It is impossible for Ukraine both to join the Customs Union and sign the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, the European Commission has said.
In a comment for Interfax-Ukraine about the possible development
scenario in case of full or partial integration of Kyiv into the Customs
Union, a representative of the European Commission explained that
Ukraine has to choose whether to bring its legislation in compliance
with the EU law or with those regulations those applied in the Customs
Union.
“It would not be possible for Ukraine to align to both (technical
regulations) at the same time. It is for Ukraine to choose which path to
follow, knowing that the Customs Union and the EU-Ukraine Association
Agreement are mutually incompatible,” the Commission said.
Brussels said that the scenario of a full integration of Ukraine with
the Customs Union would pose major challenges, as Ukraine would not be
able to conduct and implement any autonomous bilateral trade policy,
having transferred its sovereignty on tariff matters and other key
commercial policies to the Customs Union.
The commission stressed that even a partial accession to the Customs
Union affecting the Ukrainian tariffs or its regulatory trade-related
framework would be problematic.
“As a result, notwithstanding the complexity of the issues to be also
solved in the context of Ukraine’s WTO membership, joining the Customs
Union would affect the privileged trading relations sought by the Deep
and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the EU,” the commission
said.
Brussels recalled that in general the deep and comprehensive free
trade agreement with Ukraine “aims at reaching full and effective trade
integration between the two markets, by lifting reciprocal customs
tariffs and quotas, and by providing the basis for harmonization of
laws, norms and regulations in various trade-related sectors.”
The agreement offers Ukraine a framework for modernization of trade
relations and economic development that will positively affect multiple
aspects of its economic life while benefitting its stakeholders.
