On 4 November 2013, the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC), together with Ukrainian communities in 40 countries, urged the leaders of the European Union (EU) to support the signing of the EU‑Ukraine Association Agreement during the Third Summit of the Eastern Partnership scheduled for 28-29 November 2013 in Vilnius, Lithuania.
The letter, signed by UWC President Eugene Czolij and UWC member organizations Presidents, highlights that this summit will be a defining historical moment in Europe’s relations with the Eastern partner countries and the ultimate test of the Eastern Partnership policy of the EU, notably because the EU‑Ukraine Association Agreement is slated to be signed at this event.
This agreement offers a unique opportunity to achieve the European integration of Ukraine’s intellectual capital, industries, market and natural resources. The harmonious worldwide integration of the 20 million Ukrainians in the diaspora and their valuable contribution to the development of various countries, including the EU member states, is a telling indication of the enormous potential benefits of Ukraine’s Euro-integration.
However, this prospect is currently in jeopardy because of powerful forces, both inside and outside Ukraine, that are intent on derailing Ukraine’s Euro-integration and driving Ukraine into the Customs Union and Eurasian Economic Union.
In its resolution of 12 September 2013, the European Parliament stressed the need for the EU to fulfill its responsibility and, in the spirit of solidarity with the Eastern Partnership countries, including Ukraine, engage and defend them against the open, alarming and escalating pressures being exerted upon them by Russia.
“The signing of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement is the most effective practical measure that the EU could take to support Ukraine as a partner country at this time of crisis,” stated UWC President Eugene Czolij. “It would also reaffirm the European character of the Ukrainian people while providing a strong stimulus to democracy and social progress in Ukraine, serve as an important step in fostering the further modernization and Europeanization of Ukraine, and promote regional security, stability and prosperity.”
Media Contact: Irene Mycak
Ukrainian World Congress
145 Evans Ave., Suite 207
Toronto, ON
M8Z 5X8 Canada
Tel. (416) 323-3020
Fax (416) 323-3250
e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.ukrainianworldcongress.org
The UWC is the international coordinating body for Ukrainian communities in the diaspora representing the interests of over 20 million Ukrainians. The UWC has member organizations in 33 countries and ties with Ukrainians in 14 additional countries. Founded in 1967 as a non-profit corporation, the UWC was recognized in 2003 by the United Nations Economic and Social Council as a non-governmental organization (NGO) with special consultative status.
