2016年-CEPS欧洲政策研究中心_Deepening_EU_254页_1mb

Summary of EU-Ukrainian Relations: What, Why and How?

Core Content

This document is a comprehensive handbook explaining the Association Agreement (AA) between the European Union (EU) and Ukraine, which includes a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). It outlines the political, economic, and legal aspects of the agreement, aiming to provide a clear understanding of its commitments and implementation prospects for a wide range of stakeholders, including officials, business leaders, and civil society organizations.

Main Objectives

What?

• The Association Agreement is a comprehensive treaty that covers Ukraine's political and economic relationship with the EU.
• A key part of the agreement is the DCFTA, which aims to liberalize trade and align Ukraine with EU standards.
• The agreement is not a path to EU membership, but it supports Ukraine's European choice and its integration with European norms.

Why?

• The agreement is of strategic and geopolitical significance, symbolizing Ukraine's transition to a democratic, independent state and resisting Russian influence.
• It aims to modernize Ukraine's economy by promoting trade with the EU and aligning with European best practices.
• It is a roadmap for Ukraine's economic and political reform, with a focus on corruption-free governance, rule of law, and human rights.

How?

• The agreement involves aligning Ukrainian regulations with EU standards, which is a complex and long-term process.
• The EU has provided financial support, including grants, loans, and investments, to help Ukraine meet these standards.
• There is flexibility in implementation, with provisions for timetable extensions and legislative amendments.
• Technical and institutional reforms are necessary to ensure efficient and fair implementation of the agreement.

Key Points

Political Principles

• The agreement emphasizes democracy, rule of law, and human rights.
• Ukraine is expected to strengthen its democratic institutions and enhance checks and balances.
• The Association Agenda is a monitoring tool that provides updates on the implementation of the agreement.

Rule of Law and Movement of People

• The visa liberalization action plan is a key component, aiming for visa-free travel to the EU.
• Ukraine has made progress in e-procurement and transparency in public procurement.
• Anti-corruption measures are central to the agreement's success, with the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) playing a key role.

Foreign and Security Policy

• Security cooperation with the EU has increased, especially after the Crimea annexation and the Donbas conflict.
• The EU has launched security and defense missions, such as the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM), to support Ukraine.
• The Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) are key frameworks for this cooperation.

Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA)

• The DCFTA aims to eliminate tariffs and align Ukrainian regulations with EU standards.
• Tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) are used to manage the transition and protect certain industries.
• The car industry is a key sector under safeguard measures, which will remain protected for up to 15 years.
• Customs services are to be modernized and professionalized to ensure efficient trade.

Economic Cooperation

• The agreement promotes economic modernization and diversification of trade.
• Financial support from the EU and international institutions is crucial for adjustment costs.
• Energy reforms are essential, with a focus on diversifying gas supplies and adopting EU energy standards.
• The agri-food sector is being aligned with EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations, improving export potential.

Legal and Institutional Provisions

• The Dispute Settlement Mechanism (DSM) is in place to resolve trade disputes.
• Institutional provisions include national contact points (NCPs) and alignment with EU legislation.
• The agreement provides a framework for cooperation with EU agencies and programmes, including Horizon 2020 and INTERREG.

Conclusion

The Association Agreement and DCFTA are foundational to Ukraine's European integration, offering both political and economic benefits. While the implementation is complex, the EU has provided substantial support, and Ukraine has made progress in aligning with European standards. The agreement remains a key tool for modernizing Ukraine's economy, deepening political reforms, and enhancing its international standing.