Ukraine and Europe: final decision?

For Ukraine, the November 2013 Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius could be a watershed. It would be then that the European Union would decide whether Ukraine had satisfied the conditions for signature of an EU–Ukraine Association Agreement and the establishment of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA).

Russia should be accorded no 'special rights' in this process. The reality is that Russia will play a role in the process whether it is accorded one or not. The significance of that role will depend in large part upon the strength of Ukraine: the competence of the state authorities, the professionalism of its institutions and the ability of state and society,