February 20 was a black day for Europe. Antigovernment protests in Ukraine culminated in the worst violence the country has seen since gaining independence over two decades ago. The EU and its members were involved in the developments that led to the clashes, and they must learn the lessons of this ugly turn of events. The standoff in Kiev follows a failed attempt by the EU to offer Ukraine closer ties to the bloc. Trade and association accords that Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych rejected in November 2013 are still on the table, and if a new government in Kiev decides to sign them, it can do so without delay. But instead of starting a process of reform, helped and guided by the EU, Ukraine now stands on the brink of civil war.
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