EU to take actions against Ukraine

The announcement came after the victims in Kiev riots

Protesters in Kiev

by Emiliano Biaggio

European Union is ready to reconsider its political relationships with Ukraine and to take actions against the former soviet republic, warned the president of the EU Commission, Josè Manuel Barroso. After the death of five protesters in Kiev, Europe decided to react. In Brussels Barroso was expected to present the new package for climate and energy, but he started his press conference with an announcement on Ukraine, with great surprise of the public. «We are shocked to hear the latest news from Ukraine about deaths of protesters, and express our deepest condolences to their families». But, added Barroso, «We are genuinely concerned about where these developments are taking Ukraine and will continue following closely these developments, as well as assessing possible actions by the EU and consequences for our relations». There are different options on the table, but for the president of the EU Commission «it's too early to disclose them». Barroso only suggested there is not only the refusal of negotiating the Stabilisation and association agreement, first and compulsory step for the EU access process. Thus he reiterated the will of take actions against Ukrainian authorities. «If in the Country the the fundamental rights will not be respected, the protection of the citizens will be not guaranteed and if the violations of human rights will continue, then EU Commission has not other choice but reconsider the relationship with the country». A decision will be eventually taken in case of lack of progress. «The overall environment - added Barroso - has been worsening for some time, and I would like to explicitly underline the fundamental responsibility of the Ukrainian authorities to now take action to de-escalate this crisis, and in particular the need for them to engage in a genuine dialogue with the opposition and with civil society on the ways to overcome this deep crisis». Otherwise Europe is ready to close the door to EU access.
In Ukraine protests raised after the decision of the government to don't sign the Stabilisation and association agreement, necessary to join the EU. The decision was taken because of Russia, which exerted huge pressure on Kiev offering economic benefit (especially in the energy sector) seen as an interference in both European and Ukrainian affairs. Large part of civil society started demonstrations against Viktor Yanukovych and his government, demonstrations repressed by the use of the force.