Ukraine EU free trade agreement is postponed – Germany Radio

Ukraine EU free trade agreement is postponed – Germany Radio

From Annette Riedel, Brussels Office

EU Trade Commissioner De Gucht (r.) With the Russian Minister of Commerce Ulyukayev before the meeting in Brussels. (Afp / John Tys)

The controversial free trade agreement between Ukraine and the European Union will not be implemented: Both parties agreed with Russia on the agreement in 2015 to bring into force. Background are concerns that Russia has argued

That was a surprise announcement, the EU Trade Commissioner De Gucht after trilateral talks with Ukraine and Russia made at the ministerial level.

“We will postpone the application of the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Ukraine until December 31, 2015,” De Gucht announced. That is, the dating in the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine full market opening for Ukrainian products in the EU and vice versa for EU products in Ukraine is not implemented in the coming 15 months. Assuming the EU countries agree with this shift too.

“The unilateral trade facilitation on the other hand continue until then.”

relief effort continues

That is, subject to the necessary approval for not only the EU countries, but also of the EU Parliament, that the duty-free import of virtually all Ukrainian products to proceed in the EU. This measure, which the EU had decided as part of an aid package for the Ukrainian economy would actually expired on November 1. So you should now be extended. By the end of 2015, the trilateral talks over concerns related to the free trade agreement now will be continued.

“On the basis of this agreement, Russia, and Ukraine agreed that duty-free treatment for products in bilateral trade between the two consist countries remains “

concerns from Russia is

background that Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union feared -. probably not entirely without justification – that the detour via Ukraine duty free – and so comparatively cheap – EU products could flow into the markets and the Russian economy could significantly harm. That is why Moscow had threatened Ukraine to bar the privileged access to its markets

Now is so talked about these concerns further, solutions are sought -., Without, however, the interpretation of the European Commission – that the Association Agreement must be changed in. It could be enough room for possible adjustments. Therefore, he saw no reason why the association agreement not next week Tuesday could be simultaneously ratified in the EU Parliament and the Ukrainian Parliament, said De Gucht

“Our understanding is:. Yes, there will be ratification. “

Actually seemed a clear majority clearly

Whether this also so see the seats in parliament, whether they want to ratify an agreement now, what remains exposed in major parts by the end of the year, they will discuss in Strasbourg. Actually, it seemed very clear that a clear majority wanted to vote for the agreement. The leader of the Christian Democrats in the European Parliament Manfred Weber:

“In Ukraine, the people have risen – especially young people – because of the association agreement with Europe And that’s why we have to give Europeans the answer..”

the issue sanctions against Russia, its intensification, the EU has now put in place, was not part of the trilateral talks have been.

“We have not talked about the sanctions and possible countermeasures of Russia “, says EU Trade Commissioner.