RFE/RL: EU document reflects concerns about pace of reforms in Ukraine
European Union flags flyoutside the building of the European Commission in Brussels (Getty Images photo)
The document highlights the many problems still facing the country
Kyiv has touted the promise of a visa-free regime for Ukrainians traveling to the European Union as evidence of its success in carrying out reforms, but behind the scenes several key EU member states are bemoaning the country’s slow progress of implementation and lack of engagement both with its citizens and with Brussels.
A discussion paper supported by nine EU member states and seen by RFE/RL declares that the government and parliament in Kyiv “urgently need to respond to public demands and reinforce their efforts to adopt and implement effective reforms, in particular in the area of anticorruption.”
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The paper suggests that the establishment of a deputy prime minister for European integration could foster the creation of a “transparent and effective coordination structure for reforms.”
The document acknowledges that substantial progress has been made as regards the passage of new laws but highlights the many problems still facing the country.
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“In some areas the actual implementation of reforms lags behind and is hampered by vested interests and lack of capacity,” the paper said. “The complex processes of change and perceived lack of tangible results create disappointment and frustration among Ukrainians.”
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