European partners of Ukraine commended the positive pace of reforms in recent months, in particular, the implementation of the seven points that had been determined when Ukraine had been granted the status of a candidate for EU membership. This was noted by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at the Government meeting on September 7.
“During the Ukraine-EU Association Council, we switched from a partnership format to an enlargement format. In the coming months, we want to start substantive negotiations regarding the road map of such an entry. Free movement of goods, services, people and capital. The four freedoms of the EU, in which we advance with confidence,” stressed Denys Shmyhal.
The Head of the Government noted that over the last six months, productive work had been carried out in terms of the full functioning of the sectoral visa waivers with the European Union.
“Energy, transport visa waivers, economic visa-free regime regarding cancellation of tariffs and quotas. From October 1, customs visa-free regime will trigger and next year – in industrial sector. For Ukrainian businesses, this means billions of hryvnias in profits already and tens of billions in opportunities for development,” the Prime Minister noted.
In addition, five important agreements were inked during the visit. Denys Shmyhal has emphasized, Ukraine is now part of the Digital Europe – an agreement to finance digitization and IT technology projects worth EUR 7.5 billion.
“We received an additional EUR 500 million for housing for internally displaced persons and support for small farms. Another EUR 122 million for various grants for the State and civil society,” said the Head of the Government.
Agreements on cooperation in the customs and tax spheres were also signed, which, according to the Prime Minister, would allow Ukraine to fully bring operation of these bodies in compliance with the best European standards. (Government portal/Business World Magazine)
