EU-Ukraine free trade area tabled

An EU-Ukraine free trade area could be just around the corner following a European commission proposal tabled on September 13.

The paper – which now goes to national governments for approval – outlines negotiating directives for a new "enhanced agreement" between the EU and Ukraine.

The commission says the new deal “will go beyond the existing partnership and co-operation agreement wherever possible”.

One main element is the commission’s proposal to open negotiations with Ukraine for a free trade area as soon as the country has joined the World Trade Organization.

“The new agreement will bring us closer together by stepping up our cooperation in a wide range of areas, including vital topics like energy, justice and security issues, transport and the environment,” argued external relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner.

If the proposal goes through, negotiations with Ukraine could kick off in early 2007.

The commission’s move comes on the eve of Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovitch’s first visit to Brussels on September 14.

Yanukovitch will meet Ferrero-Waldner and commission vice-president Guenther Verheugen to discuss the next steps in the implementation of the EU-Ukraine Neighbourhood Action Plan.

Priorities include the implementation of a memorandum of understanding on energy and the finalisation of agreements on readmission and visa facilitation.

Discussions will also cover human rights, rule of law, cooperation on CFSP, and trade and economic matters. 

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