Ukraine's associated membership in EU

The question is truly equivocal, imo. On the one hand it would be quite good if we signed the agreement with Kiev and secured another sales market which would push EU economy towards the exit from stagnation. Besides we would obtain a rather strong leverage over Yanukovich in questions of gas supply... Ukraine would no longer be able to simply turn off the gas tap. On the other hand there's no respect for human rights in that country. Absolutely innocent Julia Timoshenko is still behind bars. Political opponents are constantly oppressed. Free Media is almost nonexistent, etc.
To tell the truth I'm inclined to agree with Lithuanians on that matter. They insist that the agreement be signed only after Yanukovich has released Timoshenko. That would be a true manifestation of Ukraine's readiness for change and for acceptance of European values.

Leave Ukraine and Belarus to Russia - there's nothing to gain from inviting them into the Euro club.

Besides we would obtain a rather strong leverage over Yanukovich in questions of gas supply... Ukraine would no longer be able to simply turn off the gas tap.

I don't understand why the EU would want a country that's still incredibly corrupt, useless in everything and has currency controls, letting Ukraine in would be a bad move, and incredibly bad one at that.

There is actually a lot to gain, you fail to understand the economic incentives developed european countries have in this case.

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Well indeed Stalin makes a mistake believing that EU will gain nothing from Ukraine's joining even in that restricted manner. There're quite a lot of advantages but... are they all worth trading off the political principles? Should we keep our eyes shut at all the violations of human rights in that country? I think it would be rather short-sighted! Just think of it... what happens if we treat one country like that? I tell you what. Other countries would expect the same treatment. What will the EU turn into then? Into a cesspit!
So I agree with the OP. We should make Yanukovich release Timoshenko and only after that take any consideration of signing the agreement with Kiev. And Lithuania is acting very correctly and coherently on that matter...

Russia controls the gas flow, Ukraine has almost nothing to do with it (it only levies a transit fee which could potentially be reduced, but this would likely lead to implementation of additional fees by the Russian side).


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Enlighten me, chaps. What does Europe gain from absorbing Ukraine into the Union?

Apart from the influx of a great deal of racist and homophobic principles, a backward economy, desperate infrastructure, and a dodgy 'democracy', I fail to see what it offers the continent aside from dent to Putin's foreign policy.

I agree. For the EU there's nothing to gain from Ukraine.

Except maybe an influx of fit Ukrainian women maybe?

You are right. Ukraine can be just a supplier of cheap whores and workers to the EU. However we have to put on notice that these whores' children will be the citizens of our countries. Do we need such "citizens" with their barbarian mentality? I think, no. Ukrainians, of course, say they are totally unlike Russian cavemen but it isn't true. I've been to Ukraine for several times and I tell you the bare truth: boozing, idleness and grubbiness are the main ingredients of Ukrainian mentality.

Except maybe an influx of fit Ukrainian women maybe?

You are right. Ukraine can be just a supplier of cheap whores and workers to the EU. However we have to put on notice that these whores' children will be the citizens of our countries. Do we need such "citizens" with their barbarian mentality? I think, no. Ukrainians, of course, say they are totally unlike Russian cavemen but it isn't true. I've been to Ukraine for several times and I tell you the bare truth: boozing, idleness and grubbiness are the main ingredients of Ukrainian mentality.

I think there are probably things to gain from brining Ukraine in to the EU, I don't have any specific data or personal experience of Ukraine so couldn't be specific but greater cooperation between nations can only be good (and pulling Ukraine away from Russian influence could be considered in the interest of the UK and other western states if you sign up to them being the big bad guy of international politics). As for their chequered record regarding human rights etc. I think the best way to affect change in the Ukraine would be through tighter integration, if the government can show that they are addressing the issues they have then the EU should be providing support for that rather than categorically blocking entry for the foreseeable future.

That's what I'm talking about! The Ukrainian government has to show they are not neglecting the human rights. I don't think we should believe their word on it - they haven't got any credit of trust. The release of Timoshenko will be a very suitable manifestation of their readiness for change. We have to be much firmer with countries like Ukraine - they understand only the language of force.