EC makes new recommendations for Ukraine.

By bne IntelliNews March 21, 2013
The European Commission recommends Ukraine to focus on meeting its commitments under the association agenda, reads the ENP Country Progress Report 2012 - Ukraine released on Wednesday. In particular, Ukraine should start establishing a reliable electoral system based on an Election Code and clear rules for balanced media access for candidates. The country has to address the cases of politically motivated convictions without further delay. In addition, Ukrainian authorities were recommended to step up fight against conflict of interest and corruption, including in the judiciary system and in relation to improving the business climate. Ukraine was also recommended to make greater efforts to meet the benchmarks set out in the Action Plan on Visa Liberalization. The country should further comply with its obligations under international refugee and human rights law, in particular the principle of non-refoulement. In addition, Ukraine should establish a macroeconomic framework conducive to the resumption of IMF support, addressing such issues as fiscal sustainability in the energy sector; refrain from introducing protectionist measures, such as recycling fees on vehicles, which are potentially in breach of its WTO commitments, and withdraw the notification for renegotiating its WTO commitments; comply with its obligations under the Energy Community Treaty. Moreover, the report notes that in 2012, Ukraine undertook several important reform steps for instance the new Criminal Procedure Code and law on freedom of association were positive developments. However, these steps were largely overshadowed by instances of selective justice and the conduct of the October 2012 parliamentary elections, which showed deterioration in some areas compared to standards previously achieved. Corruption perception remains high. Steps were taken in the field of combating money laundering, organized crime, drugs, and trafficking in human beings.

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