Ukraine, EU fail to see eye-to-eye

Ukraine, afraid it will be left out in the cold when three neighbours join the European Union next May, goes into tough talks this week with the trade bloc that is reluctant to let the ex-Soviet state in any time soon.

The Slavic country is hosting a one-day Black Sea summit tomorrow at which it will demand a signal it will not be shut out when the bloc expands to take in Poland, Slovakia and Hungary with which it shares borders.

The EU says it has already indicated that Ukraine, a country of 48 million at the hub of Europe, could be a potential member. But no schedule has been drawn up and any prospect of membership depends on Ukraine's ability to show a commitment to Western standards. Both sides have become increasingly frustrated.

President Leonid Kuchma lashed out at EU officials last week, saying they had kept Ukraine waiting too long. "Not one, not even a petty bureaucrat, has said they want Ukraine in the European Union," he said.

Diplomats say relations are at a low. "The European Union is increasingly tired with Ukrainian demands for a 'signal'. A signal was given a long time ago that Ukraine could be a potential member. Funding has been increased and more money will follow... But the signs Ukraine is giving out are not too helpful," one diplomat said.