditions against the EU acquis that is part of the AA/ bilateral assistance by EU Member whilst Ukrainian authorities should set
which the reform progress would be DCFTA. States’ parliaments. up an EU Integration and Assistance
measured. In this context, we call for Coordination Ministr y base d on
an international donor conference in >> The EPP Group stands ready to step >> Swifter and more substantial technical similar experience in Central European
December 2014 and the setting-up up the involvement of the European assistance should be provided by the countries. Such an office should be
of a new “European Marshall Plan for Parliament in supporting the work European Commission’s “Ukraine vested with sufficient implementing
Ukraine”. of the Verkhovna Rada on European Support Group”. Reform can only be and administrative powers to monitor,
affairs. The activities of the future enforced when administrative capacities sup er vise and ana lyse the reform
> > T h e A A / D C F TA i s r a t i f i e d . It Parliamentary Association Committee are streng thened. To this end, EU progress. The visibility, accountability
cannot and will not be changed. The should aim at strengthening democracy Institutions and Member States should and transparency of using the EU’s and
implementation of the AA/DCFTA and the visibility of the EU in Ukraine deploy as many technical advisers as international donors’ assistance must be
should constitute the roadmap for and could provide a framework for possible to assist in its implementation, ensured.
reform in Ukraine. It is regrettable
that the Russian leadership has so far >> The European Union needs to strength-
perceived the EU-Ukraine AA/DCFTA en the Ukrainian civil society. It already
as a threat to its own interests. On the functions as an effective watchdog ,
contrary, the agreement represents exerting necessary pressure and assist-
potential gains for Russia through ing the authorities in delivering on their
increased trade and economic activities promise of reforms.
and a more stable neighbourhood. Given
the agreed timeline for implementing >> It is important for the EU, along with
the AA/DCFTA, Russia has no grounds the Ukrainian authorities, to devote
to criticise the EU-Ukraine Agreement further attention to the humanitarian
or to react with unjustified trade crisis in Ukraine resulting from Russia’s
restrictions and military aggression. aggression. The EU should provide
The prolongation of the autonomous further funding to cope with the dire
trade measures is a de facto deepened humanitarian conditions, in particular
asymmetrical implementation of the the situation of Internally Displaced
agreement. Ukraine should make best Persons in Ukraine.
use of the time until 31 December 2015
to speed up the implementation of
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EPP Group Policy Paper
2. Restrictive measures
>> Russia’s military intervention and occu- illegitimate “vote” in parts of Donbas on
pation of Ukrainian territory is in breach 2 November, following the principle of
of international law and Russia’s own “more for more”.
commitments resulting from the UN
Charter, the OSCE Helsinki Final Act >> The European Union should work on a
and the Budapest Memorandum. communication strategy to counter the
Russian propaganda campaign directed
>> As long as Russia does not fully respect towards Europe, Ukraine and Russia it-
and deliver on its Minsk commitments self.
and does not change its course of action
in Ukraine, the EU will maintain its >> In the light of the international investi-
restrictive measures against it. The Minsk gation led by the Netherlands into the
commitments include, in particular, the downing of the Malaysia airlines flight
full and unconditional withdrawal from MH17 on Thursday 17 July, the EU
Ukraine of all Russian troops, illegal should continue to insist on all parties
armed groups, military equipment, involved to guarantee immediate, safe
militants and mercenaries, the permanent and unrestricted access to the MH 17
monitoring and verification of the crash site.
Ukrainian-Russian border by the OSCE
Special Monitoring Mission and the
exchange of prisoners, including Nadiya
Savchenko. The EU should be ready
to step up its restrictive measures and
broaden its scope, in case of any further
Russian escalation and destabilisation
of Ukraine, such as the illegal and
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3. Strengthening security
>> On 16 July, the Council of the European forces need a substantial overhaul. In
Union lifted the arms embargo on this regard, the transformation of the
Ukraine. There are now no objections, armed forces of the EU Member States
including legal restrictions, for Member who belonged to the former Warsaw Pact
States to provide arms to Ukraine, which provides a wealth of experience. The EU
could be based on a “lend-lease” style could assist the Ukrainian authorities in
arrangement. conducting this task, notably within the
framework of the CSDP which already
> > The immediate task is to strengthen provides training missions for armed
Ukraine’s defence capabilities as requested forces in other parts of the world.
by its authorities. This includes: soldier
protection and individual equipment, > > The work of the O SCE Spe cia l
weapons, anti-tank missile systems, Monitoring Mission is of crucia l
munitions, surveillance, intelligence, importance for reducing tensions and to
communications, enhancement of the help foster peace, stability and security.
navy to be able to defend the Black Sea Its effects on the ground however have
coast, and air defence systems including to be stepped up in order to provide
anti-aircraft and combat training effective control and verification of
facilities. The EU should explore ways to the Ukrainian-Russian border while
support the Ukrainian Government in upholding the objectivity of its actions.
enhancing its defence capabilities.
>> The foreseen deployment of the CSDP
>> Ukraine can only function properly once EU Advisory Mission to Ukraine is a
effective law enforcement, intelligence first step towards providing assistance
and defence sectors are in place. The to the civilian sector reform, including
Ukrainian defence structures and armed police and the rule of law. The EU
12 13T h e E U’s r esponse to the cr isis in Ukr aine Th e EU ’s re s p o n s e to th e c ris is in U k ra in e
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should deploy, if requested by the
Ukrainian authorities, an EU monitoring
mission to provide an effective control
and monitoring mechanism of the
Ukrainian-Russian border.
> > The EU should update its Security
Strateg y to respond to the new
geopolitical situation, especially with
regard to a new threat of hybrid war, as
well as enhance the CSDP cooperation
with its Eastern partners.
>> At the last NATO Summit, the Allies
reaff irme d NATO’s supp or t for
‘Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence
and territorial integrity’. The EU should
significantly enhance the coordination of
its security response with that of NATO
which remains a decisive framework for
action.
14 15Th e EU ’s re s p o n s e to th e c ris is in U k ra in e
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4. Enhancing
energy security
>> The EU’s only viable answer to Russia’s >> The radical enhancement of the EU’s
threat is to stand together and speak with energ y security by decreasing its
one voice. This also includes a genuine dependency on Russia and increasing
Common External Energy Policy as well its resilience to external pressure is of
as the creation of a European Energy the utmost importance. This includes
Union. The agreement between the EU, the strengthening of indigenous energy
Russia and Ukraine under the leadership sources, energy efficiency and renewables
of the then European Commissioner for as well as import diversification through
Energy, Günther Oettinger (EPP) on partnerships with, among others, the
the winter package of 30 October 2014, US, Norway and the Mediterranean.
represents a crucial and binding step The development of infrastructure and
which should secure the delivery of gas interconnectors, among Member States
by Russia until March 2015. However, and our neighbourhood countries, is
the public statements of Russian a priority project of common interest.
Energy Minister Alexander Novak that Furthermore, reverse flow technology
the agreement was not binding, are is key to establishing a g enuinely
unacceptable. independent EU energy market.
> > As a result of Russia’s pressures on
Ukraine, the Ukrainian gas market is in
a desperate state. EU financial assistance
should be provided to Ukraine to rebuild
and modernise its pipeline network.
The Ukrainian Government should be
encouraged to reform its energy sector
in order to increase energy efficiency and
phase out wasteful subsidies.
16 17T h e E U’s r esponse to the cr isis in Ukr aine Th e EU ’s re s p o n s e to th e c ris is in U k ra in e
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Conclusion
>> Pipeline projects in our neighbourhood countries to the EU, independently from > > Russia is a party to the UN Charter, > > Europe today, having drawn lessons
have to undergo a critical review that Russian gas geopolitics. the Helsinki Final Act, the Budapest from the dark past of the world wars,
takes the current political situation Memorandum and the Russia-NATO is founded on the principle of respect
fully into account. The South Stream > > L a s t l y, w e h a v e t o s e e k t h e f u l l Founding Act and a member of the for international law. It is confronted
project is politically not viable and enforcement of the internal common Council of Europe. It is a country with a conflict that has revived the
should be stopped. Instead, projects energy market, including the 3rd Energy firmly rooted in international legal tragic memories of years long gone
that create diversification of energ y Package. The pending court case against commitments and obligations. There when democracy and freedom could
supply have to be given priority. This Gazprom needs to be immediately is no argument for the use of military not be taken for granted. This is why
entails the resurrection of the Nabucco pursued and the ruling enforced without force in Europe in defence of so-called an EU response based on appeasement
pipeline and further projects that can exception. historical and security reasons or for would encourage Russia to expand its
link the South Caucasus, the Middle East, the protection of one’s minority living hybrid war tactics to other neighbours.
the Mediterranean and Central Asian abroad. This policy cannot be accepted In this regard, the re-enactment of the
in the 21st century. Crimean scenario in Transnistria must
be prevented.
> > Ukra ine is facing an unde clare d
hybrid war waged by Russia. It is a > > There cannot be growth in the EU
multidimensional conflict which blends without stability around us. Our master
elements of cyber warfare, use of regular plan has to include strategies to turn
and irregular forces, propaganda, economic the current “ring of fire” into a “ring of
pressure, energ y blackmail, political friends”. In these adverse circumstances,
destabilisation and diplomacy. The illegal the need for solidarity among Member
annexation of the Crimean Peninsula States is more important than ever and
was the first case of the forceful change should also be reflected in the readiness
of borders and incorporation of a part of of practical support for those frontline
one country by another in Europe since Member States which might face the
World War Two. same threat.
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>> The new HR/VP Federica Mogherini,
together with Commissioner Hahn,
should undertake ever y step and
initiative within their power to facilitate
a political solution of the Ukraine crisis
respected by all parties involved and
which avoids a frozen conflict scenario
in Eastern Ukraine and Crimea.
> > By providing support for Ukraine,
the EU provides support and security
for itself. The credibility of the EU
diplomatic effort must be coupled with
the determination to de-escalate the
conflict while remaining firm on our
values by helping Ukraine to sustain its
independence, sovereignty, unity and
territorial integrity.
20EPP Group
in the European Parliament
Published by: EPP Group in the European Parliament
Press and Communications Service
Publications Team
Editor: Pedro López de Pablo
Responsible: Greet Gysen
Coordinator: Daniela Bührig
Revision: Mark Dunne
Address: European Parliament, 60 Rue Wiertz, B-1047 - Brussels
Internet: www.eppgroup.eu
E-mail: epp-publications@ep.europa.eu
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