Dutch Members of the European Parliament from SGP and GroenLinks believe that the association agreement with Ukraine should be adjusted on several points.
During the five-year renewal of the association agreement, the European Parliament expressed concerns about the persistent corruption and the weak democratic rule of law in Ukraine.
Thanks to the association agreement signed in 2017, the country has implemented reforms, but recently it risks falling back into old habits, the parliament states after investigation.
The European Parliament notes that before the corona crisis, Ukraine benefited considerably from the agreement with the EU. The economy was growing and the unemployment rate dropped significantly. Also, Kiev fulfilled many obligations from the agreement, such as initiating reforms in agriculture, the energy sector, and banking.
Still, there are reservations within the EP. For example, SGP member Bert-Jan Ruissen points out that the current agreement causes unfair competition in agriculture. 'Farmers in Ukraine can export extensively to the EU thanks to lower environmental and animal welfare standards. The EU allows eggs from battery cages, which are banned within the EU itself. This is an uneven playing field. We cannot accept that.'
The European Parliament warns that some reforms in Ukraine still need to be implemented. If this does not happen, there could be a regression to the old situation. For instance, a recent decision to allow the sale of agricultural land was postponed indefinitely. It seems Ukrainian oligarchs are undermining democratic reforms.
MEP Tineke Strik (GroenLinks) also recognizes that the Ukrainian government must improve on crucial points and finds the situation worrying. She believes democratic reforms must be implemented better and faster. 'We also see that the country is taking steps in the right direction. Especially in light of Russia’s aggressive stance, European support for reforms and Ukraine’s sovereignty remains extremely important for Ukrainians.'
To combat the corona crisis, the EU has introduced a financial aid package for the Ukrainian economy. A majority of MEPs see this as a gesture of solidarity. After the corona crisis, trade with the country can increase again. Not everyone embraces the association agreement with Ukraine.