Analysis: Deep disappointment for Ukraine and EU from failure of DCFTA

摘要

Ukraine's much-vaunted "Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement' (DCFTA) with the EU has bee postponed, some observers say for at least two years or more. The momentum building up to the Vilnius Eastern Partnership summit on November 28-29 was shattered by Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych's abrupt announcement in a TV interview that the signing of a wide-ranging 'Association Agreement' and a DCFTA was no longer possible for now. It followed the postponement of parliamentary decisions on judicial procedures and electoral reform - and pressure from neighbouring Russia, which opposes the EU integration of Ukraine.