EP hoopt dat met eerlijke verkiezingen in Oekraïne de relatie verder versterkt kan worden (en)

The parliamentary elections in Ukraine on 28 October could prove to be a turning point for its relations with the EU. If they are considered fair and free, it could make it easier to deepen bilateral relations. As EP president Martin Schulz i put it, it is important that: "Ukraine respects the fundamental values of the European Union".

Decisive for Ukraine's future

Former Polish president Aleksander Kwaśniewski, in charge of the EU's monitoring mission to Ukraine together with former EP president Pat Cox, said: "This test to have free and fair elections is decisive for the future of Ukraine. Without free and fair elections we have no chance to continue this dialogue, we have no chance to go forward." Mr Kwaśniewski cited the country's heritage of 70 years of Soviet rule. "It's really challenging, but it is possible. I'm much more optimistic about Ukraine than many other post Soviet countries."

Monitoring

MEPs will await how the elections go before speaking out about the next steps to take.

Pawel Kowal, a Polish member of the European Conservatives and Reformists group in Parliament, is the chairman of the MEP delegation that will observe the elections in Ukraine. He warned against speculating about the results. "Our verdict will depend on the polling day and what happens then. I don't want to make any harsh or strict comments right now because it's good for us to maintain an observer profile. I think our comments after the elections will be even more listened to if we maintain the observer profile right now."

The stakes

The EU has negotiated an association agreement with Ukraine, which has yet to be signed.

Concerns

MEPs have concerns about prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko and other opposition politicians who were sent to jail. This has raised questions about how the Ukrainian government treats political opponents.

MEPs have on several occasions called on Ukraine to respect the principles of the rule of law and democracy if it wants closer relations with the EU.

MEPs who will observe elections on Sunday

Pawel Robert Kowal (president) (ECR, Poland)

Michael Gahler (vice-president) (EPP, Germany)

Juan Fernando López Aguilar (vice-president) (S&D, Spain)

Rebecca Harms (vice-president) (Verts/ALE, Germany)

Anna MariaCorassa Bildt (EPP, Sweden)

Andrzej Grzyb (EPP, Poland)

Joachim Zeller (EPP, Germany)

Jan Kozlowski (EPP, Poland)

Jacek Protasiewicz (EPP, Poland)

Mário David (EPP, Portugal)

Norbert Neuser (S&D, Germany)

Marek Siwiec (S&D, Poland)

Kristian Vigenin (S&D, Bulgaria)

Marek Henryk Migalski (ECR, Poland)

Adrian Severin (NI, Romania)