“Eastern Partnership have been designed to grow stronger economic and political ties with Eastern European countries”
Ukrainians are not happy with the government’s recent decision to halt talks and agreement with the EU. Thousands of protesters have been challenging against President, Viktor Yanukovych and their neighbor, Russia. The pre-planned meeting was supposed to be one of the most crucial steps that would provide expansion on politics and trade between the EU and Ukraine. Eastern Partnership have been designed to grow stronger economic and political ties with Eastern European countries by the EU. Ukrainians were considering Eastern Partnership as a giant step on integration with the EU.
On the other hand, Russia have pressured on Ukraine by cutting gas supplies over price dispute in 2009. Russian government wants Ukraine to join Russia-led Customs Union with Belarus and Kazakhstan instead of involving in an agreement with the EU. The main reason behind the pressure, is that free trade between Ukraine and the EU is a threat to the economic relation between Ukraine and Russia. If Ukraine sign the agreement, Russia’s market would be affected negatively with the entrance of EU goods. Russia is not ready to deal with the EU prices and quality.
The dilemma that Ukrainians have faced, seems to be related to economic reasons rather than politics. However, Putin outlines that they will be continuing providing loans to Ukraine as usual. The chaos in the Ukraine seems to increase as most of the Ukrainians choose to integrate with European culture and laws. The recent act of Ukrainian government have caused turmoil in the country and disturbance within the EU. President Yanukovych is expected to sign the EU agreement on November 29th. So, Ukraine will make a choice for its long-term economic interests by considering the demands of its citizens.
