<\/p>\n
Until August 9, the Verkhovna Rada will continue preparatory work and finalization of the texts of draft laws necessary for the implementation of the Association Agreement with the EU. Next, people’s deputies proceed with their systemic approval. Olga Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, told the business about this during a meeting organized by the European Business Association.<\/p>\n
According to Ms. Stefanishyna, by the end of the year, her team will be focused on completing “homework” for the start of negotiations on joining the EU. For this, it is necessary to show a good result both in terms of political demands and in implementing the Association Agreement. The negotiations must be beneficial for Ukraine, and by joining, we must build a competitive economy and strong business. “We are starting to prepare the state for victory,” says Olga.<\/p>\n
The status of a candidate for EU accession is not a gift to Ukraine, but a conscious decision and recognition of many years of efforts and reforms. Mrs. Stefanishyna believes that the war pushed us to this decision, and Ukraine took advantage of the political window to which we have been moving for many years. From now on, our interaction with the EU has moved to a more official level – all our decisions are evaluated by the European Union, and all our steps and reforms are considered in the context of European integration.<\/p>\n
Eventually, Ukraine will be able to gain access to EU structural funds, which will provide additional financing and reforms. In the meantime, the EU is also considering the possibility of extending to Ukraine its recovery program provided for member states to combat the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. As part of this program, Ukraine will be able to receive 100 million euros for quick recovery and preparation for winter, e.g. restoration of housing, energy networks, and communications.<\/p>\n
The topics of trade and the prospects of an “industrial visa-free regime” – the conclusion of the ACAA Agreement were also touched upon. As you know, the quota and duties for Ukrainian goods have been canceled for a year and, according to the Deputy Prime Minister, if necessary, this period will be extended until the end of hostilities or even for a year after them, in order to help the Ukrainian economy to recover. In order to conclude the ACAA Agreement, the last round of evaluation missions should be conducted, which is complicated by the hostilities in Ukraine. However, an appropriate format has already been found, and this round is expected to be completed by October. Therefore, from the beginning of next year, the “industrial visa-free regime” is expected to work.<\/p>\n
Aid to war-affected businesses is another pressing issue. According to Ms. Olga, the main funds for supporting business and restoring the country should be collected from russia, which should systematically pay for the damage caused in Ukraine for many years. Currently, Ukraine is involved in work on a new EU directive on the confiscation of russian property, which will allow the seizure of frozen or sanctioned assets and the use of the received funds for the reconstruction of Ukraine.<\/p>\n
We sincerely thank Olga for her time and dialogue with the EBA business community!<\/p>\n
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Until August 9, the Verkhovna Rada will continue preparatory work and finalization of the texts of draft laws necessary for the implementation of the Association Agreement with the EU. Next, people’s deputies proceed with their systemic approval. Olga Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, told the business about this during […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8406,"featured_media":423636,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false},"categories":[118,4,6,22,13],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n