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| PHÎÒÎ: AP |
Last Tuesday in Luxemburg the issues concerning progress in introduction of visa free regime were discussed briefly at the meeting of the Cooperation Council Ukraine – European Union (second most significant format of cooperation between Kyiv and Brussels). In principle, Mykola Azarov had a range of subjects for discussion with the Europeans. However, in order to remove barriers on the way of free trips for Ukrainians to European countries the government does not need to talk much to the EU. Diplomats do that job. The main task for the Cabinet, is to resolve jointly with the coalition and the President the domestic problems preventing the EU to cancel visas for Ukrainians.
Three main practical tasks are prior for us in relations with Europe: signing the agreement on association, creation of a full-value free trade zone and cancellation of short-term visas for Ukrainians. In case Kyiv reached such objectives that would give opportunity to enjoy the majority of privileges of EU membership without assuming many serious liabilities connected to being a formal member. That is perfectly understood in Brussels, so their approach to such negotiations is the same as if the matter concerned joining the EU. However, renaming the Roadmap document into an Action Plan confirms their unwillingness even to talk of the prospect of membership in the European Union. European diplomats do not conceal that the name Roadmap is used for Balkan programs, which have a clear European prospect. They avoid granting Ukraine such a perspective, even indirectly, even with a single hint.
System problems in the national migration policy put obstacles in the way, besides the Europeans’ fears before the inflow of labor migrants from Ukraine. Firstly, there is no dedicated government body responsible for migration policy in Ukraine. Such demand is one of the most important on the EU list. New interior minister is a fierce supporter of a corresponding body operating under control of his ministry. Basically the EU is eager to accept this idea only under the condition that the head of such would be only coordinated but not subordinated directly to the minister. Apparently, it will be hard to clinch a deal with Mohylyov. Police chiefs showed more understanding of European demands agreeing that the new institution should be completely civil rather than uniformed. The biggest problem is Mohylyov’s desire to make the new body under his surveillance responsible for the functions of notorious Visa and Registration Departments, and his complete rejection of dealing with refugees and readmission issues, solving problems of labor migrants, definition of quotas for them and other key aspects of a full-fledged migration policy. On a large scale, the EU does not care where Ukrainians receive their passports for departures abroad. Brussels needs a full-fledged partner in fighting illegal migration and solving other similar issues.
Another complicated set of problems is the general provision of Ukrainians with biometric passports. The prospects of implementation of this tasks by the EDAPS give the creeps not only to the ordinary citizens and European bureaucrats, but even Ukrainian officials. Lately with the help of constant clear signals from Brussels the MIA managed to make the Cabinet and the President to take measures against the EDAPS and its lobbyists afterwards the latter grew quiet and started taking care of at least staying in business but not of the next super profits. Even if Ukrainian government resolves this enormous domestic problem in the near future manufacturing and issuing biometric passports will take a lot of time, while the EU demands that Ukraine guaranteed replacement of existing diplomatic and official passports. Even designs of such IDs do not exist – they still should be developed. The main thing to be understood is that even in case Ukraine copes to receive cancellation of short-term (up to 90 days) trips at once, only owners of passports with polycarbonate page will be able to enjoy this right.
Besides two technical mega-problems on the way to visa-free regime the VR has to ratify two conventions (on fighting drug trafficking and protection of personal information) and introduce amendments to a number of laws concerning migration issues (in particular, bring out the procedure of deportation of illegal migrants from the country more precisely). Thus, the way to free trips to Europe is still very long. They plan signing the corresponding action plan only in October or November at the Ukraine – EU summit. Even after its successful implementation by the Ukrainian party there is a risk that the EU members will repeatedly draw attention to some political issues (such as for example, finishing legal demarcation of sea border with Russia) and we will continue standing in the line for becoming a European country.
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