Any cooperation with Svoboda in the Parliament of Ukraine must be excluded

13.12.2012
Kristian Vigenin

Speech by Kristian Vigenin in plenary on the debate on Ukraine | 12.12.2012

I think we can recognize the fact that the current authorities in Ukraine have done a lot to bring the country closer to the EU. But what is lacking is the understanding that coming closer to the EU is not only technical or legislative process. It is also a matter of values. And exactly at the level of values the European Parliament would like to see more. The Parliamentary elections were clear expression of this deficiency. Despite the fact that number of improvements were made as regards legislation and technical organisation of the elections, main concern remained the pre-electoral process, which needs to be significantly improved.

My recommendation would be to proceed without delay to the signature of the Association agreement, because this is the most effective way to bind Ukraine to the EU, to make visible and hopefully irreversible the clear European choice of the country. To engage is the most effective tool to transform a society. A society which is becoming increasingly vulnerable to populist and nationalistic ideas. We somehow miss to see that a clearly anti-Semite, nationalistic, extreme right party gained the support of 10% of the voters. This party is a test for all others who declare themselves European and pro-democratic – any cooperation with Svoboda in the Parliament of Ukraine must be excluded and this has to be made public. The Socialist group has made an amendment to the Joint resolution and I ask my colleagues from all political groups to support it.

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