It might seem that, Ukraine having decided not to sign a deal with the EU last week in Vilnius, the Union lost the integration contest to Russia. ... ... would have, had things gone another way.
It has long been known that the talks between the EU and Ukraine should end at the Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius, with the signing of a Free Trade and Association Agreement. It’s been known that ...
... systems. But there, the transition was enabled by a social consensus and the accompanying political will. These are precisely what Ukraine seems to be lacking, which leaves doubts about where, if anywhere, the Union’s unbent policies will lead the Eastern Partnership.
What the Ukrainian and European leadership have now countless times affirmed their joint commitment to sign is a so-called Association Agreement. This treaty would establish a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), lift visa restrictions, let the country participate in many of the EU’s programmes and agencies – bringing ...