Brussels, 27/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 27 February, MEPs called on the EU to offer financial aid to Ukraine “as quickly as possible”. In a resolution that they adopted, they call for the European Council and Commission to offer short-term financial aid “as quickly as possible” - in cooperation with the IMF and World Bank - and a support mechanism for the balance of payments. This aid should be complemented by a long-term package - with the EBRD and the EIB - of financial support to help Ukraine address its worsening economic and social situation, and to provide it with economic support to undertake deep and overarching reforms.
MEPs also call for an international donors' conference to be organised “as quickly as possible”. The Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) should make the best use possible of the funds available for Ukraine under the existing financial instruments, and should look into the possibility of releasing additional funds “as quickly as possible”.
Reiterating that the association agreement is ready for signature “as soon as possible and as soon as the new government is ready for it”, the European Parliament hails the fact that the Council recently recognised that this agreement does not constitute the final objective of EU-Ukraine cooperation. The Parliament recalls that Article 49 on accession applies to Ukraine, on condition that it adheres to democratic principles.
The Council should authorise the Commission to accelerate the dialogue on visas, says the Parliament, calling for immediate implementation of procedures for providing temporary visas, and calling for cooperation in research and education to be strengthened.
MEPs also support the EU's approach of combining diplomatic efforts and targeted sanctions. They hail the Council conclusions of 20 February. The Parliament urges the member states to implement their own anti-money laundering legislation in order to stop the flow of misappropriated money coming from Ukraine and to ensure the return of stolen assets. MEPs also call on the EU to help the new government fight against rampant, widespread corruption.
Once again condemning all acts of violence, the Parliament underlines that any new escalation in violence could harm the unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine. MEPs call on all the parties and third countries to respect and support the country's unity and territorial integrity, and to take into account the cultural and linguistic composition of Ukraine and its history, respecting minority rights. In addition, MEPs call for the continuation of reforms - be they on justice, the rule of law or for free and fair elections. They also call for European Parliament personnel to be sent to the EU delegation in Kiev for a transitional period until Ukraine's elections on 25 May. (CG)