A division of the Paneuropean Union may be created in Ukraine that will strengthen not only economic but also political and cultural relations of our country with European states. The importance of the role of Ukraine in Europe in general and the EU as a political institution was discussed during a meeting between President of the Ukrainian League of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (ULIE) Anatoliy Kinakh and Head of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine, President of the Austrian branch of the Paneuropean Union, Karl von Habsburg.
The latter is now best known as a public figure, who, along with his father Otto von Habsburg, has done much to create a united Europe and facilitate the integration of Eastern European countries in the EU.
The parties discussed, among other things, cooperation between Ukraine and the EU and key reforms for the country’s integration into the European space.
Karl von Habsburg stressed that Ukraine is as important to the EU as the EU is important to Ukraine, and therefore both sides should honor their commitments and do their “homework.”
“Ukraine is important not only because it is a large state with strong economic potential: it is also a key component of the collective security system in Europe. So we are interested in creating a Paneuropean organization here, assisting an NGO that will be able to maintain good contacts in various fields,” he said.
In turn, the ULIE president stressed Ukraine’s European integration being supported by the whole society is inevitable. According to him, it is not so much about a date for Ukraine to become an EU member, but about the introduction of European and other international standards in Ukraine, namely the rule of law, equality before the law, the protection of human rights, owner’s rights and others. However, the EU should also be aware that Ukraine now protects not only its territorial integrity, but also a civilization-defining choice.
“We are working on this at the international level, maintaining good relations with the European Parliament, the European Commission, Europe’s most powerful business association BUSINESSEUROPE through the ULIE’s representative office in the EU, and at the national one, holding a dialogue with the president, government and parliament. Our sovereignty and territorial integrity should not be traded on the world stage,” Anatoliy Kinakh has stressed.
