Latest news with #EU-UkraineAssociationCouncil
Euronews
11-04-2025
- Business
- Euronews
EU-Ukraine trade talks enter crucial phase on agriculture
ADVERTISEMENT The European Commission and Ukraine's government are entering full-fledged negotiations over a new trade deal, with agriculture emerging as the most contentious issue. Negotiations over a future free trade agreement continued this week following a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the EU-Ukraine Association Council. A 40-minute exchange on Thursday between EU agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen and his Ukrainian counterpart Vitalii Koval was described by an EU official as 'frank and constructive.' Currently, trade between the two partners operates under the so-called Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs) regime, which temporarily suspends all tariffs and quotas on Ukrainian agricultural exports in response to Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. But the scheme, which has already been renewed once, is set to expire in June and cannot be extended further. A formal free trade agreement must now take its place. The current arrangement has drawn criticism in several EU member states, particularly France and Poland, where farmers have protested against the surge in Ukrainian agricultural imports since the removal of trade barriers. Related Free-trade with Ukraine extended for one year with safeguards for bloc's farmers Tensions over market access Earlier this week, Commissioner Hansen signalled that the EU is considering a shift in direction. 'I think it is very clear that it will not be the same quotas and imports that have been allowed over the last period under the autonomous trade measures,' Hansen told MEPs in a hearing. Until now, the Commission had kept its cards close to its chest, avoiding any concrete signals about its negotiating stance. 'There will be a new tariff rate quota decided, and we stand ready to discuss this. But it will not be at the same level,' he added. Hansen's remarks marked the first clear indication that Brussels is preparing to scale back Ukraine's market access. By contrast, Ukraine is seeking to maintain the status quo. 'We would like to start negotiating with our partners in the European Commission in order to preserve the same level of cooperation we have today and implement it in the new agreement,' Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said the following day. Related Trade ties with Ukraine, Mercosur can shield EU from US tariffs, says agriculture Commissioner Who decides in the end? EU agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen (R) received Ukrainian minister for agriculture and food Vitaliy Koval in Brussels on 10 April 2025. Bogdan Hoyaux - EU Despite the divergence in positions, the atmosphere between negotiators remains cordial. A Ukrainian official confirmed that discussions are 'ongoing' and characterised the general mood of the recent Hansen-Koval meeting as friendly. Koval later issued a statement stressing the importance of a balanced agreement that takes into account both the economic realities of Ukraine and sensitivities for European markets. 'Together with Hansen, we have a clear common vision that trade decisions between Ukraine and the EU should be balanced, mutually beneficial, and contribute to stability for farmers and consumers on both sides of the border,' Koval said. ADVERTISEMENT With the ATMs set to expire on 5 June, there is little time left to complete the negotiations. A Commission spokesperson confirmed that work on a new proposal is nearing completion. 'The Commission remains fully aware of the concerns of EU farmers and member states regarding the sensitivity of certain agricultural imports,' the spokesperson said. Hansen won't finalise the agreement, as responsibility lies with EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič. But according to three EU and diplomatic sources familiar with the talks, even Šefčovič's influence may be limited: Given the political stakes, final decisions will likely be made by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's cabinet.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ukrainian PM defines "red lines" for minerals deal with US
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has confirmed that Ukraine has its own "red lines" concerning the details of the agreement with the United States on access to Ukrainian minerals and outlined three such points. Source: Shmyhal during a joint briefing with European officials on 9 April, marking the EU-Ukraine Association Council meeting, as reported by European Pravda Quote: "We really have some red lines. First of all, this is our Constitution. Second, this is our European aspirations and our European obligations… International legislation. We also understand that it should be a partnership agreement – on equal conditions for both sides." Details: Shmyhal noted that Ukraine is currently forming a technical delegation and cooperating with international law firms. Quote: "We will send our delegation together with our lawyer to the US at the end of this week. And I think that technical negotiations will go through this weekend and next week, then we will see the results… We are quite optimistic." Background: On 8 April, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha stated that Ukraine had already outlined its vision for the future minerals agreement and reiterated that the absence of contradictions between the agreement and Ukraine's EU accession course is a fundamental position of Kyiv. Earlier, European Pravda reported that the Trump administration reintroduced a clause into a proposed agreement on Ukrainian subsoil resources that obliges Ukraine to repay the full amount of US aid provided since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Zelensky: Ukraine ready for minerals deal with US, but only on equal terms
Ukraine is open to signing a minerals deal with the United States, but only if it ensures equal partnership and respects Ukrainian sovereignty, President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists on April 9. Zelensky said the Ukrainian government welcomes investment and cooperation in the country's mineral sector, but not at any cost. 'If this is about true partnership, then we need to talk about parity. It must be 50/50,' Zelenskyy said, emphasizing this is one of the conditions that will be presented by the Ukrainian technical team during negotiations. According to Zelensky, a prospective agreement could help modernize Ukraine's economy, rebuild the country after the war, and create jobs through joint ventures involving high-tech American companies. The president stressed that Ukraine is ready to contribute its land and resources, but expects the U.S. to bring in technologies and capital. Zelensky also described an exchange with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who had allegedly urged Kyiv to sign a preliminary deal immediately. 'I told him to stop tapping his finger on the contract and to speak concretely,' Zelenskyy said, adding that the proposal was not ready and some provisions contradicted Ukrainian law. 'We need to create a successful story with our relations with the United States. We want to achieve success and security.' Speaking at the EU-Ukraine Association Council press conference in Brussels, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed that Ukraine is now in formal negotiations with the U.S. Shmyhal highlighted that Ukraine has 'clear red lines' that cannot be crossed. The first is adherence to the Ukrainian constitution, and second, the deal must align with Ukraine's eurointegration and relevant obligations, as well as fully comply with international law. 'Ukraine is forming a special delegation on the technical level. We also cooperate with international law companies and will send our delegation to the United States at the end of this week,' the Prime Minister said. The latest version of the Ukraine-U.S. minerals deal reportedly grants the United States extensive control over Ukraine's natural resources through a joint investment fund. The agreement has been framed by the Trump administration as vital to Ukraine's path to peace, yet it offers no specific security commitments in return for access to strategic resources. A framework version of the agreement was scheduled to be signed during Zelensky's visit to Washington on February 28. Ukraine's Cabinet approved the draft and designated either First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko or Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha as signatories. However, the plan collapsed after a tense Oval Office dispute involving Zelensky, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance. Zelensky left the White House without signing the agreement. Read also: 'It's a trap' — Trump's US minerals deal threatens Ukraine's EU membership We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ukraine fulfills over 80% of EU Association Agreement commitments, PM Shmyhal says
Ukraine has fulfilled 81% of its commitments made under the Association Agreement with the European Union, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on April 9 following the 10th meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council. In a statement posted on Telegram, Shmyhal highlighted progress made in areas including customs, intellectual property rights, education, information exchange, humanitarian policy, justice, public procurement, and national security. 'Once again, we are demonstrating that we are able to make our way to EU membership quickly and efficiently. This year, we aim to open all six clusters in the EU accession negotiations and deepen sectoral integration,' Shmyhal said. The prime minister believes Ukraine can achieve significant results in European integration 'not in years, but in months,' he added at a press conference held after the meeting. Ukraine expects to join the bloc after the end of the war, Shmyhal said. 'We can do all the necessary work to become full members of the EU immediately after the war is over,' Shmyhal said. EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Cos praised Ukraine's efforts on its path to EU membership, saying 'the progress is undeniable.' 'The screening of three negotiating clusters is already complete, with our ambition clear,' she said, adding, 'It is possible to open all clusters by 2025.' Ukraine was granted EU candidate status in June 2022. In December 2023, the European Council agreed to launch formal accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova. Katarina Mathernova, the EU's ambassador in Kyiv, said Ukraine could potentially join the EU before the end of the decade. Read also: Macron to helm EU's talks with Putin, the Telegraph reports We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
EU top diplomat comments on Chinese citizens' involvement in war against Ukraine
Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, commenting on reports about Chinese citizens participating in the war against Ukraine, has referred to China as the "key enabler" of Russia in the war. Source: Kallas at a press conference after the EU-Ukraine Association Council meeting in Brussels on 9 April, as reported by European Pravda Details: Kallas reported that the matter of Chinese citizens, captured on the front line in Ukraine, was discussed with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during the meeting of the Association Council. Quote: "Of course, it doesn't mean that the Chinese army is involved [in the war – ed.], but of course they can share the information that they know about this. What is clear is that China is the key enabler of Russia's war. Without Chinese support, Russia wouldn't be able to wage the war in the amount that they are waging this. We see that 80% of the dual-use goods are actually entering Russia via China." Additionally, Kallas reiterated North Korea's involvement in Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the evidence of its military personnel and equipment being present in Russia. "If China would want to really stop the support [of the war – ed.], it would have an impact," Kallas stated. Background: On 8 April, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Ukrainian troops in Donetsk Oblast had captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting in the ranks of the Russian military. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
