Possible Referendum in the Netherlands on Ukraine Casts Doubt on EU Plans

The Netherlands collected enough signatures to promote a non-binding plebiscite on the EU’s integration pact with Ukraine, casting doubts on Europe’s ability to create a common front to help Ukraine.  

Although it would be just “advisory” in nature, the referendum would indeed indicate that citizens across the EU could not be in favour of spending resources to assist Ukraine in its transition. Additionally, apart from indicating that there could be internal divergences over stronger ties with Kiev, the referendum is also a risk for the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. 

‘After signing the political chapters of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement at the EU Summit of 21 March 2014, both parties signed the remaining sections of the Association Agreement on 27 June 2014. The Association Agreement will enter into force once all EU Member States, in addition to Ukraine, have ratified it’ reads a post on the website of the European Union External Action. 

MEANWHILE IN NEW YORK…  

During the U.N. General Assembly in New York, the leadership of all the major countries heard the remarks made by US President Barack Obama, who said that Russian decisions backfired, moving Ukrainians closer to Europe. 

Obama’s remarks came just a few hours the face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.