![]() One recent Ukrainian-German study suggested that living standards in Ukraine could increase by more than 11% in the long term as a result of closer European integration. But I am convinced that if Ukraine embraces the sorts of reforms that its EU neighbours have introduced – tackling corruption, cutting red tape, unleashing the potential of its young people and freeing the hands of entrepreneurs and SMEs – the future looks bright. Some pessimists question whether Ukraine has what it takes to follow suit. In Poland, GDP per capita has grown from $2406 in 1991 to $13463 in 2011 and life expectancy has increased from 71 to 76 today. The rules-based economy that European integration has brought has helped to transform Ukraine’s neighbours, such as Poland and Slovakia, into dynamic and increasingly prosperous modern economies. The reforms that will flow from Association Agreement will be good for Ukraine. I know there are some in Ukraine who argue the EU is seeking to impose alien values and excessively demanding standards onto Ukraine. ![]() So I would urge the Ukrainian government to use the few remaining weeks before the Vilnius Summit to redouble their efforts to address concerns about selective justice, the rule of law, the business climate and electoral reform. But we need to be convinced that it is really going to work. ![]() We very much hope that we will be able to launch a new phase of EU-Ukraine partnership at Vilnius. Our decision will be based on an objective assessment of whether the changes introduced provide sufficient evidence of a genuine commitment to reform. The British government has yet to take a decision on whether we will sign the Association Agreement in November. ![]() #JOIN TOGETHER STRONG FULL#We therefore look at the Association Agreement, which will be signed in Vilnius if the Ukrainian government demonstrates determined action and tangible progress in addressing the reform agenda that it has agreed with the EU, as the first step which could in time lead to full membership for Ukraine. We hope that one day Ukraine will also become a Member State if that is what its people want. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Britain has championed the entry into the EU of those countries that lost so many years to Communism. European governments must grasp the nettle and deliver the much-needed reform that has been talked of for far too long.Īnd the European Union must keep its doors open to new members. Take energy as an example – the European Commission thinks fully integrated gas and electricity markets could yield savings of up to €65 billion (about $86 billion) a year. Developing the Single Market further is critical for now it remains incomplete in services, energy and digital – the very sectors that are the engines of a modern economy – and is therefore half the success it could be. Hence Britain’s call for the EU to become more flexible, adaptable and open. Of course, the European Union could and should do better. Look too at the success of European brands – witness the growing number of cars made in Britain – Minis and Range Rovers, for example – on the streets of Ukraine. Many European companies are world leaders thanks to their cutting edge technology – look at Rolls Royce and BAE Systems in the aerospace sector. The EU still accounts for a quarter of the world’s economy and its combined GDP totals more than $17 trillion (by way of comparison, the GDP of the Customs Union stands at $2.1 trillion). That is why the British government is working hard to make the EU more competitive and democratically accountable – and not just for Britain’s benefit but also for all Member States. It would be wrong to claim that the European Union does not have its challenges. So, after sixty years of existence, the EU continues to be a powerful vehicle for change, offering increased security and prosperity to the 500 million citizens whose countries are already Member States as well as those that wish to join our “club”. ![]() Meanwhile, the Eurozone has returned to growth. Ukraine along with most other Eastern Partnership countries is hopeful that the Vilnius Summit in November will mark a new stage in its relationships with the EU. Other countries that were once part of Yugoslavia are working hard to follow in Croatia’s footsteps. Earlier this summer Croatia became the 28th Member State of the European Union. ![]()
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