Andrius Kubilius: EaP strategy resolves Europe’s key geopolitical problem

However, Ukraine is still the main element of the equation, believes Andrius Kubilius, ex-Prime Minister of Lithuania, the leader of the conservative political party “Homeland Union”.

The Ukrainian opposition, the government and President Viktor Yanukovich emphasize that Eurointegration policy remains a priority; the difference is in the period during which the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement should be signed.

- The example of the neighboring country, if Ukraine finally signs the Association Agreement can seriously influence both the moods of Belarusians and the governing administration, - noted Andrius Kubilius, ex-Prime Minister of Lithuania, the leader of the conservative political party “Homeland Union”, in the interview with the EuroBelarus Information Service. – If Ukraine doesn’t finally sign the Agreement it will be bad for the whole region, both for Russia and Europe. Strategy of the Eastern Partnership (EaP) on the rapprochement between Eastern European countries and the European Union not only resolves the problems of separate countries; it resolves one of the main geopolitical problems in Europe: how to organize normal relation between the EU and Russia.

Russia is still experiencing the most difficult case of post-imperial syndrome, Lithuanian politician is convinced.

- Even such countries as Great Britain or France found the collapse of their emperies in the middle of the 20^th century a hard thing to endure; and it is all the more difficult for Russia. That is why the “Eastern Partnership program” was meant to help Russia, not to oppose it. And the failure of this program will have a negative effect on all the countries.

As to the possibilities for closer Europe-Belarus relations, Andrius Kubilius highlighted that “Europe is a community of simple and understandable values”.

- I’m talking about the human rights. The first step to closer cooperation between the EU and Belarus is, of course, the release of the political prisoners. The second condition is free elections. The third is the freedom of speech.

Let us recall that Belarus suggested starting facilitation of visa regime with Europe at the Third Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius.

- Europe has long ago ratified the agreement on small border traffic, and it will be useful both for Belarusans and for Lithuanians if it comes into force. We have carried out all the necessary actions; for some reason Belarus is not ready yet, - Andrius Kubilius noted.