http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/21/us-ukraine-crisis-eu-agreement-idUSBREA2K0JY20140321
Summary:
The Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk signed core chapters of the Associated Agreement at an EU summit in Brussels on March 21 2014. The deal commits Ukraine and the EU to have closer Political and Economic relations while some parts have yet to be signed and will be signed after the presidential elections in May. This deal was rejected by the former Prime Minister of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovich, in November which triggered the mass protests and riots in the streets.
I find this fascinating because I heard about the protests and roits that have been occuring in the Ukraine but I had no idea what caused them. Ukraine seems to be in a very delicate situation right now regarding what decisions it should take. The former Prime Minister decided to reject this offer from the EU to form stronger relations with Moscow but was overthrown for this decision and was led to him fleeing the country. The potential good that can come from this agreement between the EU and Ukraine is well worth it I believe, however there are possible repercussions with relations with Russia as Russia has already imposed stricter customs on trade with Ukraine. Another trial that Ukraine has to overcome to gain the benefits of this signing is to meet the obligations that come from with EU political assoication; inculding the changes to the rule of law and justice, adopting business practices, and environment standards that will definitely push the country
Nick, why do you think Ukraine wants to have closer ties to the EU and why do you think Russia doesn't want Ukraine to have closer ties to the EU?
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