Ukraine, the CFSP’s first real achievement?

Each European Parliamentary election is the occasion for Europeans to show how little they know about the European Union. The Ukrainian crisis was yet another occasion for such ignorance to be displayed. Indeed, Europeans widely supported the Maiden Square uprise and the pro-Europeans that stood in it. Like if Ukraine had any chance of getting in the Union. Facing the civil war that followed and the invasion of Crimea, many seem to regret what seemed to have been the Putin era on Ukraine. Adding yet another blame to the EU, guilty of having falsely seduced the Ukrainian people. Is it time for nostalgia? I would rather call for a short overview.

We might want to start with the war. The fights in the Donbass, opposing pro-Putin militia to the Ukraine forces have killed no less than around 9000 men in 2015. The stagnation of such conflicts may not be due to the strength of the separatists, but rather to the weak state of the Ukraine army, composed of only 3000 men when M.Poroschenko came into office. The rebels are for them growing slowly but steadily unpopular, facing the absence of economic relief that Russia was to bring. Moreover, the aggression has united the Ukrainian state, with a rise of pro-Europeans from 30% of the population to 70%. If the separatist regions have not come under control, the Ukraine government, through counter attacks and the Minsk agreements have managed to stabilize and avoided session. The low prices and the current asphyxia of the Russian economy might have something to do with it. As for Crimea, the Russian federation seems to have a pattern for such invasions. If you look at the situation in Georgia or other previously invaded countries.

Through a policy of Visa distribution, he has surrounded himself with all the help he could get (like Natalie Jaresko). The budget deficit, during the crisis, has been cut to 3.7% of the GDP. The police and anti-corruption service (with the help of the EU), have been put on tracks. Institutions are being established, and the list is a long one. He has also ensured its gas autonomy facing Russia, passing from 97%, to the 37% of its supply. Many of this achievements have linked to cooperation with the EU.

The last Parliamentary elections have also been kept on track whilst the war was at a pick. He was to be re-elected with 52% of votes. The elections were the occasion for the separatist to reprimand any pro-Ukraine candidate, showing themselves a little more to the world.

The Ukrainian crisis, on a European level, constitutes one of the few achievements of the CFSP. It has also shown a common response to a Russian threat. With the Russian economy suffering from low petrol prices and the sanctions, the CFSP might just hold its first success.

By Ghislain D’Andlau