Ukraine: A Fast Track Away from Democracy?

Tuesday, October 11, 2011, 10.00–11.30, Goethe-Institut

 

Moderator:

Natalia Churikova, Ukrainian Service, RFE/RL, Czech Republic/Ukraine

 

Panel Discussion:

Tomas Vrba, Chairman, Board of Directors, Forum 2000 Foundation, Czech Republic

Bohdan Danylyshyn, Former Minister for Economy, Ukraine/Czech Republic

Christopher Walker, Director of Studies, Freedom House, USA

Mustafa Dzhemiliev, Chairman, Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, Member of Parliament, Ukraine

The panel examined the obstacles of democracy in Ukraine by focusing on the absence of the rule of law, the failure to achieve the ideals of the Orange Revolution, and the significance of the balance between the Western and Eastern influences on Ukrainian politics.

 

Tomáš Vrba stated that in Ukraine, he “found a country where people have lost confidence in their politicians.” He called attention to the careful balance that the current Ukrainian government maintains between adherence to the European Union and to Russia. Vrba also noted the issue of a weak civil society in Ukraine, a country governed by fear and only formal adherence to the law. The panelists were in a consensus concerning the need for international solidarity in helping Ukraine to tackle these issues.

 

Bohdan Danylyshyn spoke about the importance of establishing a dialogue between the current government and the opposition movement as a means to reform. He also reiterated the inclination of the Ukrainian people to join the European Union, and restated the role of the EU in working with Ukraine to develop a free trade zone and a path for cooperation.

 

Mustafa Dzhemiliev shed light on the experience of the Crimean Tatar minority – focusing on the issue of government intervention within the political organization of the Crimean Tatar people as a means to undercut the minority’s interests.

 

Christopher Walker then addressed the unique path Ukraine has followed since attaining independence from the USSR. He cited the developments of civil society in Ukraine following the Orange Revolution, saying that these are now being reversed by the current government. He defined Ukraine as being at a cross-roads and questioned “whether there is enough resilience in the Ukrainian society to resist this” roll-back of civil society. In conclusion, the panelists stressed the importance of the Western influence in safeguarding civil society institutions and promoting development in Ukraine.