On 1 September 2017, the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement negotiated between 2007 and 2011 and signed on 21 March and 27 June 2014 entered into force. The Agreement promotes deeper political ties, stronger economic links and the respect for common European values, bringing Ukraine and the EU closer together. The economic part of the Agreement, namely the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), offers a framework for modernising Ukraine’s economy and trade relations.

President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, said: “Determination is a virtue. Today, in spite of all the challenges, we have made it. With the entry into force of the Association Agreement with Ukraine, the European Union is delivering on its promise to our Ukrainian friends. I thank all those who made it possible: those who stood on Maidan and those who are working hard to reform the country for the better. This is a day of celebration for our European continent”.

European Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn said: “Generations of Ukrainian citizens to come will reap the benefits of closer association with the EU. The first concrete results of implementation of the Agreement can already be seen: Ukraine’s exports to the EU have increased and the EU has confirmed its position as Ukraine’s first trading partner. Ukraine’s recent reform efforts have been unprecedented, while much work remains such as in the fight against corruption, which must be pursued. The European Union will continue its support for Ukraine’s reform efforts, with both expertise and financial support”.

The European Union is unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as the efforts of the Ukrainian authorities to reform the country’s institutions and economy. The Association Agreement foresees reforms in the areas of democracy, human rights, trade, sustainable development, transports, environmental protection, consumer protection, education, energy.

Furthermore, the entry into force of the Agreement will give a new impetus to the cooperation in areas such as foreign and security policy, science and technology, justice, education, digital technology, taxation and public finance management.

Sara Capruzzi