It has been a thousand years since the Vikings established Ukraine as a trading area. In the 10 centuries since, Ukraine has been a pivot point in terms of trade and security for both East and West.

Interesting, that the descendants of the Vikings-modern day Scandanavians-appear to be apprehensive about Ukraine’s inclusion into the “new” Europe. While it is understandable that European politicians would question the admission of potential members-especially a nation like Ukraine that still has not emerged completely from it’s Soviet past-the EU should be rolling out the welcome mat. In fairness-rarely a trait that politicians actually apply-Ukraine is no better and certainly no worse than other recent entries into the European club.

A Ukraine in the EU would be a good for BOTH Ukraine and Europe and would stabilize Central and Eastern Europe to a greater degree than present borders are capable of. It would also force more rapid economic and political reform in Ukraine and perhaps pave the way for reforms further east in Russia and some of the former Soviet republics, to say nothing of new markets and trade.

While Ukraine would be best served by a Swiss-style neutrality that takes advantage of its geographical position, entry into the EU is a good second option. Of course, the actions of the EU will have the greatest influence over the ultimate direction. It should weigh it very carefully. If the EU accepts Turkey into the EU, but rejects Ukraine, the consequences for the EU as a whole could be negative. The EU would begin to resemble the fragile polyglot of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and would set the stage for instability beyond Europe.

Swedish politician: The question is not about what Europe can bring to Ukraine, but what Ukraine can bring to Europe

“The question of Ukrainian membership to EU is not about what Europe can give to Ukraine, but what Ukraine can give to Europe”, said Anders Bengtsson, the Swedish parliamentarian while addressing the third Europe-Ukraine forum participants in Kiev on February, 26, reports a REGNUM correspondent.

“Sweden is in favor of EU expansion, but we still see many problems in the Ukraine, which do not promote Ukrainian membership to the organization. Of course, there are great amount of newspapers and free press, but there is still a lack of democracy. Ukraine faces huge social gap, which is increasing. There is enormous problem with corruption. Besides, there is a large gap between the living standard in Kiev and countryside”,- said he.

The Swedish politician underlined that “it is important not the fact, that political elite wants to be in EU, but also the rest population of Ukraine have to understand it. EU will join not the political elite, but the whole country, that is why the people of Ukraine should realize to the full extend what to expect while being in the EU”.