Despite war, Ukraine continues to move towards “industrial visa-free regime”

The start of negotiations on Ukraine’s membership in the EU, the work on establishing an “industrial visa-free regime”, the adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to the European acquis and Ukraine’s participation in the EU’s Single Market Programme – these and other issues were discussed by Deputy Minister of Economy – Trade Representative of Ukraine Taras Kachka during a meeting with Deputy Director-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs of the European Commission Maive Rute on February 23.

“Ukrainian industry has suffered significant losses due to shutdown of enterprises in the war zone. However, we have made significant progress in implementing EU acquis into Ukrainian legislation and continue to move towards an ‘industrial visa-free regime’ that would allow us to integrate into the EU internal market. These achievements and further close cooperation in the economic, industrial spheres, as well as sectoral partnerships, set us an ambitious goal – to start negotiations on EU membership by the end of 2023,” said Taras Kachka.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that at this stage, it was important for us to use the successes in the adaptation of legislation to make joint decisions. This would improve access to the EU market and ensure economic rapprochement between Ukraine and the EU. Taras Kachka emphasized the importance of European partners’ support for Ukraine in this difficult time for the country.

Thus, the parties reviewed the progress in conducting assessment missions and the work on adaptation of legislation. Ukraine continues to take all necessary steps to conclude the Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products (ACAA). Besides, the parties noted progress in the work on mutual market opening in public procurement. The Deputy Minister emphasized that participation in the EU’s Single Market Programme would enhance the competitiveness of Ukrainian small and medium-sized businesses.

Finally, the participants of the meeting discussed the possibility of holding the Sixth high level meeting of the EU-Ukraine Dialogue in Ukraine this spring, with an important topic to be discussed being the development of Ukrainian industry and business support.