These past days have seen the situation in Ukraine deteriorate to tragic proportions with people being killed in protests between the police and anti-government protestors. In a statement released on Tuesday, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, urged the leadership of Ukraine “to address the root causes of the crisis”.

The protests in Kiev first broke out in November when the government of Ukraine suspended the preparations to sign a new Association Agreement with the EU that would have also incorporated a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). The Ukrainian government opted, instead, for closer and stronger ties with Russia. Since November, although relations with Europe and Russia are still central to the contestations between government and opposition, the protests appear to be more directed at achieving political change in the country’s leadership.

Relations between the EU and Ukraine are currently regulated by the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement that came into force in 1998. The objectives of this partnership were:

·         Providing a  framework for political dialogue between the EU and Ukraine that would allow the development of close political relations,

·         promoting trade and investment and harmonious economic relations between the EU and Ukraine,

·         providing a basis for mutually advantageous economic, social, financial, civil scientific technological and cultural cooperation, and

·         supporting Ukrainian efforts to consolidate its democracy and to develop its economy and to complete the transition into a market economy.

The EU accounts for one third of Ukraine’s external trade. Its main exports to the EU are iron, steel, mining products, agricultural products, and machinery. Although Russia remains the largest single-country trade partner, its role has been decreasing over the past years, particularly since the EU’s 2004 enlargement when the EU became Ukraine’s largest trading partner. EU exports to Ukraine more than quadrupled between 2000 and 2012 - from € 5.5 billion to €23.8 billion. Ukraine exports to the EU more than tripled from €4.8 billion in 2000 to €14.6 billion in 2012.

The final text of the agreement for the establishment of an EU-Ukraine Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area was initialled in 2012 yet, as already stated above, the signing of the agreement was suspended by the government of Ukraine last November. The EU considers this agreement as one of the most ambitious bilateral agreements it has ever negotiated with a non-member country and would lead to the reduction and elimination of tariffs and quotas, as well as a reduction of non-tariff barriers to trade.

Ukraine’s relations with Russia started to improve once again with the election of Viktor Yanukovych as President in 2010. Quoting from the BBC News website, “Those on the streets say they are struggling over the future development of the country - will it be a country based on the rule of law, or Russian-style oligarchy and closed interests?”

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Malta’s Foreign Minister, George Vella, appealed for dialogue and that the EU should use all diplomatic means possible to help bring this about whilst ensuring that human and democratic rights are observed. An extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council was called for Thursday afternoon for “an in-depth discussion of recent events in Ukraine and the EU's reaction. All possible options will be explored, including restrictive measures against those responsible for human rights violations, violence and the use of excessive force.” Minister Vella stated that countries needed to be prudent before deciding to impose sanctions because both sides are responsible for the atrocities being committed in Ukraine.

The EU is keen to revive the DCFTA. On February 10, the Foreign Affairs Council reiterated “its commitment to signing the Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, as soon as Ukraine is ready.” The Council also declared that such agreement should not mark “the final goal” in cooperation between the EU and Ukraine.

Whether a much needed breakthrough is achieved during the coming days appears to be in serious doubt with commentators claiming that the situation will continue to escalate.  Undoubtedly, both the EU and Russia have a key role to play in bringing the two sides together and in allowing the Ukrainian people to decide on the future of their country in full respect of all human and democratic rights.

Dr Vanni Xuereb is the head of MEUSAC