A. Yatseniuk: Political part of the Association deal with EU concerns security, defense and territorial integrity issues

Thus, according to him, this part of the deal concerns forming joint bodies to adopt decisions between Ukraine and the EU. First of all, it deals with energy, trade and enlargement issues, Arsenii Yatseniuk underlined.

The Prime Minister informed the European Commissioners responsible for certain issues had been invited to a Government’s session: “I believe in a few weeks we will have a Government’s session with participation of key EU commissioners”.

Moreover, Arsenii Yatseniuk stressed in Brussels a decision had been taken to apply unilaterally by the EU participating states the fundamental provisions of the Free Trade Area Agreement: “It means the European Union has opened their markets for Ukrainian goods one-way. Thus, customs duties and tariff restrictions for agricultural and industrial products supplied to the EU member states have been removed”.

The Head of the Government noted on the data of the European Commission such steps would enable Ukrainian economy to receive additional Eur 490 million.

Apart from that, he informed the EU had adopted a decision on increase of macro-financial assistance of Ukraine from Eur 610 mln up to Eur 1 bln 610 mln: “It concerns over USD 2 billion that are to be transferred to the accounts of Ukrainian Government in order to stabilize Ukraine’s economy”.

“The final term these funds are transferred is late April or early May,” Arsenii Yatseniuk informed.  

Besides, the Prime Minister emphasized there exist the need to solve energy safety issues in synergy with the EU participating states “with regards not only Ukraine, but the European Union in whole”.

“We continue the negotiations targeting to receive by Ukraine gas from the EU member states. As it is understandable already that the price of such gas would be by USD 150 cheaper than Russia gives,” Arsenii Yatseniuk stressed.