Association Agreement

On 27 June 2014, the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement was signed by European Union Heads of State and Government and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in Brussels.

The Association Agreement was simultaneously ratified by the Verkhovna Rada and the European Parliament on 16 September 2014.

Title 4 of the Association Agreement (which establishes a deep and comprehensive free trade area (DCFTA)) is planned to enter into force on 31 December 2015. In order to maintain its support for Ukrainian exporters, the EU will extend its autonomous trade measures up to the same date

What is in the Association Agreement?

The Association Agreement is a pioneering document: it is the first agreement based on political association between the EU and any of the Eastern Partnership countries, and is unprecedented in its breadth (number of areas covered) and depth (detail of commitments and timelines).

The key parts focus on support to core reforms, economic recovery and growth, and governance and sector cooperation in areas such as energy, transport and environment protection, industrial cooperation, social development and protection, equal rights, consumer protection, education, youth, and cultural cooperation.

The Agreement also puts a strong emphasis on values and principles: democracy and the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, good governance, a market economy and sustainable development.

There will be enhanced cooperation in foreign and security policy and energy.

It includes a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area – this will go further than classic free trade areas, as it will both open up markets but also address competitiveness issues and the steps needed to meet EU standards and trade on EU markets.

The Agreement will also highlight Justice, Freedom & Security issues which also include provisions on mobility.

Relevant information materials and brochures: