Statements by foreign missions and representations 16-31 march 2014

Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle will visit Ukraine on Tuesday and Wednesday. He will head a sizeable delegation, including also Commissioner for Financial Programming and Budget Janusz Lewandowski and high-level representatives of various Directorates General of the Commission.

As announced by the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, after last week´s signature of the political provisions of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, Commissioner Füle will travel to Kyiv to work with the Ukrainian authorities on some of the specific elements that the EU is now developing with them and on a number of issues regarding the implementation of the Association Agreement.

"We will be talking about a number of reforms that are necessary both in the area of democratic institutions and the economy. We will start work on a roadmap for these reforms in different fields," Commissioner Füle said. He stressed that it would also be important to continue the Dialogue with Verkhovna Rada and Civil Society both of whom play a significant role in advancing reforms.

The possibility to accelerate the process of visa liberalisation and issues related to decentralisation and support of the regions should also be among the topics for discussions between the Ukrainian authorities and the high-level delegation from the European Commission.

Details:   http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/ukraine/press_corner/all_news/news/2014/2014_03_25_01_en.htm

On 25 March, the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Andrius Krivas held political consultations in Kyiv to discuss Lithuania’s possible support, particularly expert support, for Ukraine after the signing of the political part of the Association Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine on 21 March.

A.Krivas took part in the political consultations at the invitation of the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Danylo Lubkivsky.

The consultations focused on actions of Lithuania and Ukraine within international organisations, aimed at defending Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. A.Krivas reiterated that Lithuania condemned the Russian occupation and annexation of part of Ukraine’s sovereign territory - Crimea.

A lot of attention was dedicated to bilateral political and economic relations between Lithuania and Ukraine. The Lithuanian Foreign Vice-Minister and the Ukrainian Deputy Minister discussed the future meeting agenda of the heads of the two countries and other officials, as well as steps to further strengthen strategic partnership between the countries.

During his visit to Kyiv, the Lithuanian Foreign Vice-Minister paid tribute to the victims of Maidan.

A.Krivas also met with the head of the EU’s representation in Ukraine, the U.S. Ambassador in Kyiv, representatives of the Ukrainian Government and the media.

Details: http://www.urm.lt/default/en/news/lithuanian-foreign-vice-minister-holds-political-consultations-in-kyiv-discusses-possible-support-for-ukraine

Foreign Affairs Andrius Krivas is paying a visit to Kiev, where he is taking part in political consultations on 25 March.

The meetings will focus on bilateral cooperation and relations between Lithuania and Ukraine.

The visit reaffirms Lithuania’s permanent and strong support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence as well as for Kyiv’s European integration aspirations.

The Lithuanian Foreign Vice-Minister will also hold meetings with heads of representations of the European Union and the United States in Ukraine, other representatives of the Ukrainian Government.

Details:  http://www.urm.lt/default/en/news/lithuanian-foreign-vice-minister-to-visit-kyiv

The leaders of the G7 made a joint statement on Ukraine following their meeting in The Hague.

We, the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission met in The Hague to reaffirm our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.

International law prohibits the acquisition of part or all of another state’s territory through coercion or force. To do so violates the principles upon which the international system is built. We condemn the illegal referendum held in Crimea in violation of Ukraine’s constitution. We also strongly condemn Russia’s illegal attempt to annex Crimea in contravention of international law and specific international obligations. We do not recognize either.

Today, we reaffirm that Russia’s actions will have significant consequences. This clear violation of international law is a serious challenge to the rule of law around the world and should be a concern for all nations. In response to Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to demonstrate our determination to respond to these illegal actions, individually and collectively we have imposed a variety of sanctions against Russia and those individuals and entities responsible. We remain ready to intensify actions including coordinated sectoral sanctions that will have an increasingly significant impact on the Russian economy, if Russia continues to escalate this situation.

We remind Russia of its international obligations, and its responsibilities including those for the world economy. Russia has a clear choice to make. Diplomatic avenues to de-escalate the situation remain open, and we encourage the Russian Government to take them. Russia must respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, begin discussions with the Government of Ukraine, and avail itself of offers of international mediation and monitoring to address any legitimate concerns.

The Russian Federation’s support for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine is a step in the right direction. We look forward to the mission’s early deployment, in order to facilitate the dialogue on the ground, reduce tensions and promote normalization of the situation, and we call on all parties to ensure that Special Monitoring Mission members have safe and secure access throughout Ukraine to fulfill their mandate.

This Group came together because of shared beliefs and shared responsibilities. Russia’s actions in recent weeks are not consistent with them. Under these circumstances, we will not participate in the planned Sochi Summit. We will suspend our participation in the G-8 until Russia changes course and the environment comes back to where the G-8 is able to have a meaningful discussion and will meet again in G-7 format at the same time as planned, in June 2014, in Brussels, to discuss the broad agenda we have together. We have also advised our Foreign Ministers not to attend the April meeting in Moscow. In addition, we have decided that G-7 Energy Ministers will meet to discuss ways to strengthen our collective energy security.

At the same time, we stand firm in our support for the people of Ukraine who seek to restore unity, democracy, political stability, and economic prosperity to their country. We commend the Ukrainian government’s ambitious reform agenda and will support its implementation as Ukraine seeks to start a new chapter in its history, grounded on a broad-based constitutional reform, free and fair presidential elections in May, promotion of human rights and respect of national minorities.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has a central role leading the international effort to support Ukrainian reform, lessening Ukraine’s economic vulnerabilities, and better integrating the country as a market economy in the multilateral system. We strongly support the IMF’s work with the Ukrainian authorities and urge them to reach a rapid conclusion. IMF support will be critical in unlocking additional assistance from the World Bank, other international financial institutions, the EU, and bilateral sources. We remain united in our commitment to provide strong financial backing to Ukraine, to co-ordinate our technical assistance, and to provide assistance in other areas, including measures to enhance trade and strengthen energy security.

Details:  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/joint-g7-statement-from-the-hague

22 March 2014 - The Russian Federation

Reply by the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Alexander Lukashevich, regarding the decisions of the European Council on the situation in Ukraine

Question: How does Moscow assess the decision made by the European Council on the 20 March to introduce additional sanctions against Russia and its officials?

Answer: It is sad that the European Council has taken a decision, which is far removed from reality. We believe it is time to return to the pragmatic path of cooperation, which corresponds with the interests of our countries. At the same time, it is clear that Russia reserves the right to give an adequate reply to this action.

Details:   http://www.mid.ru/bdomp/brp_4.nsf/e78a48070f128a7b43256999005bcbb3/b3c4260dba8d0b0844257ca60032b9f9!OpenDocument

22 March 2014 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France – Statement by Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs of France

"Some important decisions were made on Friday at the European Council meeting aimed at condemning the annexation of Crimea and strengthening the EU’s support for Ukraine.

We now have 2 priorities: preventing any further escalation and supporting Ukraine in the political transition and economic reform process.

To that end, I stress the need for the immediate deployment of the OSCE observation mission. Similarly, political dialogue must be initiated between Ukraine and Russia and the international community must lend its full support to Mr. Yatsenyuk’s government in the run-up to the presidential elections on May 25, which are a key step toward Ukraine’s stabilization and recovery."

Details:    http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/ukraine/events-7684/article/ukraine-statement-by-laurent
21 March 2014 - The European Union - EUROPEAN COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS ON UKRAINE

Approved by the European Council on 20 March 2014

1. The European Union supports the Ukrainian people and their right to choose their own future. The European Union stands by the Ukrainian government in its efforts to stabilise Ukraine and undertake reforms. In this context the European Union will pursue further efforts with the international community to assist Ukraine.

2. The European Union, its Member States and Ukraine will sign the political provisions of the Association Agreement. The European Union and its Member States are committed to sign the remainder of the Association Agreement and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, which together with the political provisions constitute a single instrument. The European Council agrees that the first meeting in the political dialogue as envisaged under the Agreement should take place in April. The European Council urges the Council and the European Parliament to swiftly adopt the proposal for temporarily removing customs duties, so called Autonomous Trade measures, on Ukrainian exports to the European Union.

3. Restoring macroeconomic stability in Ukraine is an immediate priority. The Ukrainian government needs to embark swiftly on an ambitious programme of structural reforms, including the fight against corruption and enhancing transparency of all fiscal operations. The European Council urges the Council to rapidly agree on macro-financial assistance and underlines that an agreement with the IMF is critical to enable this assistance. EU Member States agree to coordinate their positions in the IMF regarding the conditions for assistance to Ukraine. The European Council welcomes the establishment of a focal point for coordination of efforts which should underpin the structural transition in Ukraine with participation of the international community and international financial institutions.

4. The European Union commends the measured response shown so far by Ukraine. The European Council welcomes the Ukrainian government`s commitment to ensure the representative nature and inclusiveness of governmental structures, reflecting regional diversity, to ensure the full protection of the rights of persons belonging to national minorities, to undertake constitutional reform, to investigate all human rights violations and acts of violence and to fight extremism. In this context the European Union encourages the government of Ukraine to ensure that the Presidential election on 25 May will be free and fair.

5. The European Union remains committed to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The European Council does not recognise the illegal referendum in Crimea, which is in clear violation of the Ukrainian Constitution. It strongly condemns the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol to the Russian Federation and will not recognise it. The European Council asks the Commission to evaluate the legal consequences of the annexation of Crimea and to propose economic, trade and financial restrictions regarding Crimea for rapid implementation.

6. In the light of this and in the absence of any steps towards de-escalation the European Council agrees to expand the list of individuals to be subject to visa ban and asset freeze. The European Council decides to cancel the next EU-Russia Summit and notes that Member States will not hold bilateral regular summits for the time being. In addition, the European Council and the Member States support the upcoming G7 countries` meeting in The Hague. They also support the suspension of negotiations over Russia`s joining the OECD and IEA.

7. The European Council firmly believes that there is no place for the use of force and coercion to change borders in Europe in the 21st century. The Russian actions are in clear breach of the Helsinki process, which in the past 40 years has contributed to overcoming divisions in Europe and building a peaceful and united continent. The European Council deplores that Russia has still not taken steps to de-escalate the crisis and that negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation have still not started. It urges that an agreement be promptly reached on an OSCE mission to be deployed in Ukraine as soon as possible, in order to help stabilise the situation. In that context, the European Council asks the High Representative to urgently draw up plans for an EU contribution to facilitate the work of the OSCE mission. In the absence of an agreement in the coming days on a credible OSCE mission, the EU will draw up an EU mission.

8. The European Union has a special responsibility for peace and stability in Europe. It will remain at the forefront of efforts to facilitate and engage in a meaningful dialogue involving Ukraine and Russia, including through the establishment of a multilateral mechanism, with a view to finding a political solution.

9. The European Council recalls that any further steps by the Russian Federation to destabilise the situation in Ukraine would lead to additional and far reaching consequences for relations in a broad range of economic areas between the European Union and its Member States, on the one hand, and the Russian Federation, on the other hand. In this respect, the European Council asks the Commission and the Member States to prepare possible targeted measures.

10. The European Union reconfirms its objective to further strengthen the political association and economic integration with Georgia and the Republic of Moldova. We confirm our aim to sign the Association Agreements, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas, which we initialled in Vilnius last November, no later than June 2014.

 Details:  https://www.facebook.com/EUDelegationUkraine/posts/713737938670837:0
21 March 2014 - The European Union - Press release following the signing of the political provisions of the Association Agreement

European Union Heads of State and Government and Ukrainian Prime Minister H.E. Mr Arseny Yatseniuk convened today at an extraordinary summit for the signing of the political provisions of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement[2], honouring the European Council pledge of 6 March. 

Today`s signing highlights the EU`s strong support for Ukraine in these difficult times. The EU Heads of State and Government also reaffirmed their commitment to signing the remaining provisions. In the meantime, the EU will soon temporarily remove customs duties on Ukrainian exports to the EU. These steps are proof of the EU and Ukraine`s shared wish for closer political association and economic integration.

 Details:  https://www.facebook.com/EUDelegationUkraine/photos/a.145962402115063.26057.126879227356714/713710302006934/?type=1&theater
21 March 2014 - The European Union - Press release following the signing of the political provisions of the Association Agreement

European Union Heads of State and Government and Ukrainian Prime Minister H.E. Mr Arseny Yatseniuk convened today at an extraordinary summit for the signing of the political provisions of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement[2], honouring the European Council pledge of 6 March. 

Today`s signing highlights the EU`s strong support for Ukraine in these difficult times. The EU Heads of State and Government also reaffirmed their commitment to signing the remaining provisions. In the meantime, the EU will soon temporarily remove customs duties on Ukrainian exports to the EU. These steps are proof of the EU and Ukraine`s shared wish for closer political association and economic integration.

 Details:  https://www.facebook.com/EUDelegationUkraine/photos/a.145962402115063.26057.126879227356714/713710302006934/?type=1&theater
21 March 2014 - The Government of Lithuania - L.Linkevičius: Europe’s response to Russian aggression is intensifying

On 20 March in Berlin, the Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevičius and the German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier discussed events in Ukraine and stressed the importance of a unified, clear and strong response of the international community and, first of all, the European Union.

“The aggression of the Russian Federation poses a threat to the entire post-war system. The situation in Ukraine continues to be critical. We need to impose targeted sanctions against concrete Russian officials who have determined these decisions,” L.Linkevičius said.

The Ministers agreed that it was necessary to ensure the presence of international observers in Ukraine in order to prevent any further unrest. According to the Lithuanian Foreign Minister, the EU now aims to agree on sending an OSCE mission. However, if it fails, the EU could send its own mission.

L.Linkevičius thanked his German counterpart for the country’s support for Lithuania’s aim to introduce the euro in 2015 and to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

In Berlin, the Lithuanian Foreign Minister also met with the Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to the Federal Chancellor Christoph Heusgen, the Chairman of the Bundestag’s Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs Norbert Röttgen and the Coordinator for Intersocietal Cooperation with Russia, Central Asia and the Eastern Partnership Countries of the Federal Foreign Office Gernot Erler.

During the meetings in Germany, the officials reached a broad agreement on the assessment of events in Ukraine and the need of a strict EU to reaction.

The head of the Lithuanian diplomacy also took part in a discussion about the changing borders of Europe in Crimea. The discussion was organised by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

 Details:  http://www.urm.lt/default/en/news/llinkevicius-europes-response-to-russian-aggression-is-intensifying
21 March 2014 - The Government of Canada - Canada Welcomes Ukraine’s Signature of Association Agreement with EU

March 21, 2014 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Canada warmly welcomes today’s signature of the political chapters of Ukraine’s Association Agreement with the European Union.

“This is a historic milestone on Ukraine’s path toward a European future.

“This agreement represents the destiny that the Yanukovych regime tried, unsuccessfully, to deny the Ukrainian people.

“Ukrainians’ resolve and resilience over the past several months have now brought their country to a point where this agreement with the EU has become a reality.

“As Ukraine continues to work toward consolidating its democratic and economic European future, Canada will remain steadfast in providing our assistance, our partnership and our enduring friendship.”

 Details:  http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2014/03/21b.aspx?lang=eng

„Parliament and other EU institutions should lose no time in passing this law, given the urgency of the situation in Ukraine. 

Ukraine’s new government needs strong and immediate EU help to fight off external pressures and to overcome economic and financial hardships”, said rapporteur MEP Pawel Zalewski (EPP, PL). Trade MEPs backed his proposal by 22 votes to, 2,with 1 abstentions by not proposing any amendments to Commission’s proposal.

Unilateral – but not without safeguards 

This unilateral trade preference measure would not require Ukraine to reciprocate by removing its own customs duties on imports from the EU, but would require it not to raise them. 
EU imports from Ukraine would still have to comply with EU rules on origin labelling and the Ukrainian authorities would have to ensure that third country goods do not enter the EU via Ukraine,disguised as Ukrainian products.

The proposal also includes a„safeguard clause” which entitles the EU right to reimpose tariffs if imports from Ukraine flood the EU market in volumes that cause or threaten to cause serious difficulties to EU producers of the same goods. 

Timing and „the full deal” 

The trade preference measure would apply from the date when it is finally approved until 1 November 2014, or until the EU-Ukraine association agreement, including a deep and comprehensive trade deal, enters into force. 

In effect, this measure would give Ukraine the same terms of access to the EU market as it would have under the full trade deal.

Next steps

The proposal has yet to be backed by the full House in the first plenary of April. According to estimated legislative procedure calendar, the trade preferences should become effective already in May this year.

- Draft report on the reduction or elimination of customs duties on Ukraine goods:

 Details:  https://www.facebook.com/EUDelegationUkraine/photos/a.145962402115063.26057.126879227356714/713291995382098/?type=1&theater