Posted in the Ukraine Action Report, the speech basically thanks the European Union for their support, rejects the “neighborhood policy” in favor of full member status, explains how Ukraine will reform, and talks a lot about freedom and democracy. A great speech, overall, for a prestigious president.

ÄYushchenkoÅ Dear Mr President, dear members of the European Parliament, ladies and gentlemen. It is a great honour and pleasure for me to speak in this room today. The European Parliament is a symbol of democracy in the European Union while democracy is the value that unites all of us today. It is the foundation of the unity, wellbeing and prosperity of each separate state that has succeeded in protecting its right to free expression and also of the whole European continent, which has managed to leave war and animosity behind and to build a union of democratic states and a union of free citizens.

I am proud to take the floor in the European Parliament. I am happy to present to you a country that has come up with a powerful symbol in recent European history. The torn-down Berlin Wall, the Warsaw round table, the orange Maydan ÄIndependence SquareÅ in Kiev – these are the symbols of new Europe, symbols of a continent that will never revert to totalitarianism, ethnic cleansing or famine, symbols of countries that have rejected lies and defended the truth, symbols of citizens willing to die for freedom, for the triumph of democracy, for the right to live in a united and free Europe.

The space of freedom from Lisbon to Warsaw now reaches Kiev, Lviv, Kharkiv and Odessa, and no-one is capable of defeating the people. Freedom cannot be stopped – either in Europe or in the rest of the world. The Orange Revolution has shown that Ukraine is part of European civilization, not only geographically, but also in terms of values, politically, spiritually and mentally. ÄapplauseÅ

My country has already seen the second civilized handover of power to a democratically elected president, not an appointed heir, and not through bloodshed or violence but in a peaceful, transparent and democratic way. Democracy has prevailed no matter how much it cost Ukrainians and me personally.

It became possible only thanks to the birth of a true civil society in Ukraine, the emergence of a strong middle class, independent politicians and businessmen, honest judges, civil servants and law-enforcers – thanks to the birth of a modern political nation in Ukraine.

THANKS EUROPEANS FOR SUPPORTING REVOLUTION
You, European Parliament members, can rightfully consider yourselves godfathers of the new democratic Ukraine. In the unforgettable days of the Orange Revolution, the feeling of support from Europeans was among the main incentives to help us close ranks, overcome the problems and win. The hearts of true Europeans were beating on Maydan during the cold November and December days and nights.

Here, within the walls of the European Parliament, you were the first ones to hear and realize that a new civil society was being born and a new page in the history of creating the universal space of democracy on the European continent was being written.

In keeping with a Ukrainian custom, I would like to bow my head in respect and to thank you sincerely for supporting democracy in Ukraine at the difficult times of the Ukrainian people’s struggle for their freedom. ÄapplauseÅ

Dear friends, we are together now. Ukraine still has a lot to do to become a fully fledged member of the European family of nations, but we have achieved the main thing – we are united by common values and common goals, the realization of common history and adherence to the idea of building a common future. This feeling of unity is much stronger than any words, declarations or rhetoric.

Dear friends, my country is on the brink of new pivotal changes today. The process of reforming the country reminds me of the process of baking bread. Quality ingredients are needed. Painstaking and skilled work is needed. Once the dough is ready, a mould is needed for the delicious loaf to take shape.

The new president and government of Ukraine have clearly defined the ingredients and forms for future decisions. These are the norms and standards of the European Union, its legislation, legal, political, economic and social culture. European integration is the most effective and, in fact, the only programme of reforms for contemporary Ukraine.

A lot has been done in recent years to start Ukraine’s European integration. Entry to the European Union has been identified as the main task for state power bodies and Ukraine’s strategic foreign-policy course. But despite some headway, declarations on integration with Europe have largely remained mere words.

Authoritarianism, violations of democratic rights and standards, pressure on the mass media, violations of freedom of speech, persecution of the opposition, corruption and abuse of power stood in the way. This was precisely what compelled Ukrainians to take to the streets and squares.

The triumph of democracy has drastically changed my country. Favourable conditions have been created both for domestic reforms and for progress in relations with the European Union. Neither Ukraine nor the European Union has the right to squander this unique chance, in my opinion.

Dear friends, I think highly of your readiness to use the unique chance that destiny has bestowed upon us. The European Parliament proved its far-sightedness by adopting a historic resolution on 13 January this year. I believe that your call for the Council of Europe, the Council of the European Union, the European Commission and the member states to give Ukraine a clear European prospect will be heeded and supported. We positively view the extension of the Ukraine-EU action plan signed the other day. Ukraine hails any steps to broaden our cooperation in line with new political reality.

The fulfilment of the plan is an important stage in our cooperation. I would like to confirm that Ukraine will carry it out in a persistent and resolute manner. This is one of the most important challenges for my government. Ukraine will do everything in its power to make sure that, in just one year’s time, a joint analysis of the plan’s implementation shows a positive outcome.

REJECTS NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICY AS BASIS FOR FURTHER RELATIONS
We want the successful implementation of the action plan to open the way for change to the legal base of our relations. I hope that by 2007 we will manage to complete talks on Ukraine’s entry into the European Union. The main thing is to start the negotiating process.

I believe that the fulfilment of the action plan will open the possibility of a European associate membership accord being signed with Ukraine. In the meantime, I would like to stress that we do not perceive the Neighbourhood Policy as an adequate basis for further Ukraine-EU relations. The format of our ties should proceed from the recognition of Ukraine as an inalienable part of united Europe. ÄapplauseÅ

Dear friends. Allow me to reiterate that we view Ukraine’s cooperation with the European Union within the framework of implementing the action plan beyond the context of the Neighbourhood Policy. We by no means view such cooperation as an alternative to dialogue on a new long-term policy of rapprochement. We suggest that such dialogue should be prepared already now, defining its goal as giving Ukraine the prospect of membership in accordance with the EU’s statutory documents.

We welcome the position of our partners who propose that the European Union work out a new prospect for relations with Ukraine. These are important signals which we regard as support for our plans.

GOAL IS EU ENTRY
Dear colleagues. The aim of my country, the main task of my government and me personally is Ukraine’s entry into the European Union. The final result of the implementation of the action plan, which we are ready to speed up, has to be the signing of a new, reinforced accord in the form of a European associate membership accord.

In order to direct cooperation along these lines, Ukraine is ready to submit a formal request for membership in the EU, in accordance with Article 49 of the European Union Treaty. Ukraine is ready to walk the distance to meet the Copenhagen criteria for EU membership. I would like to state in clear terms that we realize that the bulk of the work to integrate Ukraine into the EU has to be done by Ukrainians themselves.

If we fail to carry out quick and effective reforms, the European Union will not help us. No-one will put our Ukrainian home in order for us. That is why my government has worked out a five-year action programme aimed at carrying out a set of reforms needed to obtain EU membership.

A deputy prime minister for European integration has been appointed to the government to coordinate work to efficiently implement the norms and standards of the European Union. Also, the changes will be aimed at completing the process of creating a functioning, transparent and competitive market economy, increasing Ukraine’s attractiveness for investment, reducing the tax burden and rooting out corruption.

The independence and efficiency of the judiciary will be stepped up. The full-scale implementation of principles of a law-governed state will be ensured. During my tenure, no-one will hear of my government violating freedom of speech, muzzling the mass media or restricting human rights in Ukraine.

The lofty aims of European integration require the conduct of administrative reform Äinterrupted by applauseÅ The lofty aims of European integration require the conduct of administrative reform and reinforcement of the institutional abilities of bodies of state power. It has to be carried out within the shortest space of time possible and has to adapt our domestic state bureaucracy to modern requirements and challenges. This has to ensure the authorities’ efficiency in fulfilling their policies, to raise responsibility for the results of those policies and, finally, to renew people’s trust.

We will do all we can to make the authorities’ actions transparent and understandable and the policies predictable and consistent.

PROMISES SWEEPING REFORM
Another component is all-embracing social reforms – pension reform,
reform of health care and education.

An undoubted priority is the creation of safe conditions for people’s lives – reform of law-enforcement bodies and the army, the fight against smuggling, drugs trade, trafficking in people and human organs and illegal migration. We wish our whole system of protection, security, law and order to work, with EU support, to function in line with European standards – smoothly and efficiently yet with typically European respect both for human rights and human dignity.

However, we together should remove the artificial barriers to free communication between our peoples. I am convinced that there should be no discrimination there. The borders should be open and transparent to legal trade and law-abiding citizens, but should be closed to criminals, terrorists and smuggling.

Ukraine will keep pressing for its citizens’ right to free travel in Europe – a right allowing Ukrainian citizens to directly appreciate the advantages and achievements of the European Union. We are ready to confirm the seriousness of the proclaimed intentions by practical everyday painstaking work.

I would like the spirit of European integration to pervade every internal decision, be it in the economy or any other area. Not as an exception or an episode, or a fad, but permanently and persistently. This is my vision of the European philosophy of my activities and the activities of the new Ukrainian government.

My government will move from words on European integration to deeds. However, without political and practical support from the European Union, the implementation of the European integration course will be much more complicated, although it will not stop our European-integration choice, which is final and no subject to revision. But perhaps no-one in this room will deny that it is the prospect of EU membership that is the best tool and the most effective incentive both for reforms inside the country and for rapprochement with united Europe.

Ukrainians have taken a brave and courageous step towards democracy and the European Union. It is time for a brave and courageous step to be taken towards Ukraine.

Ladies and gentlemen, European and Euro-Atlantic integration as the biggest promoter of internal reforms, stronger democracy, the supremacy of the law, civil society, respect for ethnic minorities and regions and stronger local government will remain a key foreign-policy priority during my presidential term.

At the same time, we, like no-one else, are interested in improving relations with the Russian Federation and other neighbours. Movement towards united Europe, no matter how fast it may be, is not a problem for Russia. It will only foster further rapprochement between the European Union and the Russian Federation.

PLEDGES CLOSER COOPERATION WITH RUSSIA
No-one can or has a right to believe that Ukraine’s integration into the European Union is incompatible with the development of closer cooperation with Russia. I would like to state openly – do not believe those who claim that Ukraine’s EU integration is not in the interests of Russia, much less, would isolate Russia from Europe. I am convinced that this is not true.

Just the opposite, Ukraine in the European Union, just as Ukraine in NATO, will never allow these structures to be used against the just interests of the Russian people. A stable, democratic and reformed Russia, integrated into European economic and political ties is a key interest for Ukraine and a guarantee of a stable, secure and prosperous Europe.

The development of multifaceted, mutually beneficial cooperation with the Russian Federation will be complemented by Ukraine’s new active regional policy. Today we have good prospects for stepping up cooperation betweenn Ukraine and the EU in settling the Dniester problem, new opportunities to settle other frozen conflicts. Ukraine is ready to come up with new initiatives as to those issues, but our main mission lies in spreading EU values, Europe’s civic, bureaucratic and legal culture, to this region, promoting the development of practical aspects of European integration, transborder cooperation, transport and energy networks and so on.

Regional integration on the basis of European aims and values, the formation of an area of stability and cooperation from Vitsebsk to Baku, a space as homogeneous as possible with the European Union represented by countries that aspire to meet European norms and standards constitute a key goal for Ukraine. It is this vision that can be the final step towards new Europe.

Esteemed members of the European Parliament. History teaches – our common values cannot be deemed to be set in stone for ever. It is our duty to defend them every day and every hour. We should jointly build the walls of the house in which our peoples live. A divided home cannot survive. Holy Scripture says that when a house is divided against itself, it cannot stand long. Europe’s strength is in unity.

You witnessed Ukraine enriching Europe’s palette with a new orange hue. New bright colours are yet to come, because there is nothing more creative or powerful than victorious freedom. It created Europe, and that’s where Europe’s future lies. Time has come to gather stones. Time has come to start the final stage of building a united Europe.

I believe that we are worthy of this truly momentous mission. I know we are together on this path. That is why I am confident that we are capable of mastering it. Thank you for your attention. ÄapplauseÅ Ä/blockquoteÅ