GSR 38: Letter to the Chairman from the Chairman of the

Committee on Foreign Affairs, Lithuania

The recent discussions between the representatives of Member states, the European Commission and Ukraine about the perspectives of Ukraine-EU relations, as well as the current tense and volatile situation in the region, sparked by the events in Georgia, prompted me to approach you with this letter. Today more than ever before, it is crucially important that Ukraine stabilizes its internal political situation and proceeds on the chosen path of Euro-Atlantic integration. We, the parliamentarians of European family, clearly have a role to play and now is the time to demonstrate to our Ukrainian partners that we are supportive of their quest for prosperous and secure future in Europe. This support would serve as an important factor capable of stabilizing the internal political situation and giving new impetus to their determination.

You are most probably aware that, so far, there is no consensus among the Member states on the most sensitive political issues, related to the preparations for the EU-Ukraine summit in Evian on 9 September, and to the negotiations on New Enhanced Agreement with Ukraine.

Having in mind the tense and volatile current situation in Georgia and the whole region, I urge you to reflect upon these important decisions with utter responsibility and put all efforts in order not to disappoint our partners in IJkraine at this extremely critical point. Let me introduce the carefully weighted Lithuanian position on this matter.

In view of the approaching EU - Ukraine summit, we endorse all the steps of the EU Presidency, the Commission and the Ukrainian government towards an ambitious declaration and a strategic outcome. The summit comes at an important juncture and its outcomes will be looked at with a great interest and expectations from Ukrainian side. We believe that, at this point especially, having in mind the situation in the region, we are obliged not to disappoint our partners. Ukraine and the EU have reached a critical stage in the negotiations on the New Enhanced Agreement, and we need to move forward on the fundamental political elements:

We are glad there is the consensus on the title of the Agreement. We are strongly convinced that the European perspective of Ukraine has to be supported firmly in the Preamble of the Agreement, and this has to be reflected in the Evian declaration. Third, we see an obvious need to start dialogue on visa free regime, with the preparation of a relevant roadmap, based on clear and realistic benchmarks, and we cannot postpone that to a long-term perspective.

We are convinced that these politically sensitive questions must be solved on individual "step by step" approach, and if there is no consensus in September, we should return to the discussion on these questions when the negotiations on the New Enhanced Agreement will be approaching their final stage.

Dear Colleague,

I would like to invite you to put all efforts in order to support Ukraine on its way to the European Union and to encourage its commitments to continue reforming the country. We strongly believe that it is very important to send a clear message to Ukrainian people that Ukraine's progress is visible and that the country is important for Europe.

4 September 2008

Letter to the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Lithuania

from the Chairman

Thank you for your letter of 4 September, concerning relations with Ukraine.

I share your view that relations with Ukraine are of the utmost importance, and that the country is at a key point in its internal development and in its relations with the EU. I also share your concern that the EU should support Ukraine at this difficult time, as it seeks to develop as a stable democracy and deepen its relations with the Union. Please rest assured that my Committee will continue to follow developments in Ukraine with close attention and concern.

22 October 2008