Russia, Ukraine, EU Reach Compromise on Kiev's European Integration

Updated 9:07 p.m. Moscow Time
MOSCOW, September 12 (RIA Novosti) - Russia, Ukraine and the European Union on Friday reached a crucial compromise on Kiev's free trade pact with the EU postponing its entry into force until the end of 2015, Russia's economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev said.
"Until the date that we agreed upon - the end of 2015 - the Russian Federation pledges not to apply protective measures," Ulyukayev told reporters following the second round of trilateral ministerial talks on Ukraine-EU association agreement.

"We will continue the discussion of the issue that concerns us the most - what form [of a solution] we could find to alleviate our worries," Ulyukayev said.
"So far, we have agreed to continue dialogue for the next 15 months, we will present our arguments while our colleagues will offer theirs," the minister added.

Meanwhile, Ukraine will continue to enjoy privileged access to the EU market through this period, according to EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht.
The deal was agreed upon during a trilateral meeting in Brussels between Russia's Minister of Economic Development Alexei Ulyukaev, the European Commissioner for Trade Karel de Guсht and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin. The meeting was held after Moscow expressed concerns that the implementation of the association agreement carries economic risks for Russian-Ukrainian relations.

The Ukraine–EU Association Agreement is a treaty between the two, which presupposes political and economic association between the parties.
Moscow previously expressed deep concern over Ukraine's signing of the free trade agreement with the EU, as it could trigger an uncontrolled flow of duty-free goods, and warned Kiev that Russia would be forced to protect its market.
http://en.ria.ru
12/9/14
--
-
Related:

• Foreign affairs MEPs recommend EP consent to EU-Ukraine association deal (EP)

• EU signs association accords with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova

• Lavrov Surprised by Kiev’s Decision to Ratify EU Deal Before Parliamentary Polls

• Moscow will have to take measures if Kiev enacts association with EU (Putin)

• Russia not to hold talks with Ukraine on EU association deal if Kiev ratifies treaty

 

-------

• Ukraine refused to ‘sign a suicide note’, sending the EU’s ‘geopolitical project’ onto the rocks.(23/11/13)

  • Ukraine will have to adapt its laws in line with 59 EU directives.