Denys Shmyhal: We count on the conclusion of industrial visa-free regime agreement with the EU by the end of 2022

The Government's priority remains to integrate best practices in the five visa-free regimes framework with the European Union: customs, transport, digital, energy and industry sectors. This was stated by the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal during a meeting of the Commission for Coordination of the Implementation of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU.

The event, held as part of preparation for the 8th session of the EU-Ukraine Association Council, was summoned on January 26 with the co-chairmanship of Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk and with the participation of EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi, government officials and MPs.

"European integration for Ukraine is a civilizational choice and at the same time a very practical tool that allows us to implement the best European rules and practices," said the Prime Minister.

As Denys Shmyhal noted, the fruitful cooperation of the parties gives reason to hope for the conclusion of the ACAA Agreement (industrial visa-free regime) by the end of 2022. Also this year, the Government expects Ukraine to join the EU/EFTA joint transit procedure.

In addition, among the priorities of Ukraine, the Prime Minister called the conclusion of an agreement with the EU on the liberalization of international road transit freight.

"We count on a joint long-term vision of energy security with the EU, as well as on the integration of the Ukrainian energy system into the European network ENTSO-E. Also, Ukraine, definitely, is interested in the integration of participants in the payment market of Ukraine in the Euro payment area SEPA", said Denys Shmyhal.

The attendees of the meeting approved the annual work plan, which consists of 92 draft government acts and 55 draft laws.

EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi noted that Ukraine is an important item on the agenda of the European Union, and the EU supports the further European integration of our country. According to him, the European Union remains united in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The European Commissioner also told about the EU's Regional Economic and Investment Plan, which includes allocation of EUR 6.5 billion for the Eastern Partnership countries.