Brussels, 27/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - On a trip to Kiev to discuss implementation of the association agreement, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle called on Ukraine, on Wednesday 26 March, to make urgent reforms. The progress report on Ukraine, adopted by the Commission on 27 March, returns to the suspension of preparations in November 2013 for the association agreement, and the events that followed. It also calls on the country to progress with its reforms.
Ukraine should “take early steps to establish a reliable and uniform electoral system”, at a time when presidential elections are planned for May. The Commission recommends Kiev ensure that: - the constitutional reform process is carried out in an inclusive and transparent way and completed by September; - the revision of the constitution strengthens the independence of judges; - laws are adopted setting out the role of the High Council of Justice, the judicial system, and the status of judges.
Although the judicial reforms saw “positive developments” in 2013, the EU calls on Ukraine to adopt the law on the reform of the Prosecutor General's Office, and to take further steps to prevent any recurrence of selective justice. The EU also wants Ukraine to carry out an independent investigation into the acts of violence on both sides during the protests. It notes that in 2013, media freedom worsened.
To “step up the fight against conflicts of interest, corruption and fraud, targeting all areas of public life, including in particular in the judicial system and in the business world” is another priority, in the Commission's opinion - as is budgetary transparency and the implementation of a public finance management strategy, and steps to improve the business climate. Ukraine should also establish a macroeconomic framework conducive to the resumption of International Monetary Fund (IMF) support, addressing such issues as fiscal sustainability in the energy sector, adds the EU. In addition, efforts should be redoubled to fulfil the remaining criteria of the action plan on visa liberalisation, the Commission concludes. (CG)