Brussels, 18/03/2003 (Agence Europe) - The Sixth Co-operation Council between the EU and the Ukraine took place in Brussels on Tuesday under the chairmanship of EU Council President Georges Papandreou, and the Ukrainian Prime Minister, Viktor Yanukovych. Also present were Javier Solana, High Representative of the EU for CFSP, Chris Patten, Commissioner for External Relations, and Alexander Chalii, Ukrainian Secretary of State for European Integration.
The Council noted progress in the implementation of the partnership and co-operation agreement (PCA), and called for efforts to be continued. It was pleased with the strengthening of dialogue in justice and home affairs matters (particularly in the fight against organised crime and illegal immigration). The EU began negotiations to sign a re-admission agreement with the Ukraine back in November 2002, and supports efforts by the Ukrainian government to conclude similar agreements with its neighbours. The EU also welcomes the Ukraine's commitment to bring its legislation closer to EU standards, and to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. Furthermore, the Council stresses the importance of pressing ahead with reforms in the field of energy (privatisation, reform of the gas sector, development of renewable energy, nuclear safety). On this subject, the Commission expressed its support for plans to build an oil pipeline to bring oil from the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea (Odessa to Gdansk), which will facilitate provision of the EU with oil. "We are prepared to organise a conference with representatives from the world of business to see how we can advance the project", indicated Mr Patten. On progress made in the gas consortium project between the Ukraine, Russia and Germany, Mr Chalii stated that his country was working on a feasibility study with Moscow, and once this was finished, European firms would be invited to participate. Lastly, the Council welcomed progress made in negotiations for WTO membership, asking Kiev to intensify its economic and structural reforms to ensure a favourable climate for investment (see yesterday's EUROPE, p.14). Satisfaction was expressed at the fact that the Pan-European Conference of Environment Ministers will be taking place in Kiev in March.
When asked about the conflict between Moldova and Transnitria (a self-proclaimed breakaway republic of Moldova) and its impact on border controls and goods traffic, Mr Patten indicated that the technical tripartite meeting between the EU, the Ukraine and Moldova last Tuesday had been productive (see EUROPE of 11 March, p.14), but that discussions had to continue. Mr Chalii reiterated that only the Kiev document (established in the framework of the OSCE) could resolve the conflict, and called upon the EU to "help us to put it into place". On the subject of freedom of the Press, Mr Papandreou said that he had "expressed our concerns and our disposal to help Ukraine out with this", whilst Mr Chalii promised that "my government will do its utmost to improve the situation".
Answering questions on the communication adopted by the Commission last week on the EU's "new neighbours", the Ukrainian Secretary of State said that his government had hoped for "a stronger message from the EU" on the Ukraine's accession possibilities. However, "it is not just the Commission's position. Council and Parliament could improve upon it", he added. Prime Minister Yanukovych also gave his "mitigated" reaction to the communication on Monday, after a meeting with President Prodi. He was pleased that "the EU is confirming the right of all European countries to become members of the EU", regretting that the proposal "gives no clear link between the development of our relations with the EU and the possibility of joining" (EUROPE will come back).