EU/Ukraine Association Agreement

PURPOSE: to approve, on behalf of the European Union, the Association Agreement between the European Union and EURATOM and their Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part, with the exception of the provisions relating to the treatment of third-country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other part.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision (EU) 2017/1247 on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part, with the exception of the provisions relating to the treatment of third-country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party.

BACKGROUND: on 22 January 2007, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with Ukraine for the conclusion of a new agreement between the European Union and Ukraine to replace the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

Following these negotiations, the Association Agreement was initialled in 2012. It was signed at Brussels on 21 March 2014 and at Brussels on 27 June 2014, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

The Agreement must now be approved.

CONTENT: the Council decided to approve, on behalf of the Union, the Association Agreement between the EU and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part, together with the Annexes and Protocols thereto, with the exception of Article 17 which contains specific obligations concerning the treatment of third-country nationals legally employed in the territory of the other Party.

A separate decision on Article 17 of the Agreement was adopted in parallel with the Decision.

This Decision also lays down the procedures for the protection of geographical indications protected under the Agreement.

The aims of this Association Agreement are:

• to promote gradual rapprochement between the Parties based on common values and close and privileged links, and increasing Ukraine's association with EU policies and participation in programmes and agencies;
• to provide an appropriate framework for enhanced political dialogue in all areas of mutual interest;
• to promote, preserve and strengthen peace and stability in the regional and international dimensions;
• to establish conditions for enhanced economic and trade relations leading towards Ukraine's gradual integration in the EU Internal Market, including by setting up a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area and to support Ukrainian efforts to complete the transition into a functioning market economy by means of, inter alia, the progressive approximation of its legislation to that of the Union;
• to enhance cooperation in the field of Justice, Freedom and Security with the aim of reinforcing the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The following are essential elements of the Agreement:

• respect for democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms and respect for the rule of law as a basis for the domestic and external policies of the parties;
• encouraging respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, inviolability of borders and independence, and countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

At institutional level, the political and policy dialogue at the highest level between the parties shall take place in the context of summit meetings held, in principle, once a year. At ministerial level, regular political and policy dialogue shall take place within the Association Council established by the Agreement and in regular meetings of the representatives of the parties by mutual agreement.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 11.7.2017.