The signing of the EU agreements by Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia on June 27 formally establishes greater political and economic ties between the three former Soviet states and the European bloc. Under the agreements, and with Brussels' help, the countries will apply judicial reforms, work to strengthen the rule of law and adopt EU practices on free trade. The full-scale implementation of these provisions could take years, making the signing ceremony more of a symbolic than practical milestone. The greater impact will be on these countries' ties with Russia.
In the confrontation between Russia and the West for control of the former Soviet periphery, the signing of the EU agreements represents a symbolic blow to Russia and a victory for the European Union. However, it is not a definitive end to the competition. Russia will probably enact trade restrictions against the countries in retaliation for the deals, but the measures will likely be modest and will not devastate the countries' economies. They will, however, give Moscow political leverage when countering long-term efforts to integrate with the West.
