Brussels, 25/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 25 March, the European Commission stated that Ukraine “had continued its democratic transition process” in 2014 despite the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia and the destabilisation of eastern Ukraine.
In its progress report on Ukraine, the Commission states that progress was made in 2014 in a very difficult political, economic, social and military/security context of armed conflict. It mentions the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections that are globally in line with international standards, the adoption of anti-corruption laws and the start of work on judicial reform and decentralisation. The EU recommends Kiev to continue its reforms, particularly its constitutional review, which must be made in an inclusive and participative manner. The EU also recommends implementing the policy of decentralisation, the anti-corruption package and the harmonisation of all electoral legislation. Further measures on judicial reform must be taken, and the overall reform of public administration must begin, the Commission adds.
The Commission notes that Ukraine's economic situation is critical. In 2014, the Ukrainian capacity for humanitarian assistance to the displaced people in the country was insufficient, and human rights worsened in Crimea and in the territories held by the rebels in the east.
On the bilateral level, Ukraine stepped up its cooperation with the EU with the signature of the political arrangements of the association agreement on 21 March and the signature of the rest of the agreement on 27 June. Ukraine also moved to the second phase of implementing the visa liberalisation action plan. In July, the EU set up a consultative mission for the reform of civil security. In 2014, the EU's funding through the European neighbourhood instrument rose to €365 million - in other words, the highest amount ever given to bilateral aid with Ukraine. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)