According to Mr. Pifer’s expert opinion, the prospects to sign the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU depend on the position of the European states as well as on the reform that should be implemented by Ukraine. After all, the European countries have various attitudes towards the Agreement with Ukraine. For instance, Poland supports signing of the Agreement, at the same time Germany, France and the Netherlands are being skeptical about it. On the other hand, Ukraine is obliged to carry out reforms of electoral legislation and justice as well as release of political prisoners.
The President of Ukraine has to make a choice between the European and the Customs Unions. This is not easy choice, but it has to be done. The choice is not only about the economic performance indicators that will be subject to different change in case of accession to the European Union or the Customs Union. This is also about some change in values. "It’s not only about the foreign policy, but Ukraine’s domestic policy too", - Steven Pifer asserted.
Also Steven Pifer highlighted that Ukraine is no longer a geopolitical issue for the U.S. as had been the case in 1990-ies. "Ukraine is of no significant interest to Obama Administration. Although Leonid Kozhara, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, visited the U.S., however Mr. Kerry, the Secretary of State does not pay a visit to Ukraine. Indeed, during such a visit the issue of democracy in Ukraine would definitely be raised. And here in Ukraine the deterioration is observed", - the former U.S. Ambassador commented.
Responding to the questions, Steven Pifer pointed out that owing to its Presidency in the OSCE, Ukraine acquires an opportunity to contribute to resolving the conflict in Transnistria.
Commenting on the latest developments in the United States, Steven Pifer has warned Ukraine against laws that allow purchasing weapons. The sad experience in the United States proves that such laws are erroneous to the society.
Referring to traditional encouraging message for youth, Steven Pifer spoke out optimistically. "In 2030 Ukraine will be a truly European state, just as Poland is today", said the Ambassador and explained that there are two ways to achieve that – an easy and a difficult ones. According to Mr. Pifer Ukraine will face the more difficult way, however young people today can find the best opportunities to pass this way quickly. I hope my prediction come true", concluded the Ambassador Pifer.
FOR INFORMATION:
The Open World Discussion Club is a new educational project of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation for socially active young people. The purpose of it is to raise a new generation of accountable leaders. Each month the Foundation initiates lectures with renowned experts, political and community leaders to discuss the ways of efficient solutions to social problems in Ukraine and abroad.
Steven PIFER is a Senior Fellow with the Center on the United States and Europe and Director of the Brookings Arms Control Initiative. Mr. Pifer specializes in arms control issues as well as in issues related to Russia and Ukraine. He spoke with his comments with regards to these issues on CNN, Fox News, CNBC, BBC, National Public Radio. His articles have been published in the The Washington Post, International Herald Tribune, Boston Globe etc.
