Many hurdles to overcome as Ukraine edges closer to EU membership

MANY believe it is only a matter of time before the European Union expands to the borders of Russia itself by admitting Ukraine as a member.

But debate has begun. Should Ukraine the birthplace of Russia itself become a full member of the EU or just be a good neighbour?

The country is one of the most corrupt in the world, with its assets and public finances under the control of a few families.

There are also problems concerning its very close links to Russia, police torture, media freedom and people trafficking.

The EU has been active in the country since 1991 and has spent over E1 billion strengthening democratisation, aiding institutional reform and furthering human rights. But pressure is building on the EU to do more following the orange street revolution and rerun of elections won by Viktor Yushchenko.

The European Parliament itself is pushing for Ukraine a country with an annual GNI per head of about 600 to become a member of the club. The pressure has been added, too, by Ukraine's new president.

EU members are divided over bringing Ukraine into the Union.

Enlargement has given the country strong allies inside the EU, with Poland in particular pushing for its inclusion.

Officially, the Commission says the question of Ukrainian entry is not on the agenda. But last week, the Swedish Commissioner, Margot Wallstrom, said they all agree that "it's a realistic vision for the future that Ukraine should join."

The leaders of powerful member states have been silent on the subject. They cannot afford to be seen to come out against the popular democracy movement.

However, they are concerned about the EU's ability to absorb such a big country. It would cost existing members a lot of money, re-balance power within the Union, and affect Russian relations.

Yesterday, EU Foreign Ministers were expected to approve proposals to strengthen ties with Ukraine. They cover easier travel visas; cooperation in energy; making safe their nuclear reactors including Chernobyl; preparation for WTO entry and help in developing democracy.

The proposals come under the Union's new Neighbourhood Policy, aimed at initially helping seven counties on the EU's new borders following enlargement last May.

The aim is to hold out the prospect of gradual integration into certain EU policies such as education and the environment. This aims to improve cooperation in fighting crime and in managing borders and emigration and gradually bringing national laws on goods into line with the EU.

Those who want Ukraine in the EU see the Neighbourhood Policy as bringing them closer to reaching the standards needed to join the EU.

However, Ukraine must jump many hurdles before being considered for membership.

The powerful oligarchs who control everything must legitimise their assets; the corrupt education system must be sorted out; the judiciary has to be re-educated.

The very important issue of Russia must also be resolved. Still smarting from having to pay tariffs on its goods into the new EU member states that it previously owned, Russia is unlikely to give up its closest ally of many years.

One of the first tests for Mr Yushchenko will be how he deals with this.

His predecessor, Leonid Kuchma, signed an agreement with Moscow creating a common market between them, Belarus and Kazakhstan.

His other major test will be managing his own oligarchs. A major World Bank report says Ukraine's economy must move out of its corrupt insider status to survive.