Strasbourg - The European Parliament has approved the draft resolution, which envisages prolonging the autonomous trade preferences for Ukraine for a year until Dec. 31, 2015.
The document drafted by Gabrielius Landsbergis was supported by 497 MEPs at the European Parliament’s session in Strasbourg on Thursday, Oct. 23. 78 MEPs voted against it, 56 abstained.
According to the explanatory statement, the trilateral consultations between Ukraine, Russia and EU on Sept. 12, 2014 will result in the corresponding draft resolution by the EU.
According to the document, Ukraine and EU will delay the implementation of the economic part of EU-Ukraine Association Agreement until Dec. 31, 2015. But simultaneously, for the same period, EU will continue autonomous trade measures reducing customs duties on goods originating in Ukraine.
“This solution is a part of a comprehensive peace process in Ukraine, respecting the territorial integrity of Ukraine as well as its right to decide on its destiny,” reads the explanatory statement.
The extension of the preferences is linked to the possibility to suspend the trade measures in case of fraud.
“The granting [of autonomous trade measures] is subject to the respect by Ukraine for democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms and the principle of rule of law,” reads the statement.
Leader of the French far-right National Front Marine Le Pen suggested sending the report to a committee for a follow-up revision.
The impact of this decision on the economic situation in Europe must be studied, she said. Le Pan added that under current conditions adopting the resolution by a compact procedure is unworthy of serious MEPs.
Despite 40 MEPs supporting her proposal, it didn’t gain enough votes.
After being approved by the parliament, the resolution on continuation of the autonomous trade measures must be formally approved by the Council of Europe in order to come into effect.
