Ukraine: What to watch for in 2016
With the entry into force of the EU-Ukraine Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) as part of the Association Agreement (AA) on 1 January 2016, Ukraine has taken a significant step forward on its long road to European integration. However, 2016 will entail a new series of tests for the country. While Kyiv is under continued pressure to fulfil the February 2015 Minsk II ceasefire agreement, the interruption of electricity supply to Crimea — occupied by Russia since March 2014 — has added fuel to bilateral tensions over the peninsula, which could intensify in 2016. Ukraine's default on its US$3 billion debt to Russia, and Moscow's response will further strain bilateral ties. The growing fragility of the pro-European government coalition could increase the likelihood of early parliamentary elections and impede the on-going reform process. At the same time, the national security situation – precarious overall as it is – could be further undermined by cyber-attacks. In addition, a number of external developments, for example, the split within the EU vis-à-vis the Russia-backed 'Nord Stream 2' gas pipeline and the forthcoming Dutch referendum on the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, planned for April 2016, will require attention.
Briefing
À propos de ce document
Type de publication
Auteur
Domaine politique
Mot-clé
- accord d'association (UE)
- aide financière
- approvisionnement énergétique
- communication
- construction européenne
- désinformation
- Europe
- gazoduc
- GÉOGRAPHIE
- géographie politique
- géographie économique
- occupation militaire
- organisation des transports
- politique de coopération
- politique extérieure
- politique énergétique
- procédure électorale et vote
- RELATIONS INTERNATIONALES
- Russie
- règlement des différends
- référendum
- situation politique
- situation économique
- situation économique
- sécurité internationale
- TRANSPORTS
- Ukraine
- UNION EUROPÉENNE
- VIE POLITIQUE
- vie politique et sécurité publique
- ÉCONOMIE
- ÉDUCATION ET COMMUNICATION
- ÉNERGIE