4th Forum EUROPE - UKRAINE
Kiev, Ukraine
26-28th April 2010
Plenary session: The European Union and Ukraine after election: the future of relations
Opening the Forum, Zygmunt Berdychowski, Chairman of the Economic Forum Programme Council, said that European leaders expect Ukraine to put in place an ambitious programme of reforms. A meeting like the one we are holding in Kiev is intended to help our Ukrainian friends elaborate such a programme.
Eduard Prutnik, President of the Management Board of Foundation “United World”, said that special consideration should be given to developing uniform cooperation mechanisms, methods of long-term planning and harmonious cooperation strategies.
In his message to the participants, Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament, stated that the fact that President Victor Yanukovych chose Brussels as the destination of his first foreign visit, proves that a good relationship with the EU is of primary importance for Ukraine.
Volodymyr Semynozhenko, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, assured that the choice of integration with the European Union is irrevocable, which – in his opinion – is consistent also with the interests of the EU.
Mr Semynozhenko read the letter of Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, who assured that Ukraine is ready to a more extensive cooperation with the EU and signature of the association agreement, which will consider establishment of a free-trade zone and introduction of visa-free travel. Speaking about reforms, Mr Semynozhenko stated that "the only option for us, to get a ticket to the civilized, European world" is to modernize the country and that Ukraine is linked with the EU by "strategic relations". According to Volodymyr Semynozhenko, the first most important step is adoption of budget for 2010 and other taken actions", which are important for political stability in Ukraine".
Teodor Melescanu, Deputy Speaker of Romanian Senate, emphasized that the economic crisis creates the opportunity to push through reforms which are expected to raise the living standard. Also, having the objective of joining UE and NATO, Ukraine should be all the more aware of the need for reforms. The countries neighbouring with Ukraine can only encourage its authorities to carry out reforms.
Józef Oleksy, former Prime Minister of Poland, said that Ukraine can contribute substantially to the changing political realities. However, not everything depends on Ukraine. The European Union should also make a decision concerning its strategy for accession of new members.
Economy in the time of crisis – chances for modernization
Aurel Vainer, Vice-Chairman of the Economic Policy Committee in the Romania Parliament, said that two first years after EU accession were very good for his country. Crisis came afterwards. The situation, where many areas are in international hands, has its advantages and disadvantages. The EU countries and Romania have divergent needs. Unfortunately, these discrepancies proved to be very difficult. Romania made a treaty with the European Union and the International Monetary Fund to stabilize financial policy, in order to maintain the exchange rate of the national currency. Today, a delegation from the European Union has arrived to Romania in order to review the financial situation and determine the needs, which result from this situation. Romania must adopt new legal regulations specifying remuneration, which will cause reduction of budget expenditure. New investments in infrastructure are also necessary. Romania can receive 4.5 billion euros from the EU a year for development of infrastructure. But it means the necessity to provide its own financial contribution.
Viktor Pynzenyk, former Minister of Finance of Ukraine, paid attention to the country’s enormous budget deficit, which reaches 11.4% of GDP, and after considering other liabilities it tops even 13 %. In his view, the new government has not changed this policy, the fiscal burden for the budget has continued to increases. Meanwhile, according to the declarations of the government, Ukraine does not have budget problems.
Andrey Nechaev, President of Russian Finance Corporation, Russia, said that such countries as Russia and Ukraine encountered a double issue – increase of inflation and decline in production. As a result of the crisis, the structure o Russia’s economy deteriorated, a deep decrease in production volume was recorded, especially in high-technology related areas. The role of the state in economy has increased with simultaneous considerable recession and a downturn in foreign and internal investment. In the effect of the crisis, the authorities recognized the necessity of modernization. Yet, today no one knows what it means and by now it has only been a „verbal” modernization. Russian authorities resolved the issue of financial liquidity quite quickly and effectively. The banking system overcame the crisis without bigger shocks. However, a large part of budget spending for support of the banking system has not reached the real sector, because „it disappeared on the way”.
Maxim Bobrov, a journalist of Russian TV Channel 1, remarked that weak information policy has led to a situation, when the society does not know what is the matter and whose interest is represented by the reforms and modernization. It happens even though the crisis has been the main topic of all news, and the media presented all groups and views.
Valerij Hajets, Director of Economics and Planning Institute from Ukrainian Academy of Science, reminded that modernization cannot take place without participation of the state. In Ukraine, the political cycle prevails over the economic cycle. Today, processes in Ukraine depend on the global economic situation. Unfortunately, the public debt rose dramatically. The problem is that private debt has become the state’s debt and that too much is spent on the social sphere.
Foreign investments in Ukraine: chances and barriers
Jorge Zukowski, President of American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, expressed the opinion that the legal basis for investment has been changing on the Dnieper. Many new laws have been prepared in the Supreme Council, and the Government wants to cooperate within the scope of short-term programmes. In view of Mr Zukowski, such institutions as the International Monetary Fund or investment banks, have considerable influence on Ukraine, which needs many investments. “It is a huge market and investments in all areas of the Ukrainian economy should be protected. We wait when the government moves from declarations to action. Is there enough political will to start complex reform processes?” – asked Jorge Zukowski.
Pascal Le Mière, Director for Development in Central Europe and CIS at Veolia Environnement, stated that Ukraine offers extraordinary investment opportunities with a market of 50 million consumers. Mr Le Mière emphasized that Ukraine clearly lacks foreign direct investments. Transparent legal framework and large-scale infrastructure modernization are two critical factors. Investors expect predictability – clear and transparent rules of the game regardless of changing conditions. He pointed to bureaucracy as a major impediment for inflow of investments, while at the same time doubting that new authorities will curb it.
Markus Stober, Partner, SCP Company, said that today president and government have completely taken over the power. Speaking about the investment climate in Ukraine, Mr Stober emphasized that one can point to a few scenarios. The first, positive, assumes that the government will recognize new development perspectives, and that the process of assessing Ukrainian cooperation with the International Monetary Fund will come to an end. The other, pessimistic, assumes that the government will not have enough strength to carry out reforms, which will result in a low GDP growth, and this will not meet to the investors’ expectations. Mr Stober stated that time plays a significant role. “By now, we have had possibility to introduce reforms. The closer is the election, the harder it will be. Reforms should be carried out immediately. Investors will select the best markets for investment” – he said.
Future of the Association Agreement: Plans and Reality
Rainder Steenblock, Minister a. D., EISA – European Integration Strategy Association, Germany: During the widening and deepening process of the EU, Ukraine is very important. I know that it should be crystal clear for Ukraine what it actually is to accept the acquis communitaire. We want Ukraine to be a member of our “club” but upon fulfillment of certain conditions. Free Trade Area will bring change to Ukraine, however, it will not be an easy tak for Ukraine to deal with initial negative side-effects. The society will, as a result of FTA, loose many advantages, the corruption will have to be cut and the process of restructuring will cost them quite a lot. Ukraine has to fulfill certain conditions to have a visa-free movement. (just as Serbia did). It’s a Ukrainian choice which cooperation will you choose. FTA criteria are strict but they will direct Ukraine towards better future. It’s worth to take on this challenge, even though it might be very demanding today. It’s internal organization and governance which matters most. It’s not the money.
Oleksandr Chalyi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Ukraine: How can such a post-communist country reform itself without the assistance and financial help from the EU? Other countries who wanted to become members got a substantial help.
What kind of railroad will Ukraine have in future? European or Russian? Ukraine can be a new Switzerland in this part of Europe.
Alexandr Vondra – Senator, Czech Republic: Free Trade Agreement was of extreme meaning to us, Czech Republic. And visa-free movement of people was mutaually beneficial for us and for the EU. I believe it will be the same for Ukraine. IMF help was of prime importance for us in the critical time of transformation.What Ukraine needs to concentrate on is also the stability. This country is not stable enough. FTA will be good for Ukraine. Ofcourse the accession today is more difficult than it used to be a in the early 90s. But the EU is also very different now.
Leonid Kravchuk, The first President of Ukraine: The choice for Ukraine is either to decide for the customs union or for the FTA with the EU. In my opinion, Ukraine is not able to be a bridge between EU and Russia. This is not our aspiration. We need solid foundations.
Ruslan Shafiev, Deputy Director, All Russian Market Research Institute, Russia: Russia and Ukraine are rich in natural resources. But they are exhaustible. We (Russians) need to invest in research and know-how and its transfer to business.What we also need to concentrate on is the intellectual property rights culture. Our patents, trademarks, brands are not well guarded.
Prospects for Economic Cooperation in the CEE Region after the Crisis – New Dimensions
Peter Balazs, Minister of Foreign Affairs from Hungary, said that fight with the economic crisis has recently become a priority for all governments. Unfortunately, the society does not like to tighten one’s belt and reforms will never be popular. Membership in the EU is not a magic cure for economic problems. The internal market of Ukraine is huge and it is a great advantage of Ukraine, which remains unexplored, that is why it should be opened to many players instead of ties with one partner. Systemic transformation – economic modernization and in the end integration with the European Union – it should be the sequence of action. Reforms are necessary – one should do everything to refrain from using external funds. We have a huge internal market in the European Union, which allows that some member states can support each other in preventing economic crises.
Roman Szpek, Vice-president of the Management Board of Alfa-Bank from Ukraine emphasized that even though Ukraine has experienced a deep crisis, its long-term consequences seem to be unnoticed by the political elites. Unfortunately, Ukraine is still short of transparency in the legal system, its budget deficit is very big, there is no political stability, and the crisis reaped here a bitter harvest. The EU has been created as a great political task, which turned out to be a very successful project. Politics does not mean lofty ideals but pragmatic actions, therefore without radical reforms Ukraine cannot be a partner for the European Union. We need reforms in the legislature to ensure sovereignty of our country – emphasized Szpek. Ukraine is too large to avoid interference of external partners as a consequence of its long-term instability. Unfortunately, in Ukraine implementation of reforms has been a very difficult process, which proceeded very slowly and reluctantly. The economy of Ukraine is not competitive, but it is governed by economic principles. One should think globally about the steps that should be taken to sell Ukrainian products better, what should be done to improve competitiveness in the European market? The main task of Ukraine should not be to convince Brussels that Ukraine belongs to the European family and shares the same European values, but to implement consistently economic and political reforms. But political will is necessary to do it – added the moderator of the panel, Oleksy Plotnikow.
Eugenyi Fedorov, Chairman of Economic Policy and Entrepreneurship Committee in Russian State Duma added that in contemporary world there will always be economic monopolies, which manipulate the public opinion and influence economic processes, which is especially sensible in the crisis time. Modernization is possible – one should take the right course of changes in the first place.
Energy session: Ukraine and energy security in the region of Central and Eastern Europe.
The participants in the panel conference presented optimistic and pessimistic scenarios for development of Ukraine’s energy policy.
Vaclav Bartuska, Ambassador-at-Large for Energy Security from the Czech Republic appealed that Ukraine reforming its energy market should take advantage of the tools it has at hand as a country. „It has no sense to purchase gas at a higher price than the sales price on its own market” – he emphasized. In his opinion the most important issues for Ukraine is to liberalize energy prices and decrease consumption of energy. „Ukraine consumes four times more energy as compared with GDP, than for example Slovakia and six times more than Finland. If energy consumption of the economy would decrease, Ukraine could use only one’s own energy resources”. Bartuszka paid attention to 2013 – it is the scheduled finish of the northern pipeline, when Europe will start to receive gas from the North and Ukraine will no longer act as a transit country.
Jean Marie Devos, Secretary General of Eurogas from Belgium, presented the optimistic scenario. In his view resentments and complexes from the past should be left aside. „Most important is to build mutual trust towards our political and business partners”, said Devos, appealing in the same time for transparency in the Ukrainian legal system. In today’s world there is not place for such divisions as Ukraine versus Russia, or Ukraine versus the European Union, that is why we should seek Pan-European solutions, without winners or losers.
Viacheslav Kniazhnitskyi, Ambassador-at-Large for Energy Security from Ukraine, presenting the Ukrainian point of view, underlined that Ukraine has been adopting slowly its legal system to the requirements of the European Union, gradually implementing directives related to energy market. Reforms have been introduced for a longer time to liberalize energy prices, but – here he drew attention to the decision making system in the European Union – Brussels acts slowly and we often encounter bureaucratic barriers.
Andrey Konoplyanik, Adviser to the Management Board of Gazprombank, presented the Russian perspective for the Ukrainian energy market. He paid attention to the price system and gas transport, which should be, in the first place, adapted to citizens – gas users, and not big business players.
The Head of the Representation Office of the European Investment Bank in Ukraine – Tore Emanuelsson, presented the position of the bank as an institution supporting energy market investments, which are made by both private business and state institutions. The main task of EBI has always been to support security and effectiveness of gas supply.
All participants in the panel agreed about the fact that despite favour of the European Union countries and various forms of financial assistance and international support, the most important task, which is to carry out reforms, belongs to Ukraine. Otherwise, it would always remain unstable transit country relaying on supply of Russian gas.
Future of the Regional Cooperation in CEE Region and Impact of the Eastern Partnership
Giorgi Baramidze – Deputy Prime Minister, State Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Georgia: Ukraine is a reliable and solid friend for Georgia, and it’s a leader in the Eastern region. Region which is indeed very important to underline, consists of European Nations. We need this institutional arrangement to establish real dialogue with the EU. Georgia has fundamentally European roots, we don’t have logical alternative than to move quickly towards the EU. It’s an excellent way to approach many of our problems. We have GUAM as well, it’s important for us to improve and strengthen the relationship within GUAM. We will start free trade negotiations, and we hope to have visa liberalization in the future. All 6 countries will exercise their cooperation with the EU and it will help to strengthen the relations within the region.
Andrei Popov – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova: We are sandwiched between two neighbors. Romanian is close to us, and it is an official EU language. Romania can be our advocate and offer EU its expertise on us. We failed to show EU (Moldova with Romania) our strategic cooperation. Our relationship with Ukraine is not good, it’s not dramatic, 5 last year there have been no presidential visits although it takes 40 minutes by plane. We are happy to see increased cooperation between Romania and Ukraine. Eastern Partnership is not anti-russian initiative.
Bogdan Mazuru – Secretary of State for European Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Romania: Romania supports Eastern Partnership and it’s development. We are Ukrainian and Moldovan friends. We want to have stable, democratic neighbors. If European Union wants to have an important global role, it needs success in its neighborhood. Eastern Partnership is not enough, we need more political weight, better understanding of needs of this countries. European Union should stimulate the cooperation in this region. Romania is supportive of liberalizing visa-free regime for the Eastern Partnership countries. Eastern Partnership should be seen as an instrument of reform for the neighboring countries.
Lapo Pistelli – Member of the Committee of Foreign and European Union Affairs, Chamber of Deputies, Italy : My perspective is that we moved from big hopes to the time of big disillusion with European policies. Scepticism inside the EU is rising. I see no remarkable difference in the functioning of the EU now and in the past. We are still the same political platform. It is now aware of the differences that exist in the post-soviet countries. We are aware that the role of the EU is much more complicated in this region right now. Many concrete reforms are necessary in order to start negotiations. Italy still has to reform itself, it’s a never-ending process. Entering EU is a political choice, not only a technical one. You need to involve citizens. We should open Europe-houses in the cities of neighboring countries.
Borys Tarasyuk – Chairman of the Committee on European Integration, Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine I see the danger of Russia extending its domination during the new president. I see a big danger for our countries. Irritation of Moscow to the news at creation of GUAM was one of many signs.
Russian-Ukrainian relations: achievements, conflicts, arguments and perspectives
Viktor Shenderovich, Journalist of Radio “Echo of Moscow”, Russia: Ukraine – is a country of diverse identities. These countries did not exist earlier within these borders, except of the last 20 years. For a man, who arrived from the Russian „political morgue”, tumultuous life in Ukraine seems to be very interesting. In my opinion, 39 billion dollars from the contract between Russia and Ukraine “gas for the Fleet” – is a redundant expense for the pleasure of waving the Russian flag on the coast of the Black Sea. Between Russia and Ukraine there is a certain kind of envy for relations with others. Such feeling between nations – is a feeling of close relatives, and the most difficult relations usually appear between closely related persons.
Hong Zhang, Academic Secretary, Academic Secretary, Institute of Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies, China: In Russian-Ukrainian relations, economic cooperation has been replaced by military-political issues. According to analyzes, Russia and Ukraine, despite difficulties in the 1990’s and the current recession, have had quite good economic relations in many areas. Both countries should take advantage of this potential. It is understandable that Ukraine will try to decrease its economic reliance on Russia, but – because of dependence on the supply of Russian gas – it will not be easy.
Anatoly Kozeradsky, Member of Parliament, State Duma, Russia: Ukraine experienced changes with a positive character from the point of view of the future o Russian-Ukrainian relations. The new authorities, for the first time in many years, try to form normal relations with Russia. We were glad of the new steps of Ukraine within the scope of strengthening the neutral status of the state and dissolving the committee for accession of Ukraine to NATO. Russian Fleet is in Sevastopol so that there are no other fleets there. When a vacuum is created, this place is occupied by others. Carrying out the Program of Eastern Partnership, Europe intends to isolate Russia and exclude it from integration processes in the region. We should prepare a „road map” project to stabilize bilateral relations between Russia and Europe. NATO forgot its promise to refrain from eastern enlargement, in exchange for retreat of Russian army from Germany, which was made within the scope of Group 2+4, and promises should be kept.
Valery Chalyi, Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs,Ukraine: We have never undermined the value of Ukrainian-Russian relations, especially in economic dimension. Ukraine has understood the national interest of Russia. It is – to control or even exercise influence on Ukraine. Ukraine wanted to free itself from this influence. Russia and Ukraine move away from each other. So far no competitive financial-industrial group has been created. Legal system have moved apart seriously.
A national priority for Ukrainians is to build partnership relations with Russia. Today, a great chance has been created to leave mutual mistrust behind. Our relations should be built on the foundations of international law, with respect of mutual benefits and sovereignty.
Michael Haltzel, John Hopkins University, USA: Unfortunately, NATO enlargement has been used in the Russian foreign policy. When I came to Moscow and talked with employees of president Yelcyn’s administration, they did not express any special concern. When Vladimir Putin came to power, the situation has changed. Considering all that, I must admit that Russia in fully entitled to participate in the security architecture of Europe.
Yury Shevtsov, Director, Centre for the Problems of European Integration, Belarus: Cooperation between Belarus and Venezuela in the field of crude oil can change much in Europe. Appearance of non-Russian oil in the region, which is transferred via Odessa-Brody pipeline, is not something terrible, it is a result of normal competition. However, decisions must be made already now so that it does not become a source of conflict in Russian-Ukrainian relations. We need to either strengthen the importance of the EU and Eastern Partnership and aspiration of free trade zone, or pursue integration of Ukraine with Russian-Belarusian economic community.
Anatoliy Zlenko, Vice-president of Ukrainian Forum of Civil and Political Leaders, Ukraine: If we do not learn to respect each other, we will not manage to achieve trust in our relations, we will work in vain. As of today, there have been nearly 380 contracts signed between Ukraine and Russia, 305 of them are legally binding, and nearly 250 are implemented. The new government should build relations with USA, Russia and EU.
Regional security issues – is a common stance possible?
Klaus Witmman, brigadier general, f. director of the Academy of Planning and Politics, Germany : Ukraine has found itself at the turning point in history, at peculiar crossroads, which requires deep analysis and reflection, how to ensure one’s own and regional security. Changes in the foreign policy of Ukraine do not have to implicate discontinued cooperation with NATO, because important is the mechanism of this cooperation in itself. One of the most significant security issues boils down to a question: how to change the thinking that security of certain states is ensured at the expense of another state.
Wim F. Van Eekelen, Netherlands Advisory Commission on European Integration: "The train of the European Union enlargement has finally arrived to its destination” and the EU is currently more democratic, organized and effective. Europe is a specific continent, much better organized than others, which allows us to speak in different languages and understand better. To solve the issues of global and regional security effectively in the future, we need closer relations and to combine military issues and civil security, closer cooperation of entities responsible for these areas. The EU will become more involved in the issues of military security, and NATO will try to solve civil security issues.
Giorgi Baramidze, Deputy Prime Minister, State Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Georgia: Georgia pays special attention to the new situation in relations between Ukraine and Russia, in connection with signature of the agreement concerning gas and the Black Sea Fleet, and it received with respect the decisions of the President and Parliament of Ukraine. In the same time we have noticed that there is a conflict of interests between the EU and Russia in relation to this region. Russia wants to dominate in Eastern Europe and in the region of Caucasus, and thus, as opposed to democratic countries, which do not trigger conflict and do not violate borders, it aspires to change the borders of European countries with force, taking advantage of ethnic conflicts in the same time. Georgia respects Russian interests, provided that they are rightful interests, but it cannot compromise the freedom of choosing its own internal and foreign policy. In the same time, Georgia has many common interests with Russia (such as fight against terrorism, drug dealing, in energy sector, etc.) and opts for cooperation based on the rules of common respect of sovereignty and free choice of political course.
Julian Fota – National Security Advisor to the President, Romania: After collapse of the USSR, Romania for 10 years (until 1999), observed the rule of neutrality and resigned from it due to a weakness of resultant country’s position and worse development opportunities. Cooperation with NATO was one way of guaranteeing national security and solve some internal issues. A special international situation and a series of other conditions are necessary to maintain neutrality. For Ukraine, cooperation with NATO and membership in the Organization, are two different matters.
Sergey Maskevich, Chairman of the Standing Committee on International Relations and Ties with the CIS, House of Representatives of the National Assembly, Belarus: Belarus is situated in the centre of Europe, bordering considerably with NATO member states, which determinates its relation to the issue of regional security. Belarus removed nuclear weapons from its territory, reduced the number of medium and long-range missiles, a considerable part of bombers and tanks. Belarus did not understand the enlargement of NATO to the East and did not want to connect the guarantees for its security with Russia. The anxiety of Belarus about regional security issues is natural. It supports the initiative of Russia to guarantee the European security and also initiatives within the scope of OSCE. It hopes that it will be a full-fledged participant in the processes, which are expected to guarantee regional security and that these processes will to the maximum degree consider interests of all states.
Oleksandr Chalyi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Ukraine: There are currently no possibilities and conditions to create a system of effective and stable security in Europe. This objective requires a new Helsinki Conference. One of the main reasons is that the USA do not attach such importance to these issues as earlier. It is also not possible to create such a system without Russia. A barrier is also the indefinite status of Ukraine, which did not receive a membership offer in Bucharest. Currently the status of Ukraine might become close to the status of Austria after World War II. More than 50 % of Ukraine’s citizens support the choice of neutrality, which requires legislative changes, resignation from international treaties and recognition from western countries. Security in the region can be assured within the scope of a system of European security, establishing a new regional structure with participation of Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Moldova. This project could be on the agenda of the conference on global security, planned in 2013, during the leadership of Ukraine in OSCE.
Ron Asmus, Executive Director, Transatlantic Centre and Strategic Planning, German Marshall Fund of the United States, USA: During 20 years, the area of European security was successfully enlarged by taking new members on board of NATO and developing cooperation of the Alliance with many new states. In the same time, the Russian foreign policy has considerably changed, and this process has started after enlargement in 2002 (Prague), which could have been noticed during the NATO-Russia summit in Rome. It is not true that Europe has become less important for the USA. It is simply not priority no. 1. The attention of the USA has been directed towards China, Pakistan, Afghanistan and other Asian countries. The issue of Ukraine’s security belongs to Ukraine itself. One should not approach the EU to solve issues of Ukraine, because the Union is unable to serve the function of “an anchorage” for Ukraine. A new dialogue should be opened to obtain a new consensus with Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine should beware of hasty actions.
Danny Yatom, CEO & Co-Chairman, G. S. G Global Strategic Group, Israel: Israel, surrounded by other powerful states, has continuously struggled for its security. As a participant in all rounds of negotiations with Syria, Jordan and Palestine, Israel thinks that if players are patient and ready for concessions and compromises, the most serious conflicts can be resolved. The security interests are served best by democracy, hence there is hope that internal processes in Ukraine will have democratic character, which is expected to guarantee internal security of the country. “Neutrality of a new kind” can emerge in Ukraine’s policy, which will allow it to act as a bridge between Russia and the European Union.
Carina Stachetti, Head of Russia, Ukraine & Eurasia Department, Directorate for Strategic Affairs, Ministry of Defence, France: Many incomprehensible theses and concepts have been mentioned in the discussion, introducing confusion in understanding the issue of European security, e.g. what is the meaning of “neutrality”, “Ukraine outside of blocks”, why two entirely different organizations as NATO and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe are opposed ?
Alla Jazkova, Head of Centre for Mediterranean-Black Sea Studies, Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia: I agree that we need to work out a new consensus with Russia. The Agreement on the Black Sea Fleet means strengthening of Russia in the Black Sea basin, where already two US bases have been present. One should consider also the position of Turkey in the region.
