In times of war, the EU has become Ukraine’s principal trading partner, accounting for more than 55% of mutual turnover. Now it is important for us to maintain the pace of trade development and extend autonomous trade measures in the form of complete lifting of duties as well as to extend agreements on road transport permits. This was emphasized by First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko at the EU-Ukraine Summit.

“Openness of trade between Ukraine and the European Union and integration into the EU single market are key to preserving Ukrainian economy in times of war and quick economic recovery.

The economic front of our fight against the aggression is based on close cooperation between Ukrainian and European businesses. Sustaining economic activity now, accelerating economic recovery and returning millions of Ukrainians who have found temporary protection in the EU to Ukraine are fundamental elements of our victory. So, the development of trade between Ukraine and the EU is one of the key factors of victory on the economic front,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko.

Based on statistics, before the russia’s large-scale invasion, the European Union’s share in Ukraine’s international trade was 41%, with more than 10,000 Ukrainian companies exporting their products to the EU. Ukrainian businesses knew how to trade and cooperate with European businesses. Additional decisions made during the war, such as the lifting of all duties, the conclusion of an agreement on abolition of transport permits, and joining the common transit system, helped Ukraine mitigate the shock of the war and further connect the Ukrainian economy with the EU.

This is about not only exports from Ukraine to the European Union but also imports of vital goods – we receive 90% of our fuel and 70% of our medicines from the EU. By the end of 2022, the EU’s share in Ukraine’s foreign trade turnover reached 55.5%.

“Now it is important for us to maintain the pace of trade development and extend autonomous trade measures in the form of complete lifting of duties as well as to extend agreements on road transport permits. We prioritize trade integration projects in our joint Priority Action Plan for strengthening the implementation of the free trade agreement for 2023-2024.

Entering into an Agreement on Access of Ukrainian Goods to the EU Market (ACAA) should ensure free movement of goods in the EU single market. This week’s Trade Committee decision on roaming creates a clear legal framework for Ukraine’s integration into the relevant EU single market. It is about turning the temporary agreement, which was extended for 6 months, into a permanent mechanism,” explained Yuliia Svyrydenko.

According to the First Deputy Prime Minister, the Government seeks to ensure Ukraine’s full integration into the EU customs area, energy market, food safety control system, etc.

“The EU’s analytical report on fulfillment of accession requirements that was released yesterday shows a clear pattern: in the priority areas for trade, Ukraine’s level of compliance with EU requirements is higher. This means that trade integration is a driver for faster accession to the EU. This is another reason to realize the full potential of the DCFTA,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko.

In conditions of war, there is another important element to support economic activity, which is the insurance of war risks with regard to supply of goods and investments. The government is actively working with foreign national institutions, such as German Euler Hermes (now Allianz Trade), Austrian OeKB, Czech EGAP, and Italian SACE, to enable active war risk insurance and increase credit limits for Ukraine.

“Given that this issue is of pan-European interest, I am asking you to help us in our dialogue with these institutions. It is important for private businesses to play a key role in rebuilding the Ukrainian economy. Indeed, commercial, industrial and financial ties are the most reliable foundation for integration,” added Yuliia Svyrydenko.

Moreover, Ukraine’s accession to the EU should accelerate the return home of those Ukrainians who have left for Europe.

“The European Union currently shelters 4.6 million Ukrainians. Many of them work and actively spend money in the EU countries, thus helping the economies of the EU member states as much as they can. We want these people to return as soon as possible to a peaceful Ukraine that is integrated into the European Union. In such a way that the freedoms of the EU single market allow them to either work in Ukraine at companies that supply products to the EU or to work legally in the EU. By their own choice and with dignity, improving their well-being and the well-being of our common economy,” summarized Yuliia Svyrydenko.