EU summit Q&A: why Ukraine’s refusal to sign is significant
What is the purpose of the Vilnius talks?
The talks in Vilnius have focused on EU attempts to convince Kyiv to sign an
Association Agreement (AA) – an affiliated status some way short of full EU
membership – coupled with a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement
(DCFTA), that would anchor the former Soviet states to the EU.
Why is Ukraine so important?
Despite resistance from Moscow, Brussels wants to bring Ukraine into the EU
fold. The association agreement would enhance political ties between the two
sides, pave the way for trade liberalisation and aims to promote democratic
values and economic cooperation.
Why have the talks with Ukraine stalled?
Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovich fears that Ukraine´s tight finances would
rapidly dry up if it decides to sign the AA, pushing the country to the
brink of default.
Kyiv estimates that upgrading to EU standards would cost Ukraine €14.7bn a
year.
What are the prospects of a deal at a later date?
EU diplomats pin their hopes on the next presidential elections in Ukraine,
due on 28 March 2015.
What is the likely outcome of the summit?
The meeting will see the EU move forward with political association agreements
with two other ex-Soviet republics, Georgia and Moldova, putting them on
track to sign formally in about a year’s time. Moldova can sign whether or
not there is a deal on Transniestria, its Russian-occupied breakaway region.
What about the other EaP countries?
Azerbaijan signed an agreement to simplify procedures for certain categories
of visa but plans for a “Strategic Modernisation Partnership” are
on hold because Baku is unwilling to make promises on human rights.
Because of pressing human rights issues in Armenia and Belarus, no deals on
significantly deeper relations are expected with these two countries this
week.
Which other countries are in negotiations with the EU?
There are also five candidate countries for EU accession: Iceland, the former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey.