German MP: Germany wants to conclude association with Ukraine next year

KYIV, Ukraine – “The European way is wide open for Ukraine and Germany supports it,” stated the spokesman on foreign policy for Germany’s ruling Free Democratic Party (FDP) Rainer Stinner. German government wants to sign Association Agreement with Ukraine in 2013, however, there are some issues, noted the MP.

“In general, we are set very positively… We would like the Germany-Ukraine ties to be closer. The door is open; now Ukraine has to make important steps to near the EU and fulfill the necessary requirements,” commented Rainer Stinner in his interview with Interfax.

Germany is to a certain degree critical about the judicial system, justice, and prosecution of the opposition leaders in Ukraine. “These are the issues which will be further discussed,” he added. Ukraine is being offered the European future, though the EU does not want to put any pressure on the eastern European country. Therefore, Ukraine should make its own decision, reiterated Stinner.

The MP is confident that it is necessary to hold Ukraine-EU summit, which he recognizes as the most effective tool for settling impending issues. The members of Bundestag also support the liberalization of visa regime for Ukraine and other countries, demonstrating European ways. In his opinion, the ability to experience Europe will stipulate further pro-European changes in such countries.

“We receive requests from our [German] business community stating that today’s visa policy of Germany and the European Union does not benefit our economic relations and human contacts. I support the simplification of the regime, which will consequently bring about visa liberalization between EU and Ukraine,” expressed his confidence the politician.

In late November 2012, EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy Stefan Fule stated that the EU was likely to sign the Association Agreement with Ukraine in November 2013. “I believe that the Vilnius Summit [November 2013 – Ed.] could see the signature of the Association Agreement, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, with Ukraine,” stated Fule in his speech at the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum in Stockholm, Sweden.

The strong commitment of the European Union to continue political association and economic integration with Ukraine, however, should be supported by Ukraine’s government and newly elected parliament, highlighted the European Commissioner.