Mustafa Dzhemilev: Ukraine to move towards European Union

Mustafa Dzhemilev: Ukraine to move towards European Union

Many countries-members of the EU genuinely want to see Ukraine in the Union while Ukraine needs EU for its further development, said head of Mejlis of Crimean Tatar people Mustafa Dzhemilev in an interview to ‘Den’, informs Mejlis press service.

Head of Mejlis discussed which prospects expect Ukraine in the European Union and which-in the Customs Union.

“During my meetings with officials in Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Lithuania and the European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy Štefan Füle, I had an opportunity to see that they genuinely want to see Ukraine in the EU. But one good will of the EU countries is not enough, a lot depends on Ukraine”, said Dzhemilev.

Despite of economic and intellectual potential of Ukraine, we have something to aspire to, he believes. “The EU has certain principles and standards to be followed by all its members.  We have not reached those standards yet.  We are to settle issues of curruption and violation of human rights.  May the Lord help us to sign the Association Agreement in Vilnius”, said Dzhemilev.

Talking about the Customs Union, Dzhemilev noted those who support Ukraine to enter Customs Union explain it that our products will not withstand the competition with Western countries.  Still, this is the reason why we should improve the competitiveness of our products at European markets.  According to Dzhemilev, there is also fear Russia will raise the price for its natural gas and may try to prevent Ukrainian products from being sold in Custom Union’s countries, turnover with which at present makes 40% of total turnover of Ukraine.

Dzhemilev expressed hope that Ukraine will make the right decision defying the blackmail.