Yermak's deputy: Ukraine expects progress on "industrial visa-free travel" with EU this year
photo: the Office of the President
Ukraine expects that today's meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council will be the starting point for implementing the agreements of the October leaders' summit.
Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Ihor Zhovkva, wrote this in a column for NV.
"The exceptionally successful EU-Ukraine summit in October 2020 paved the way for tangible progress in our relations, primarily in Ukraine's integration into the EU internal market. A regular meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council will take place today, which will be the starting point for implementing practical agreements reached by President Zelenskyi and EU leaders," he said.
According to him, the Ukrainian party is waiting for the official start of the dialogue on updating the trade part of the Association Agreement and jointly assessing the achievements of the Agreement goals.
Zhovkva also said that Ukraine would be the first country outside the European Union to be involved in implementing the EU Green Course, and added that it meant close coordination of policies to combat climate change.
Besides, the Deputy Head of the OP stressed that we expected a shift in concluding an "industrial visa-free travel" with the EU, which would make it easier and cheaper for Ukrainian industrial manufacturers to enter the EU market.
"We clearly understand the challenges we face in accelerating our movement towards a strategic goal in our relations with the EU. The President expects the government and parliament to work effectively to implement the Association Agreement and key reforms. It's the only way to a successful Ukraine," Zhovkva assured.
He also expressed gratitude that the EU was our reliable ally in restoring sovereignty and territorial integrity and a key partner supporting transformation in Ukraine.
To recap, a government delegation led by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal began a working visit to Brussels on February 9, where he would take part in the seventh meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council in Brussels on Thursday.
