BETA


2013/0151B(NLE) EU/Ukraine Association Agreement: treatment of third country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party

Progress: Procedure completed

RoleCommitteeRapporteurShadows
Lead LIBE MORAES Claude (icon: S&D S&D)
Committee Opinion AFET
Committee Opinion EMPL
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
TFEU 079-p2, TFEU 218-p6a, TFEU 218-p8-a1

Events

2017/07/12
   Final act published in Official Journal
Details

PURPOSE: to approve the Association Agreement between the European Union and EURATOM and their Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part, as regards 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) 2017/1248 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, as regards 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 European Union 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, as regards Article 17.

This Decision concerns only Article 17 of the Agreement , which contains specific obligations relating to the treatment of third country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party and which falls within the scope of Title V of Part Three of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

Article 17 states that, subject to the laws, conditions and procedures applicable in the Member States and the EU, treatment accorded to workers who are Ukrainian nationals and who are legally employed in the territory of a Member State shall be free of any discrimination based on nationality as regards working conditions, remuneration or dismissal, compared to the nationals of that Member State.

Ukraine shall, subject to the laws, conditions and procedures in Ukraine, accord the treatment to workers who are nationals of a Member State and who are legally employed in its territory.

A separate decision on the other provisions of the Agreement was adopted in parallel with this Decision.

The United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark are not bound by the Decision.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 11.7.2017.

2017/07/11
   EP/CSL - Act adopted by Council after consultation of Parliament
2017/07/11
   EP - End of procedure in Parliament
2014/09/16
   EP - Results of vote in Parliament
2014/09/16
   EP - Debate in Parliament
2014/09/16
   EP - Decision by Parliament
Details

The European Parliament adopted by 539 votes to 123, with 33 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision 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, as regards provisions relating to the treatment of third-country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party.

Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the Agreement.

Documents
2014/09/15
   EP - Vote in committee
2014/09/15
   EP - Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading
Details

The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs adopted the report by Claude MORAES (S&D, UK) on the draft Council decision 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, as regards provisions relating to the treatment of third-country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party.

Members recommended that the European Parliament should give its consent to the conclusion of the Agreement given the close historical relationship and the progressively closer links between the European Union and Ukraine and the current political situation within the European neighbourhood.

Documents
2014/09/15
   EP - MORAES Claude (S&D) appointed as rapporteur in LIBE
2014/09/09
   EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2014/07/17
   EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament
2014/06/20
   CSL - Legislative proposal
Details

PURPOSE: to conclude, 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, as regards provisions relating to the treatment of third-country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other part.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

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 (please refer to the summary of the initial legislative proposal of 15/05/2013 .

Those negotiations were successfully finalised and the Association Agreement between the European Union and EURATOM and their Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part was initialled in 2012, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

This proposed Decision concerns only Article 17 of the Agreement, which contains specific obligations relating to the treatment of third country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party.

It should now be approved on behalf of the Union.

CONTENT: under this proposed Decision, the Council is called upon to approve, on behalf of the Union, the abovementioned Association Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine.

Provisions are regards the treatment of legal migrants : this proposal concerns only Article 17 of the Agreement, which contains specific obligations relating to the treatment of third country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party and which falls within the scope of Title V of Part Three of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The aim and content of those provisions is distinct from and independent of the aim and content of the other provisions of the Agreement to establish an association between the parties. A separate decision relating to the other provisions of the Agreement will be adopted in parallel with this Decision.

N.B .: the future Agreement should not be construed as conferring rights or imposing obligations which can be directly invoked before Union or Member State courts and tribunals.

Documents
2014/06/19
   EC - Legislative proposal published
Details

PURPOSE: to conclude, 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, as regards provisions relating to the treatment of third-country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other part.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

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 (please refer to the summary of the initial legislative proposal of 15/05/2013 .

Those negotiations were successfully finalised and the Association Agreement between the European Union and EURATOM and their Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part was initialled in 2012, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

This proposed Decision concerns only Article 17 of the Agreement, which contains specific obligations relating to the treatment of third country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party.

It should now be approved on behalf of the Union.

CONTENT: under this proposed Decision, the Council is called upon to approve, on behalf of the Union, the abovementioned Association Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine.

Provisions are regards the treatment of legal migrants : this proposal concerns only Article 17 of the Agreement, which contains specific obligations relating to the treatment of third country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party and which falls within the scope of Title V of Part Three of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The aim and content of those provisions is distinct from and independent of the aim and content of the other provisions of the Agreement to establish an association between the parties. A separate decision relating to the other provisions of the Agreement will be adopted in parallel with this Decision.

N.B .: the future Agreement should not be construed as conferring rights or imposing obligations which can be directly invoked before Union or Member State courts and tribunals.

Documents
2013/05/15
   EP - Preparatory document
Details

PURPOSE: to conclude an Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: relations between the EU and Ukraine are currently based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which entered into force in 1998. At the 13th EU-Ukraine Summit in Paris in 2008, the leaders of the EU and Ukraine agreed that the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement should be succeeded by an Association Agreement.

The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement is the first of a new generation of Association Agreements with Eastern Partnership countries. Negotiations of this comprehensive and ambitious Agreement between the EU and Ukraine were launched in March 2007.

The Association Agreement aims to accelerate the deepening of political and economic relations between Ukraine and the EU, as well as Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market including by setting up a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). It is a concrete way to exploit the dynamics in EU-Ukraine relations, focusing on support to core reforms, on economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation.

The Agreement also constitutes a reform agenda for Ukraine, based on a comprehensive programme of approximation of Ukraine's legislation to EU norms, around which all partners of Ukraine can align themselves and focus their assistance. EU assistance to Ukraine is linked with the reform agenda as it emerges from the Agreement. The Comprehensive Institutional Building Programme is particularly important in this regard.

On 30 March 2012, the chief negotiators of the European Union and Ukraine initialled the text of the Association Agreement. The trade negotiators from both sides initialled the DCFTA part of the Agreement on 19 July 2012.

Measures are provided as regards the provisional application of the Agreement in view of keeping mutual economic interests and shared values in equilibrium, and the common will of the EU and Ukraine to start implementing and enforcing various parts of the Agreement in order to advance an early reform impact on sector specific issues before the conclusion of the Agreement.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

LEGAL BASIS: Article(s) 217, in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) and the second subparagraph of Article 218(8) thereof, as well as Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

CONTENT: with this draft Decision, the Commission proposes to conclude, on behalf of the European Union, an Agreement between the Union and its Member States of the one part and Ukraine of the other part, together with the Annexes and Protocols attached thereto.

Objectives : this Agreement constitutes a new stage in the development of EU-Ukraine contractual relations, aiming at political association and economic integration and leaving open the way for further progressive developments.

The overall aims of the association focus on:

promoting a gradual rapprochement between the parties on the basis of common values, providing enhanced political dialogue, promoting, preserving and strengthening peace and stability in both the regional and international dimensions, establishing conditions for enhanced economic and trade relations leading towards Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market; enhancing Justice, Freedom and Security (JFS) cooperation with the aim of reinforcing the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, establishing conditions for increasingly close co-operation in other areas of mutual interest.

General Principles : these include a specific set of "essential elements", the violation of which by one of the Parties could give rise to specific measures under the Agreement, including the suspension of rights and obligations .

These elements are respect for:

democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms as defined in relevant international instruments, respect for the rule of law, promotion of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, inviolability and independence, countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, related materials and means of delivery.

Other General Principles of the Agreement relate to the principles of a free market economy, good governance, the fight against corruption, the fight against trans-national organised crime and terrorism , the promotion of sustainable development and effective multilateralism.

Political dialogue : the Agreement sets out the aims of an enhanced and strengthened political dialogue promoting gradual convergence on foreign and security matters with the aim of Ukraine's ever deeper involvement in the European security area. It establishes a number of fora for the conduct of political dialogue, and provides for dialogue and co-operation on domestic reform based on the common principles set out by the Parties. There are also provisions for intensified dialogue on foreign and security policy , including CSDP, for the promotion of peace and international justice by ratifying and implementing the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court , and for joint efforts on regional stability, conflict prevention, crisis management, military/technological co-operation, anti-terrorism, antiproliferation and disarmament and arms control.

Free-trade : closer economic integration through the DCFTA will be a powerful stimulant to the country's economic growth. Approximation of Ukraine to EU legislation, norms and standards, will be the method. As a core element of the Association Agreement, the DCFTA will create business opportunities in both the EU and Ukraine and will promote real economic modernisation and integration with the EU. Higher standards of products, better services to citizens, and above all Ukraine's readiness to compete effectively in international markets should be the result of this process.

Justice/Foreign affairs : in the field of Justice Freedom and Security, the Agreement pays particular attention to the rule of law and to the reinforcement of judicial institutions and practices.

It sets out the framework for co-operation on:

migration, asylum and border management, personal data protection, money laundering and terrorism financing, anti-drugs policy.

This Title contains provisions on movement of persons, including on readmission, on visa facilitation and on the gradual steps towards a visa-free regime in due course (provided that relevant conditions for well-managed and secure mobility are in place).

Treatment and mobility of workers are also covered, as is a commitment to further development of judicial co-operation in civil and criminal matters - making full use of relevant international and bilateral instruments.

Sector cooperation : the Association Agreement foresees a wide range of sector cooperation, focusing on support to core reforms, economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation in more than 30 areas, such as:

energy, transport, environment protection, industrial and small and medium enterprise cooperation, social development and protection, equal rights, consumer protection, education, training and youth, cultural cooperation.

In all of these areas, enhanced co-operation starts from the basis of current frameworks, both bilateral and multilateral, with the aim of more systematic dialogue and exchange of information and good practice. Key to the sectoral co-operation chapters is a comprehensive menu of regulatory approximation set out in annexes to the Agreement. Specific schedules for transposition and implementation by Ukraine of selected parts of the EU acquis will provide a focus for ongoing co-operation, and will form the core of Ukraine's domestic reform and modernization agenda.

Institutional framework : the Agreement includes an updated institutional framework encompassing co-operation and dialogue fora from the Summit level down the level of technical subcommittees. Specific decision-making roles are foreseen for an Association Council, and by delegation for an Association Committee, which may also meet in a specific configuration to address trade issues.

Fora for civil society , notably the representative organisations for social partners, trade-unions and employers, and parliamentary co-operation are also foreseen. It also includes provisions on monitoring, fulfilment of obligations and dispute settlement (including separate provisions for trade-related issues).

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the Union budget.

Documents

Activities

Votes

A8-0009/2014 - Claude Moraes - approbation #

2014/09/16 Outcome: +: 539, -: 123, 0: 33
DE IT PL ES RO HU BE FR BG FI SE HR SK LT CZ PT AT GB NL LV EE SI LU MT DK IE CY EL
Total
85
72
50
52
28
20
19
72
14
13
15
11
13
10
20
20
18
62
21
8
6
8
5
6
11
9
6
20
icon: PPE PPE
209
2

Estonia PPE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg PPE

2

Denmark PPE

For (1)

1
icon: S&D S&D
180

Croatia S&D

2

Slovakia S&D

Abstain (1)

4

Czechia S&D

Against (1)

4

Netherlands S&D

For (1)

1

Latvia S&D

1

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Slovenia S&D

For (1)

1

Luxembourg S&D

For (1)

1

Malta S&D

Abstain (1)

3

Ireland S&D

For (1)

1

Cyprus S&D

2
icon: ALDE ALDE
62

Romania ALDE

2

Croatia ALDE

2

Slovakia ALDE

Abstain (1)

1

Portugal ALDE

2

Austria ALDE

For (1)

1

United Kingdom ALDE

1

Estonia ALDE

3

Slovenia ALDE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg ALDE

For (1)

1

Denmark ALDE

For (1)

1

Ireland ALDE

For (1)

1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
40

Spain Verts/ALE

Abstain (1)

3

Hungary Verts/ALE

2

Belgium Verts/ALE

2

Finland Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Sweden Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Croatia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Lithuania Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Austria Verts/ALE

3

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

Abstain (1)

4

Netherlands Verts/ALE

2

Latvia Verts/ALE

Abstain (1)

1

Estonia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Slovenia Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1
icon: ECR ECR
60

Belgium ECR

2

Finland ECR

2

Croatia ECR

For (1)

1

Slovakia ECR

2

Lithuania ECR

1

Czechia ECR

2

Netherlands ECR

2

Latvia ECR

For (1)

1

Greece ECR

Against (1)

1
icon: EFDD EFDD
44

France EFDD

Against (1)

1

Sweden EFDD

2

Lithuania EFDD

1

Czechia EFDD

Against (1)

1

Latvia EFDD

1
icon: NI NI
50

Germany NI

Against (1)

1

Hungary NI

2

Belgium NI

Against (1)

1

United Kingdom NI

For (1)

1

Netherlands NI

4
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
49

Italy GUE/NGL

3

Finland GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Netherlands GUE/NGL

3

Denmark GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

3

Cyprus GUE/NGL

2

History

(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)

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  • date: 2014-09-09T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE537.349 title: PE537.349 type: Committee draft report body: EP
events
  • date: 2013-05-15T00:00:00 type: Initial legislative proposal published body: EC docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2013/0290/COM_COM(2013)0290_EN.pdf title: COM(2013)0290 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!DocNumber&lg=EN&type_doc=COMfinal&an_doc=2013&nu_doc=290 title: EUR-Lex summary: PURPOSE: to conclude an Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part. PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision. ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. BACKGROUND: relations between the EU and Ukraine are currently based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which entered into force in 1998. At the 13th EU-Ukraine Summit in Paris in 2008, the leaders of the EU and Ukraine agreed that the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement should be succeeded by an Association Agreement. The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement is the first of a new generation of Association Agreements with Eastern Partnership countries. Negotiations of this comprehensive and ambitious Agreement between the EU and Ukraine were launched in March 2007. The Association Agreement aims to accelerate the deepening of political and economic relations between Ukraine and the EU, as well as Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market including by setting up a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). It is a concrete way to exploit the dynamics in EU-Ukraine relations, focusing on support to core reforms, on economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation. The Agreement also constitutes a reform agenda for Ukraine, based on a comprehensive programme of approximation of Ukraine's legislation to EU norms, around which all partners of Ukraine can align themselves and focus their assistance. EU assistance to Ukraine is linked with the reform agenda as it emerges from the Agreement. The Comprehensive Institutional Building Programme is particularly important in this regard. On 30 March 2012, the chief negotiators of the European Union and Ukraine initialled the text of the Association Agreement. The trade negotiators from both sides initialled the DCFTA part of the Agreement on 19 July 2012. Measures are provided as regards the provisional application of the Agreement in view of keeping mutual economic interests and shared values in equilibrium, and the common will of the EU and Ukraine to start implementing and enforcing various parts of the Agreement in order to advance an early reform impact on sector specific issues before the conclusion of the Agreement. IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken. LEGAL BASIS: Article(s) 217, in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) and the second subparagraph of Article 218(8) thereof, as well as Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. CONTENT: with this draft Decision, the Commission proposes to conclude, on behalf of the European Union, an Agreement between the Union and its Member States of the one part and Ukraine of the other part, together with the Annexes and Protocols attached thereto. Objectives : this Agreement constitutes a new stage in the development of EU-Ukraine contractual relations, aiming at political association and economic integration and leaving open the way for further progressive developments. The overall aims of the association focus on: promoting a gradual rapprochement between the parties on the basis of common values, providing enhanced political dialogue, promoting, preserving and strengthening peace and stability in both the regional and international dimensions, establishing conditions for enhanced economic and trade relations leading towards Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market; enhancing Justice, Freedom and Security (JFS) cooperation with the aim of reinforcing the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, establishing conditions for increasingly close co-operation in other areas of mutual interest. General Principles : these include a specific set of "essential elements", the violation of which by one of the Parties could give rise to specific measures under the Agreement, including the suspension of rights and obligations . These elements are respect for: democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms as defined in relevant international instruments, respect for the rule of law, promotion of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, inviolability and independence, countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, related materials and means of delivery. Other General Principles of the Agreement relate to the principles of a free market economy, good governance, the fight against corruption, the fight against trans-national organised crime and terrorism , the promotion of sustainable development and effective multilateralism. Political dialogue : the Agreement sets out the aims of an enhanced and strengthened political dialogue promoting gradual convergence on foreign and security matters with the aim of Ukraine's ever deeper involvement in the European security area. It establishes a number of fora for the conduct of political dialogue, and provides for dialogue and co-operation on domestic reform based on the common principles set out by the Parties. There are also provisions for intensified dialogue on foreign and security policy , including CSDP, for the promotion of peace and international justice by ratifying and implementing the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court , and for joint efforts on regional stability, conflict prevention, crisis management, military/technological co-operation, anti-terrorism, antiproliferation and disarmament and arms control. Free-trade : closer economic integration through the DCFTA will be a powerful stimulant to the country's economic growth. Approximation of Ukraine to EU legislation, norms and standards, will be the method. As a core element of the Association Agreement, the DCFTA will create business opportunities in both the EU and Ukraine and will promote real economic modernisation and integration with the EU. Higher standards of products, better services to citizens, and above all Ukraine's readiness to compete effectively in international markets should be the result of this process. Justice/Foreign affairs : in the field of Justice Freedom and Security, the Agreement pays particular attention to the rule of law and to the reinforcement of judicial institutions and practices. It sets out the framework for co-operation on: migration, asylum and border management, personal data protection, money laundering and terrorism financing, anti-drugs policy. This Title contains provisions on movement of persons, including on readmission, on visa facilitation and on the gradual steps towards a visa-free regime in due course (provided that relevant conditions for well-managed and secure mobility are in place). Treatment and mobility of workers are also covered, as is a commitment to further development of judicial co-operation in civil and criminal matters - making full use of relevant international and bilateral instruments. Sector cooperation : the Association Agreement foresees a wide range of sector cooperation, focusing on support to core reforms, economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation in more than 30 areas, such as: energy, transport, environment protection, industrial and small and medium enterprise cooperation, social development and protection, equal rights, consumer protection, education, training and youth, cultural cooperation. In all of these areas, enhanced co-operation starts from the basis of current frameworks, both bilateral and multilateral, with the aim of more systematic dialogue and exchange of information and good practice. Key to the sectoral co-operation chapters is a comprehensive menu of regulatory approximation set out in annexes to the Agreement. Specific schedules for transposition and implementation by Ukraine of selected parts of the EU acquis will provide a focus for ongoing co-operation, and will form the core of Ukraine's domestic reform and modernization agenda. Institutional framework : the Agreement includes an updated institutional framework encompassing co-operation and dialogue fora from the Summit level down the level of technical subcommittees. Specific decision-making roles are foreseen for an Association Council, and by delegation for an Association Committee, which may also meet in a specific configuration to address trade issues. Fora for civil society , notably the representative organisations for social partners, trade-unions and employers, and parliamentary co-operation are also foreseen. It also includes provisions on monitoring, fulfilment of obligations and dispute settlement (including separate provisions for trade-related issues). BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the Union budget.
  • date: 2014-06-20T00:00:00 type: Legislative proposal published body: EC docs: url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=ADV&RESULTSET=1&DOC_ID=14011%2F13&DOC_LANCD=EN&ROWSPP=25&NRROWS=500&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC title: 14011/2013 summary: PURPOSE: to conclude, 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, as regards provisions relating to the treatment of third-country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other part. PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision. ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. 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 (please refer to the summary of the initial legislative proposal of 15/05/2013 . Those negotiations were successfully finalised and the Association Agreement between the European Union and EURATOM and their Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part was initialled in 2012, subject to its conclusion at a later date. This proposed Decision concerns only Article 17 of the Agreement, which contains specific obligations relating to the treatment of third country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party. It should now be approved on behalf of the Union. CONTENT: under this proposed Decision, the Council is called upon to approve, on behalf of the Union, the abovementioned Association Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine. Provisions are regards the treatment of legal migrants : this proposal concerns only Article 17 of the Agreement, which contains specific obligations relating to the treatment of third country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party and which falls within the scope of Title V of Part Three of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The aim and content of those provisions is distinct from and independent of the aim and content of the other provisions of the Agreement to establish an association between the parties. A separate decision relating to the other provisions of the Agreement will be adopted in parallel with this Decision. N.B .: the future Agreement should not be construed as conferring rights or imposing obligations which can be directly invoked before Union or Member State courts and tribunals.
  • date: 2014-07-17T00:00:00 type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2014-09-15T00:00:00 type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2014-09-15T00:00:00 type: Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A8-2014-0009&language=EN title: A8-0009/2014 summary: The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs adopted the report by Claude MORAES (S&D, UK) on the draft Council decision 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, as regards provisions relating to the treatment of third-country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party. Members recommended that the European Parliament should give its consent to the conclusion of the Agreement given the close historical relationship and the progressively closer links between the European Union and Ukraine and the current political situation within the European neighbourhood.
  • date: 2014-09-16T00:00:00 type: Results of vote in Parliament body: EP docs: url: https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=24712&l=en title: Results of vote in Parliament
  • date: 2014-09-16T00:00:00 type: Debate in Parliament body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20140916&type=CRE title: Debate in Parliament
  • date: 2014-09-16T00:00:00 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2014-0015 title: T8-0015/2014 summary: The European Parliament adopted by 539 votes to 123, with 33 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision 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, as regards provisions relating to the treatment of third-country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party. Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the Agreement.
  • date: 2017-07-11T00:00:00 type: Act adopted by Council after consultation of Parliament body: EP/CSL
  • date: 2017-07-11T00:00:00 type: End of procedure in Parliament body: EP
  • date: 2017-07-12T00:00:00 type: Final act published in Official Journal summary: PURPOSE: to approve the Association Agreement between the European Union and EURATOM and their Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part, as regards 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) 2017/1248 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, as regards 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 European Union 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, as regards Article 17. This Decision concerns only Article 17 of the Agreement , which contains specific obligations relating to the treatment of third country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party and which falls within the scope of Title V of Part Three of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Article 17 states that, subject to the laws, conditions and procedures applicable in the Member States and the EU, treatment accorded to workers who are Ukrainian nationals and who are legally employed in the territory of a Member State shall be free of any discrimination based on nationality as regards working conditions, remuneration or dismissal, compared to the nationals of that Member State. Ukraine shall, subject to the laws, conditions and procedures in Ukraine, accord the treatment to workers who are nationals of a Member State and who are legally employed in its territory. A separate decision on the other provisions of the Agreement was adopted in parallel with this Decision. The United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark are not bound by the Decision. ENTRY INTO FORCE: 11.7.2017. docs: title: Decision 2017/1248 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg=EN&numdoc=32017D1248 title: OJ L 181 12.07.2017, p. 0004 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L:2017:181:TOC
other
  • body: EC dg: url: http://ec.europa.eu/info/departments/european-neighbourhood-policy-and-enlargement-negotiations_en title: Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations url: http://ec.europa.eu/info/departments/financial-stability-financial-services-and-capital-markets-union_en title: Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union
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PURPOSE: to conclude an Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: relations between the EU and Ukraine are currently based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which entered into force in 1998. At the 13th EU-Ukraine Summit in Paris in 2008, the leaders of the EU and Ukraine agreed that the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement should be succeeded by an Association Agreement.

The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement is the first of a new generation of Association Agreements with Eastern Partnership countries. Negotiations of this comprehensive and ambitious Agreement between the EU and Ukraine were launched in March 2007.

The Association Agreement aims to accelerate the deepening of political and economic relations between Ukraine and the EU, as well as Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market including by setting up a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). It is a concrete way to exploit the dynamics in EU-Ukraine relations, focusing on support to core reforms, on economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation.

The Agreement also constitutes a reform agenda for Ukraine, based on a comprehensive programme of approximation of Ukraine's legislation to EU norms, around which all partners of Ukraine can align themselves and focus their assistance. EU assistance to Ukraine is linked with the reform agenda as it emerges from the Agreement. The Comprehensive Institutional Building Programme is particularly important in this regard.

On 30 March 2012, the chief negotiators of the European Union and Ukraine initialled the text of the Association Agreement. The trade negotiators from both sides initialled the DCFTA part of the Agreement on 19 July 2012.

Measures are provided as regards the provisional application of the Agreement in view of keeping mutual economic interests and shared values in equilibrium, and the common will of the EU and Ukraine to start implementing and enforcing various parts of the Agreement in order to advance an early reform impact on sector specific issues before the conclusion of the Agreement.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

LEGAL BASIS: Article(s) 217, in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) and the second subparagraph of Article 218(8) thereof, as well as Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

CONTENT: with this draft Decision, the Commission proposes to conclude, on behalf of the European Union, an Agreement between the Union and its Member States of the one part and Ukraine of the other part, together with the Annexes and Protocols attached thereto.

Objectives: this Agreement constitutes a new stage in the development of EU-Ukraine contractual relations, aiming at political association and economic integration and leaving open the way for further progressive developments.

The overall aims of the association focus on:

  • promoting a gradual rapprochement between the parties on the basis of common values,
  • providing enhanced political dialogue,
  • promoting, preserving and strengthening peace and stability in both the regional and international dimensions,
  • establishing conditions for enhanced economic and trade relations leading towards Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market;
  • enhancing Justice, Freedom and Security (JFS) cooperation with the aim of reinforcing the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,
  • establishing conditions for increasingly close co-operation in other areas of mutual interest.

General Principles: these include a specific set of "essential elements", the violation of which by one of the Parties could give rise to specific measures under the Agreement, including the suspension of rights and obligations.

These elements are respect for:

  • democratic principles,
  • human rights and fundamental freedoms as defined in relevant international instruments,
  • respect for the rule of law,
  • promotion of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, inviolability and independence,
  • countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, related materials and means of delivery.

Other General Principles of the Agreement relate to the principles of a free market economy, good governance, the fight against corruption, the fight against trans-national organised crime and terrorism, the promotion of sustainable development and effective multilateralism.

Political dialogue: the Agreement sets out the aims of an enhanced and strengthened political dialogue promoting gradual convergence on foreign and security matters with the aim of Ukraine's ever deeper involvement in the European security area. It establishes a number of fora for the conduct of political dialogue, and provides for dialogue and co-operation on domestic reform based on the common principles set out by the Parties. There are also provisions for intensified dialogue on foreign and security policy, including CSDP, for the promotion of peace and international justice by ratifying and implementing the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and for joint efforts on regional stability, conflict prevention, crisis management, military/technological co-operation, anti-terrorism, antiproliferation and disarmament and arms control.

Free-trade: closer economic integration through the DCFTA will be a powerful stimulant to the country's economic growth. Approximation of Ukraine to EU legislation, norms and standards, will be the method. As a core element of the Association Agreement, the DCFTA will create business opportunities in both the EU and Ukraine and will promote real economic modernisation and integration with the EU. Higher standards of products, better services to citizens, and above all Ukraine's readiness to compete effectively in international markets should be the result of this process.

Justice/Foreign affairs: in the field of Justice Freedom and Security, the Agreement pays particular attention to the rule of law and to the reinforcement of judicial institutions and practices.

It sets out the framework for co-operation on:

  • migration,
  • asylum and border management,
  • personal data protection,
  • money laundering and terrorism financing,
  • anti-drugs policy.

This Title contains provisions on movement of persons, including on readmission, on visa facilitation and on the gradual steps towards a visa-free regime in due course (provided that relevant conditions for well-managed and secure mobility are in place).

Treatment and mobility of workers are also covered, as is a commitment to further development of judicial co-operation in civil and criminal matters - making full use of relevant international and bilateral instruments.

Sector cooperation: the Association Agreement foresees a wide range of sector cooperation, focusing on support to core reforms, economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation in more than 30 areas, such as:

  • energy,
  • transport,
  • environment protection,
  • industrial and small and medium enterprise cooperation,
  • social development and protection,
  • equal rights,
  • consumer protection,
  • education,
  • training and youth,
  • cultural cooperation.

In all of these areas, enhanced co-operation starts from the basis of current frameworks, both bilateral and multilateral, with the aim of more systematic dialogue and exchange of information and good practice. Key to the sectoral co-operation chapters is a comprehensive menu of regulatory approximation set out in annexes to the Agreement. Specific schedules for transposition and implementation by Ukraine of selected parts of the EU acquis will provide a focus for ongoing co-operation, and will form the core of Ukraine's domestic reform and modernization agenda.

Institutional framework: the Agreement includes an updated institutional framework encompassing co-operation and dialogue fora from the Summit level down the level of technical subcommittees. Specific decision-making roles are foreseen for an Association Council, and by delegation for an Association Committee, which may also meet in a specific configuration to address trade issues.

Forafor civil society, notably the representative organisations for social partners, trade-unions and employers, and parliamentary co-operation are also foreseen. It also includes provisions on monitoring, fulfilment of obligations and dispute settlement (including separate provisions for trade-related issues).

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the Union budget.

New

PURPOSE: to conclude an Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: relations between the EU and Ukraine are currently based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which entered into force in 1998. At the 13th EU-Ukraine Summit in Paris in 2008, the leaders of the EU and Ukraine agreed that the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement should be succeeded by an Association Agreement.

The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement is the first of a new generation of Association Agreements with Eastern Partnership countries. Negotiations of this comprehensive and ambitious Agreement between the EU and Ukraine were launched in March 2007.

The Association Agreement aims to accelerate the deepening of political and economic relations between Ukraine and the EU, as well as Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market including by setting up a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). It is a concrete way to exploit the dynamics in EU-Ukraine relations, focusing on support to core reforms, on economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation.

The Agreement also constitutes a reform agenda for Ukraine, based on a comprehensive programme of approximation of Ukraine's legislation to EU norms, around which all partners of Ukraine can align themselves and focus their assistance. EU assistance to Ukraine is linked with the reform agenda as it emerges from the Agreement. The Comprehensive Institutional Building Programme is particularly important in this regard.

On 30 March 2012, the chief negotiators of the European Union and Ukraine initialled the text of the Association Agreement. The trade negotiators from both sides initialled the DCFTA part of the Agreement on 19 July 2012.

Measures are provided as regards the provisional application of the Agreement in view of keeping mutual economic interests and shared values in equilibrium, and the common will of the EU and Ukraine to start implementing and enforcing various parts of the Agreement in order to advance an early reform impact on sector specific issues before the conclusion of the Agreement.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

LEGAL BASIS: Article(s) 217, in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) and the second subparagraph of Article 218(8) thereof, as well as Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

CONTENT: with this draft Decision, the Commission proposes to conclude, on behalf of the European Union, an Agreement between the Union and its Member States of the one part and Ukraine of the other part, together with the Annexes and Protocols attached thereto.

Objectives: this Agreement constitutes a new stage in the development of EU-Ukraine contractual relations, aiming at political association and economic integration and leaving open the way for further progressive developments.

The overall aims of the association focus on:

  • promoting a gradual rapprochement between the parties on the basis of common values,
  • providing enhanced political dialogue,
  • promoting, preserving and strengthening peace and stability in both the regional and international dimensions,
  • establishing conditions for enhanced economic and trade relations leading towards Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market;
  • enhancing Justice, Freedom and Security (JFS) cooperation with the aim of reinforcing the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,
  • establishing conditions for increasingly close co-operation in other areas of mutual interest.

General Principles: these include a specific set of "essential elements", the violation of which by one of the Parties could give rise to specific measures under the Agreement, including the suspension of rights and obligations.

These elements are respect for:

  • democratic principles,
  • human rights and fundamental freedoms as defined in relevant international instruments,
  • respect for the rule of law,
  • promotion of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, inviolability and independence,
  • countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, related materials and means of delivery.

Other General Principles of the Agreement relate to the principles of a free market economy, good governance, the fight against corruption, the fight against trans-national organised crime and terrorism, the promotion of sustainable development and effective multilateralism.

Political dialogue: the Agreement sets out the aims of an enhanced and strengthened political dialogue promoting gradual convergence on foreign and security matters with the aim of Ukraine's ever deeper involvement in the European security area. It establishes a number of fora for the conduct of political dialogue, and provides for dialogue and co-operation on domestic reform based on the common principles set out by the Parties. There are also provisions for intensified dialogue on foreign and security policy, including CSDP, for the promotion of peace and international justice by ratifying and implementing the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and for joint efforts on regional stability, conflict prevention, crisis management, military/technological co-operation, anti-terrorism, antiproliferation and disarmament and arms control.

Free-trade: closer economic integration through the DCFTA will be a powerful stimulant to the country's economic growth. Approximation of Ukraine to EU legislation, norms and standards, will be the method. As a core element of the Association Agreement, the DCFTA will create business opportunities in both the EU and Ukraine and will promote real economic modernisation and integration with the EU. Higher standards of products, better services to citizens, and above all Ukraine's readiness to compete effectively in international markets should be the result of this process.

Justice/Foreign affairs: in the field of Justice Freedom and Security, the Agreement pays particular attention to the rule of law and to the reinforcement of judicial institutions and practices.

It sets out the framework for co-operation on:

  • migration,
  • asylum and border management,
  • personal data protection,
  • money laundering and terrorism financing,
  • anti-drugs policy.

This Title contains provisions on movement of persons, including on readmission, on visa facilitation and on the gradual steps towards a visa-free regime in due course (provided that relevant conditions for well-managed and secure mobility are in place).

Treatment and mobility of workers are also covered, as is a commitment to further development of judicial co-operation in civil and criminal matters - making full use of relevant international and bilateral instruments.

Sector cooperation: the Association Agreement foresees a wide range of sector cooperation, focusing on support to core reforms, economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation in more than 30 areas, such as:

  • energy,
  • transport,
  • environment protection,
  • industrial and small and medium enterprise cooperation,
  • social development and protection,
  • equal rights,
  • consumer protection,
  • education,
  • training and youth,
  • cultural cooperation.

In all of these areas, enhanced co-operation starts from the basis of current frameworks, both bilateral and multilateral, with the aim of more systematic dialogue and exchange of information and good practice. Key to the sectoral co-operation chapters is a comprehensive menu of regulatory approximation set out in annexes to the Agreement. Specific schedules for transposition and implementation by Ukraine of selected parts of the EU acquis will provide a focus for ongoing co-operation, and will form the core of Ukraine's domestic reform and modernization agenda.

Institutional framework: the Agreement includes an updated institutional framework encompassing co-operation and dialogue fora from the Summit level down the level of technical subcommittees. Specific decision-making roles are foreseen for an Association Council, and by delegation for an Association Committee, which may also meet in a specific configuration to address trade issues.

Forafor civil society, notably the representative organisations for social partners, trade-unions and employers, and parliamentary co-operation are also foreseen. It also includes provisions on monitoring, fulfilment of obligations and dispute settlement (including separate provisions for trade-related issues).

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the Union budget.

activities/5
date
2017-07-12T00:00:00
docs
type
Final act published in Official Journal
procedure/final
url
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg=EN&numdoc=32017D1248
title
Decision 2017/1248
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PURPOSE: to conclude an Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: relations between the EU and Ukraine are currently based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which entered into force in 1998. At the 13th EU-Ukraine Summit in Paris in 2008, the leaders of the EU and Ukraine agreed that the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement should be succeeded by an Association Agreement.

The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement is the first of a new generation of Association Agreements with Eastern Partnership countries. Negotiations of this comprehensive and ambitious Agreement between the EU and Ukraine were launched in March 2007.

The Association Agreement aims to accelerate the deepening of political and economic relations between Ukraine and the EU, as well as Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market including by setting up a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). It is a concrete way to exploit the dynamics in EU-Ukraine relations, focusing on support to core reforms, on economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation.

The Agreement also constitutes a reform agenda for Ukraine, based on a comprehensive programme of approximation of Ukraine's legislation to EU norms, around which all partners of Ukraine can align themselves and focus their assistance. EU assistance to Ukraine is linked with the reform agenda as it emerges from the Agreement. The Comprehensive Institutional Building Programme is particularly important in this regard.

On 30 March 2012, the chief negotiators of the European Union and Ukraine initialled the text of the Association Agreement. The trade negotiators from both sides initialled the DCFTA part of the Agreement on 19 July 2012.

Measures are provided as regards the provisional application of the Agreement in view of keeping mutual economic interests and shared values in equilibrium, and the common will of the EU and Ukraine to start implementing and enforcing various parts of the Agreement in order to advance an early reform impact on sector specific issues before the conclusion of the Agreement.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

LEGAL BASIS: Article(s) 217, in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) and the second subparagraph of Article 218(8) thereof, as well as Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

CONTENT: with this draft Decision, the Commission proposes to conclude, on behalf of the European Union, an Agreement between the Union and its Member States of the one part and Ukraine of the other part, together with the Annexes and Protocols attached thereto.

Objectives: this Agreement constitutes a new stage in the development of EU-Ukraine contractual relations, aiming at political association and economic integration and leaving open the way for further progressive developments.

The overall aims of the association focus on:

  • promoting a gradual rapprochement between the parties on the basis of common values,
  • providing enhanced political dialogue,
  • promoting, preserving and strengthening peace and stability in both the regional and international dimensions,
  • establishing conditions for enhanced economic and trade relations leading towards Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market;
  • enhancing Justice, Freedom and Security (JFS) cooperation with the aim of reinforcing the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,
  • establishing conditions for increasingly close co-operation in other areas of mutual interest.

General Principles: these include a specific set of "essential elements", the violation of which by one of the Parties could give rise to specific measures under the Agreement, including the suspension of rights and obligations.

These elements are respect for:

  • democratic principles,
  • human rights and fundamental freedoms as defined in relevant international instruments,
  • respect for the rule of law,
  • promotion of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, inviolability and independence,
  • countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, related materials and means of delivery.

Other General Principles of the Agreement relate to the principles of a free market economy, good governance, the fight against corruption, the fight against trans-national organised crime and terrorism, the promotion of sustainable development and effective multilateralism.

Political dialogue: the Agreement sets out the aims of an enhanced and strengthened political dialogue promoting gradual convergence on foreign and security matters with the aim of Ukraine's ever deeper involvement in the European security area. It establishes a number of fora for the conduct of political dialogue, and provides for dialogue and co-operation on domestic reform based on the common principles set out by the Parties. There are also provisions for intensified dialogue on foreign and security policy, including CSDP, for the promotion of peace and international justice by ratifying and implementing the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and for joint efforts on regional stability, conflict prevention, crisis management, military/technological co-operation, anti-terrorism, antiproliferation and disarmament and arms control.

Free-trade: closer economic integration through the DCFTA will be a powerful stimulant to the country's economic growth. Approximation of Ukraine to EU legislation, norms and standards, will be the method. As a core element of the Association Agreement, the DCFTA will create business opportunities in both the EU and Ukraine and will promote real economic modernisation and integration with the EU. Higher standards of products, better services to citizens, and above all Ukraine's readiness to compete effectively in international markets should be the result of this process.

Justice/Foreign affairs: in the field of Justice Freedom and Security, the Agreement pays particular attention to the rule of law and to the reinforcement of judicial institutions and practices.

It sets out the framework for co-operation on:

  • migration,
  • asylum and border management,
  • personal data protection,
  • money laundering and terrorism financing,
  • anti-drugs policy.

This Title contains provisions on movement of persons, including on readmission, on visa facilitation and on the gradual steps towards a visa-free regime in due course (provided that relevant conditions for well-managed and secure mobility are in place).

Treatment and mobility of workers are also covered, as is a commitment to further development of judicial co-operation in civil and criminal matters - making full use of relevant international and bilateral instruments.

Sector cooperation: the Association Agreement foresees a wide range of sector cooperation, focusing on support to core reforms, economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation in more than 30 areas, such as:

  • energy,
  • transport,
  • environment protection,
  • industrial and small and medium enterprise cooperation,
  • social development and protection,
  • equal rights,
  • consumer protection,
  • education,
  • training and youth,
  • cultural cooperation.

In all of these areas, enhanced co-operation starts from the basis of current frameworks, both bilateral and multilateral, with the aim of more systematic dialogue and exchange of information and good practice. Key to the sectoral co-operation chapters is a comprehensive menu of regulatory approximation set out in annexes to the Agreement. Specific schedules for transposition and implementation by Ukraine of selected parts of the EU acquis will provide a focus for ongoing co-operation, and will form the core of Ukraine's domestic reform and modernization agenda.

Institutional framework: the Agreement includes an updated institutional framework encompassing co-operation and dialogue fora from the Summit level down the level of technical subcommittees. Specific decision-making roles are foreseen for an Association Council, and by delegation for an Association Committee, which may also meet in a specific configuration to address trade issues.

Forafor civil society, notably the representative organisations for social partners, trade-unions and employers, and parliamentary co-operation are also foreseen. It also includes provisions on monitoring, fulfilment of obligations and dispute settlement (including separate provisions for trade-related issues).

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the Union budget.

New

PURPOSE: to conclude an Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: relations between the EU and Ukraine are currently based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which entered into force in 1998. At the 13th EU-Ukraine Summit in Paris in 2008, the leaders of the EU and Ukraine agreed that the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement should be succeeded by an Association Agreement.

The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement is the first of a new generation of Association Agreements with Eastern Partnership countries. Negotiations of this comprehensive and ambitious Agreement between the EU and Ukraine were launched in March 2007.

The Association Agreement aims to accelerate the deepening of political and economic relations between Ukraine and the EU, as well as Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market including by setting up a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). It is a concrete way to exploit the dynamics in EU-Ukraine relations, focusing on support to core reforms, on economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation.

The Agreement also constitutes a reform agenda for Ukraine, based on a comprehensive programme of approximation of Ukraine's legislation to EU norms, around which all partners of Ukraine can align themselves and focus their assistance. EU assistance to Ukraine is linked with the reform agenda as it emerges from the Agreement. The Comprehensive Institutional Building Programme is particularly important in this regard.

On 30 March 2012, the chief negotiators of the European Union and Ukraine initialled the text of the Association Agreement. The trade negotiators from both sides initialled the DCFTA part of the Agreement on 19 July 2012.

Measures are provided as regards the provisional application of the Agreement in view of keeping mutual economic interests and shared values in equilibrium, and the common will of the EU and Ukraine to start implementing and enforcing various parts of the Agreement in order to advance an early reform impact on sector specific issues before the conclusion of the Agreement.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

LEGAL BASIS: Article(s) 217, in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) and the second subparagraph of Article 218(8) thereof, as well as Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

CONTENT: with this draft Decision, the Commission proposes to conclude, on behalf of the European Union, an Agreement between the Union and its Member States of the one part and Ukraine of the other part, together with the Annexes and Protocols attached thereto.

Objectives: this Agreement constitutes a new stage in the development of EU-Ukraine contractual relations, aiming at political association and economic integration and leaving open the way for further progressive developments.

The overall aims of the association focus on:

  • promoting a gradual rapprochement between the parties on the basis of common values,
  • providing enhanced political dialogue,
  • promoting, preserving and strengthening peace and stability in both the regional and international dimensions,
  • establishing conditions for enhanced economic and trade relations leading towards Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market;
  • enhancing Justice, Freedom and Security (JFS) cooperation with the aim of reinforcing the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,
  • establishing conditions for increasingly close co-operation in other areas of mutual interest.

General Principles: these include a specific set of "essential elements", the violation of which by one of the Parties could give rise to specific measures under the Agreement, including the suspension of rights and obligations.

These elements are respect for:

  • democratic principles,
  • human rights and fundamental freedoms as defined in relevant international instruments,
  • respect for the rule of law,
  • promotion of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, inviolability and independence,
  • countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, related materials and means of delivery.

Other General Principles of the Agreement relate to the principles of a free market economy, good governance, the fight against corruption, the fight against trans-national organised crime and terrorism, the promotion of sustainable development and effective multilateralism.

Political dialogue: the Agreement sets out the aims of an enhanced and strengthened political dialogue promoting gradual convergence on foreign and security matters with the aim of Ukraine's ever deeper involvement in the European security area. It establishes a number of fora for the conduct of political dialogue, and provides for dialogue and co-operation on domestic reform based on the common principles set out by the Parties. There are also provisions for intensified dialogue on foreign and security policy, including CSDP, for the promotion of peace and international justice by ratifying and implementing the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and for joint efforts on regional stability, conflict prevention, crisis management, military/technological co-operation, anti-terrorism, antiproliferation and disarmament and arms control.

Free-trade: closer economic integration through the DCFTA will be a powerful stimulant to the country's economic growth. Approximation of Ukraine to EU legislation, norms and standards, will be the method. As a core element of the Association Agreement, the DCFTA will create business opportunities in both the EU and Ukraine and will promote real economic modernisation and integration with the EU. Higher standards of products, better services to citizens, and above all Ukraine's readiness to compete effectively in international markets should be the result of this process.

Justice/Foreign affairs: in the field of Justice Freedom and Security, the Agreement pays particular attention to the rule of law and to the reinforcement of judicial institutions and practices.

It sets out the framework for co-operation on:

  • migration,
  • asylum and border management,
  • personal data protection,
  • money laundering and terrorism financing,
  • anti-drugs policy.

This Title contains provisions on movement of persons, including on readmission, on visa facilitation and on the gradual steps towards a visa-free regime in due course (provided that relevant conditions for well-managed and secure mobility are in place).

Treatment and mobility of workers are also covered, as is a commitment to further development of judicial co-operation in civil and criminal matters - making full use of relevant international and bilateral instruments.

Sector cooperation: the Association Agreement foresees a wide range of sector cooperation, focusing on support to core reforms, economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation in more than 30 areas, such as:

  • energy,
  • transport,
  • environment protection,
  • industrial and small and medium enterprise cooperation,
  • social development and protection,
  • equal rights,
  • consumer protection,
  • education,
  • training and youth,
  • cultural cooperation.

In all of these areas, enhanced co-operation starts from the basis of current frameworks, both bilateral and multilateral, with the aim of more systematic dialogue and exchange of information and good practice. Key to the sectoral co-operation chapters is a comprehensive menu of regulatory approximation set out in annexes to the Agreement. Specific schedules for transposition and implementation by Ukraine of selected parts of the EU acquis will provide a focus for ongoing co-operation, and will form the core of Ukraine's domestic reform and modernization agenda.

Institutional framework: the Agreement includes an updated institutional framework encompassing co-operation and dialogue fora from the Summit level down the level of technical subcommittees. Specific decision-making roles are foreseen for an Association Council, and by delegation for an Association Committee, which may also meet in a specific configuration to address trade issues.

Forafor civil society, notably the representative organisations for social partners, trade-unions and employers, and parliamentary co-operation are also foreseen. It also includes provisions on monitoring, fulfilment of obligations and dispute settlement (including separate provisions for trade-related issues).

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the Union budget.

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PURPOSE: to conclude an Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: relations between the EU and Ukraine are currently based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which entered into force in 1998. At the 13th EU-Ukraine Summit in Paris in 2008, the leaders of the EU and Ukraine agreed that the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement should be succeeded by an Association Agreement.

The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement is the first of a new generation of Association Agreements with Eastern Partnership countries. Negotiations of this comprehensive and ambitious Agreement between the EU and Ukraine were launched in March 2007.

The Association Agreement aims to accelerate the deepening of political and economic relations between Ukraine and the EU, as well as Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market including by setting up a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). It is a concrete way to exploit the dynamics in EU-Ukraine relations, focusing on support to core reforms, on economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation.

The Agreement also constitutes a reform agenda for Ukraine, based on a comprehensive programme of approximation of Ukraine's legislation to EU norms, around which all partners of Ukraine can align themselves and focus their assistance. EU assistance to Ukraine is linked with the reform agenda as it emerges from the Agreement. The Comprehensive Institutional Building Programme is particularly important in this regard.

On 30 March 2012, the chief negotiators of the European Union and Ukraine initialled the text of the Association Agreement. The trade negotiators from both sides initialled the DCFTA part of the Agreement on 19 July 2012.

Measures are provided as regards the provisional application of the Agreement in view of keeping mutual economic interests and shared values in equilibrium, and the common will of the EU and Ukraine to start implementing and enforcing various parts of the Agreement in order to advance an early reform impact on sector specific issues before the conclusion of the Agreement.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

LEGAL BASIS: Article(s) 217, in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) and the second subparagraph of Article 218(8) thereof, as well as Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

CONTENT: with this draft Decision, the Commission proposes to conclude, on behalf of the European Union, an Agreement between the Union and its Member States of the one part and Ukraine of the other part, together with the Annexes and Protocols attached thereto.

Objectives: this Agreement constitutes a new stage in the development of EU-Ukraine contractual relations, aiming at political association and economic integration and leaving open the way for further progressive developments.

The overall aims of the association focus on:

  • promoting a gradual rapprochement between the parties on the basis of common values,
  • providing enhanced political dialogue,
  • promoting, preserving and strengthening peace and stability in both the regional and international dimensions,
  • establishing conditions for enhanced economic and trade relations leading towards Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market;
  • enhancing Justice, Freedom and Security (JFS) cooperation with the aim of reinforcing the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,
  • establishing conditions for increasingly close co-operation in other areas of mutual interest.

General Principles: these include a specific set of "essential elements", the violation of which by one of the Parties could give rise to specific measures under the Agreement, including the suspension of rights and obligations.

These elements are respect for:

  • democratic principles,
  • human rights and fundamental freedoms as defined in relevant international instruments,
  • respect for the rule of law,
  • promotion of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, inviolability and independence,
  • countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, related materials and means of delivery.

Other General Principles of the Agreement relate to the principles of a free market economy, good governance, the fight against corruption, the fight against trans-national organised crime and terrorism, the promotion of sustainable development and effective multilateralism.

Political dialogue: the Agreement sets out the aims of an enhanced and strengthened political dialogue promoting gradual convergence on foreign and security matters with the aim of Ukraine's ever deeper involvement in the European security area. It establishes a number of fora for the conduct of political dialogue, and provides for dialogue and co-operation on domestic reform based on the common principles set out by the Parties. There are also provisions for intensified dialogue on foreign and security policy, including CSDP, for the promotion of peace and international justice by ratifying and implementing the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and for joint efforts on regional stability, conflict prevention, crisis management, military/technological co-operation, anti-terrorism, antiproliferation and disarmament and arms control.

Free-trade: closer economic integration through the DCFTA will be a powerful stimulant to the country's economic growth. Approximation of Ukraine to EU legislation, norms and standards, will be the method. As a core element of the Association Agreement, the DCFTA will create business opportunities in both the EU and Ukraine and will promote real economic modernisation and integration with the EU. Higher standards of products, better services to citizens, and above all Ukraine's readiness to compete effectively in international markets should be the result of this process.

Justice/Foreign affairs: in the field of Justice Freedom and Security, the Agreement pays particular attention to the rule of law and to the reinforcement of judicial institutions and practices.

It sets out the framework for co-operation on:

  • migration,
  • asylum and border management,
  • personal data protection,
  • money laundering and terrorism financing,
  • anti-drugs policy.

This Title contains provisions on movement of persons, including on readmission, on visa facilitation and on the gradual steps towards a visa-free regime in due course (provided that relevant conditions for well-managed and secure mobility are in place).

Treatment and mobility of workers are also covered, as is a commitment to further development of judicial co-operation in civil and criminal matters - making full use of relevant international and bilateral instruments.

Sector cooperation: the Association Agreement foresees a wide range of sector cooperation, focusing on support to core reforms, economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation in more than 30 areas, such as:

  • energy,
  • transport,
  • environment protection,
  • industrial and small and medium enterprise cooperation,
  • social development and protection,
  • equal rights,
  • consumer protection,
  • education,
  • training and youth,
  • cultural cooperation.

In all of these areas, enhanced co-operation starts from the basis of current frameworks, both bilateral and multilateral, with the aim of more systematic dialogue and exchange of information and good practice. Key to the sectoral co-operation chapters is a comprehensive menu of regulatory approximation set out in annexes to the Agreement. Specific schedules for transposition and implementation by Ukraine of selected parts of the EU acquis will provide a focus for ongoing co-operation, and will form the core of Ukraine's domestic reform and modernization agenda.

Institutional framework: the Agreement includes an updated institutional framework encompassing co-operation and dialogue fora from the Summit level down the level of technical subcommittees. Specific decision-making roles are foreseen for an Association Council, and by delegation for an Association Committee, which may also meet in a specific configuration to address trade issues.

Forafor civil society, notably the representative organisations for social partners, trade-unions and employers, and parliamentary co-operation are also foreseen. It also includes provisions on monitoring, fulfilment of obligations and dispute settlement (including separate provisions for trade-related issues).

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the Union budget.

New

PURPOSE: to conclude an Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: relations between the EU and Ukraine are currently based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which entered into force in 1998. At the 13th EU-Ukraine Summit in Paris in 2008, the leaders of the EU and Ukraine agreed that the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement should be succeeded by an Association Agreement.

The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement is the first of a new generation of Association Agreements with Eastern Partnership countries. Negotiations of this comprehensive and ambitious Agreement between the EU and Ukraine were launched in March 2007.

The Association Agreement aims to accelerate the deepening of political and economic relations between Ukraine and the EU, as well as Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market including by setting up a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). It is a concrete way to exploit the dynamics in EU-Ukraine relations, focusing on support to core reforms, on economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation.

The Agreement also constitutes a reform agenda for Ukraine, based on a comprehensive programme of approximation of Ukraine's legislation to EU norms, around which all partners of Ukraine can align themselves and focus their assistance. EU assistance to Ukraine is linked with the reform agenda as it emerges from the Agreement. The Comprehensive Institutional Building Programme is particularly important in this regard.

On 30 March 2012, the chief negotiators of the European Union and Ukraine initialled the text of the Association Agreement. The trade negotiators from both sides initialled the DCFTA part of the Agreement on 19 July 2012.

Measures are provided as regards the provisional application of the Agreement in view of keeping mutual economic interests and shared values in equilibrium, and the common will of the EU and Ukraine to start implementing and enforcing various parts of the Agreement in order to advance an early reform impact on sector specific issues before the conclusion of the Agreement.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

LEGAL BASIS: Article(s) 217, in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) and the second subparagraph of Article 218(8) thereof, as well as Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

CONTENT: with this draft Decision, the Commission proposes to conclude, on behalf of the European Union, an Agreement between the Union and its Member States of the one part and Ukraine of the other part, together with the Annexes and Protocols attached thereto.

Objectives: this Agreement constitutes a new stage in the development of EU-Ukraine contractual relations, aiming at political association and economic integration and leaving open the way for further progressive developments.

The overall aims of the association focus on:

  • promoting a gradual rapprochement between the parties on the basis of common values,
  • providing enhanced political dialogue,
  • promoting, preserving and strengthening peace and stability in both the regional and international dimensions,
  • establishing conditions for enhanced economic and trade relations leading towards Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market;
  • enhancing Justice, Freedom and Security (JFS) cooperation with the aim of reinforcing the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,
  • establishing conditions for increasingly close co-operation in other areas of mutual interest.

General Principles: these include a specific set of "essential elements", the violation of which by one of the Parties could give rise to specific measures under the Agreement, including the suspension of rights and obligations.

These elements are respect for:

  • democratic principles,
  • human rights and fundamental freedoms as defined in relevant international instruments,
  • respect for the rule of law,
  • promotion of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, inviolability and independence,
  • countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, related materials and means of delivery.

Other General Principles of the Agreement relate to the principles of a free market economy, good governance, the fight against corruption, the fight against trans-national organised crime and terrorism, the promotion of sustainable development and effective multilateralism.

Political dialogue: the Agreement sets out the aims of an enhanced and strengthened political dialogue promoting gradual convergence on foreign and security matters with the aim of Ukraine's ever deeper involvement in the European security area. It establishes a number of fora for the conduct of political dialogue, and provides for dialogue and co-operation on domestic reform based on the common principles set out by the Parties. There are also provisions for intensified dialogue on foreign and security policy, including CSDP, for the promotion of peace and international justice by ratifying and implementing the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and for joint efforts on regional stability, conflict prevention, crisis management, military/technological co-operation, anti-terrorism, antiproliferation and disarmament and arms control.

Free-trade: closer economic integration through the DCFTA will be a powerful stimulant to the country's economic growth. Approximation of Ukraine to EU legislation, norms and standards, will be the method. As a core element of the Association Agreement, the DCFTA will create business opportunities in both the EU and Ukraine and will promote real economic modernisation and integration with the EU. Higher standards of products, better services to citizens, and above all Ukraine's readiness to compete effectively in international markets should be the result of this process.

Justice/Foreign affairs: in the field of Justice Freedom and Security, the Agreement pays particular attention to the rule of law and to the reinforcement of judicial institutions and practices.

It sets out the framework for co-operation on:

  • migration,
  • asylum and border management,
  • personal data protection,
  • money laundering and terrorism financing,
  • anti-drugs policy.

This Title contains provisions on movement of persons, including on readmission, on visa facilitation and on the gradual steps towards a visa-free regime in due course (provided that relevant conditions for well-managed and secure mobility are in place).

Treatment and mobility of workers are also covered, as is a commitment to further development of judicial co-operation in civil and criminal matters - making full use of relevant international and bilateral instruments.

Sector cooperation: the Association Agreement foresees a wide range of sector cooperation, focusing on support to core reforms, economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation in more than 30 areas, such as:

  • energy,
  • transport,
  • environment protection,
  • industrial and small and medium enterprise cooperation,
  • social development and protection,
  • equal rights,
  • consumer protection,
  • education,
  • training and youth,
  • cultural cooperation.

In all of these areas, enhanced co-operation starts from the basis of current frameworks, both bilateral and multilateral, with the aim of more systematic dialogue and exchange of information and good practice. Key to the sectoral co-operation chapters is a comprehensive menu of regulatory approximation set out in annexes to the Agreement. Specific schedules for transposition and implementation by Ukraine of selected parts of the EU acquis will provide a focus for ongoing co-operation, and will form the core of Ukraine's domestic reform and modernization agenda.

Institutional framework: the Agreement includes an updated institutional framework encompassing co-operation and dialogue fora from the Summit level down the level of technical subcommittees. Specific decision-making roles are foreseen for an Association Council, and by delegation for an Association Committee, which may also meet in a specific configuration to address trade issues.

Forafor civil society, notably the representative organisations for social partners, trade-unions and employers, and parliamentary co-operation are also foreseen. It also includes provisions on monitoring, fulfilment of obligations and dispute settlement (including separate provisions for trade-related issues).

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the Union budget.

activities/0/docs/0/text/0
Old

PURPOSE: to conclude an Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: relations between the EU and Ukraine are currently based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which entered into force in 1998. At the 13th EU-Ukraine Summit in Paris in 2008, the leaders of the EU and Ukraine agreed that the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement should be succeeded by an Association Agreement.

The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement is the first of a new generation of Association Agreements with Eastern Partnership countries. Negotiations of this comprehensive and ambitious Agreement between the EU and Ukraine were launched in March 2007.

The Association Agreement aims to accelerate the deepening of political and economic relations between Ukraine and the EU, as well as Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market including by setting up a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). It is a concrete way to exploit the dynamics in EU-Ukraine relations, focusing on support to core reforms, on economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation.

The Agreement also constitutes a reform agenda for Ukraine, based on a comprehensive programme of approximation of Ukraine's legislation to EU norms, around which all partners of Ukraine can align themselves and focus their assistance. EU assistance to Ukraine is linked with the reform agenda as it emerges from the Agreement. The Comprehensive Institutional Building Programme is particularly important in this regard.

On 30 March 2012, the chief negotiators of the European Union and Ukraine initialled the text of the Association Agreement. The trade negotiators from both sides initialled the DCFTA part of the Agreement on 19 July 2012.

Measures are provided as regards the provisional application of the Agreement in view of keeping mutual economic interests and shared values in equilibrium, and the common will of the EU and Ukraine to start implementing and enforcing various parts of the Agreement in order to advance an early reform impact on sector specific issues before the conclusion of the Agreement.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

LEGAL BASIS: Article(s) 217, in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) and the second subparagraph of Article 218(8) thereof, as well as Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

CONTENT: with this draft Decision, the Commission proposes to conclude, on behalf of the European Union, an Agreement between the Union and its Member States of the one part and Ukraine of the other part, together with the Annexes and Protocols attached thereto.

Objectives: this Agreement constitutes a new stage in the development of EU-Ukraine contractual relations, aiming at political association and economic integration and leaving open the way for further progressive developments.

The overall aims of the association focus on:

  • promoting a gradual rapprochement between the parties on the basis of common values,
  • providing enhanced political dialogue,
  • promoting, preserving and strengthening peace and stability in both the regional and international dimensions,
  • establishing conditions for enhanced economic and trade relations leading towards Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market;
  • enhancing Justice, Freedom and Security (JFS) cooperation with the aim of reinforcing the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,
  • establishing conditions for increasingly close co-operation in other areas of mutual interest.

General Principles: these include a specific set of "essential elements", the violation of which by one of the Parties could give rise to specific measures under the Agreement, including the suspension of rights and obligations.

These elements are respect for:

  • democratic principles,
  • human rights and fundamental freedoms as defined in relevant international instruments,
  • respect for the rule of law,
  • promotion of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, inviolability and independence,
  • countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, related materials and means of delivery.

Other General Principles of the Agreement relate to the principles of a free market economy, good governance, the fight against corruption, the fight against trans-national organised crime and terrorism, the promotion of sustainable development and effective multilateralism.

Political dialogue: the Agreement sets out the aims of an enhanced and strengthened political dialogue promoting gradual convergence on foreign and security matters with the aim of Ukraine's ever deeper involvement in the European security area. It establishes a number of fora for the conduct of political dialogue, and provides for dialogue and co-operation on domestic reform based on the common principles set out by the Parties. There are also provisions for intensified dialogue on foreign and security policy, including CSDP, for the promotion of peace and international justice by ratifying and implementing the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and for joint efforts on regional stability, conflict prevention, crisis management, military/technological co-operation, anti-terrorism, antiproliferation and disarmament and arms control.

Free-trade: closer economic integration through the DCFTA will be a powerful stimulant to the country's economic growth. Approximation of Ukraine to EU legislation, norms and standards, will be the method. As a core element of the Association Agreement, the DCFTA will create business opportunities in both the EU and Ukraine and will promote real economic modernisation and integration with the EU. Higher standards of products, better services to citizens, and above all Ukraine's readiness to compete effectively in international markets should be the result of this process.

Justice/Foreign affairs: in the field of Justice Freedom and Security, the Agreement pays particular attention to the rule of law and to the reinforcement of judicial institutions and practices.

It sets out the framework for co-operation on:

  • migration,
  • asylum and border management,
  • personal data protection,
  • money laundering and terrorism financing,
  • anti-drugs policy.

This Title contains provisions on movement of persons, including on readmission, on visa facilitation and on the gradual steps towards a visa-free regime in due course (provided that relevant conditions for well-managed and secure mobility are in place).

Treatment and mobility of workers are also covered, as is a commitment to further development of judicial co-operation in civil and criminal matters - making full use of relevant international and bilateral instruments.

Sector cooperation: the Association Agreement foresees a wide range of sector cooperation, focusing on support to core reforms, economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation in more than 30 areas, such as:

  • energy,
  • transport,
  • environment protection,
  • industrial and small and medium enterprise cooperation,
  • social development and protection,
  • equal rights,
  • consumer protection,
  • education,
  • training and youth,
  • cultural cooperation.

In all of these areas, enhanced co-operation starts from the basis of current frameworks, both bilateral and multilateral, with the aim of more systematic dialogue and exchange of information and good practice. Key to the sectoral co-operation chapters is a comprehensive menu of regulatory approximation set out in annexes to the Agreement. Specific schedules for transposition and implementation by Ukraine of selected parts of the EU acquis will provide a focus for ongoing co-operation, and will form the core of Ukraine's domestic reform and modernization agenda.

Institutional framework: the Agreement includes an updated institutional framework encompassing co-operation and dialogue fora from the Summit level down the level of technical subcommittees. Specific decision-making roles are foreseen for an Association Council, and by delegation for an Association Committee, which may also meet in a specific configuration to address trade issues.

Forafor civil society, notably the representative organisations for social partners, trade-unions and employers, and parliamentary co-operation are also foreseen. It also includes provisions on monitoring, fulfilment of obligations and dispute settlement (including separate provisions for trade-related issues).

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the Union budget.

New

PURPOSE: to conclude an Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: relations between the EU and Ukraine are currently based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which entered into force in 1998. At the 13th EU-Ukraine Summit in Paris in 2008, the leaders of the EU and Ukraine agreed that the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement should be succeeded by an Association Agreement.

The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement is the first of a new generation of Association Agreements with Eastern Partnership countries. Negotiations of this comprehensive and ambitious Agreement between the EU and Ukraine were launched in March 2007.

The Association Agreement aims to accelerate the deepening of political and economic relations between Ukraine and the EU, as well as Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market including by setting up a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). It is a concrete way to exploit the dynamics in EU-Ukraine relations, focusing on support to core reforms, on economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation.

The Agreement also constitutes a reform agenda for Ukraine, based on a comprehensive programme of approximation of Ukraine's legislation to EU norms, around which all partners of Ukraine can align themselves and focus their assistance. EU assistance to Ukraine is linked with the reform agenda as it emerges from the Agreement. The Comprehensive Institutional Building Programme is particularly important in this regard.

On 30 March 2012, the chief negotiators of the European Union and Ukraine initialled the text of the Association Agreement. The trade negotiators from both sides initialled the DCFTA part of the Agreement on 19 July 2012.

Measures are provided as regards the provisional application of the Agreement in view of keeping mutual economic interests and shared values in equilibrium, and the common will of the EU and Ukraine to start implementing and enforcing various parts of the Agreement in order to advance an early reform impact on sector specific issues before the conclusion of the Agreement.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

LEGAL BASIS: Article(s) 217, in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) and the second subparagraph of Article 218(8) thereof, as well as Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

CONTENT: with this draft Decision, the Commission proposes to conclude, on behalf of the European Union, an Agreement between the Union and its Member States of the one part and Ukraine of the other part, together with the Annexes and Protocols attached thereto.

Objectives: this Agreement constitutes a new stage in the development of EU-Ukraine contractual relations, aiming at political association and economic integration and leaving open the way for further progressive developments.

The overall aims of the association focus on:

  • promoting a gradual rapprochement between the parties on the basis of common values,
  • providing enhanced political dialogue,
  • promoting, preserving and strengthening peace and stability in both the regional and international dimensions,
  • establishing conditions for enhanced economic and trade relations leading towards Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market;
  • enhancing Justice, Freedom and Security (JFS) cooperation with the aim of reinforcing the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,
  • establishing conditions for increasingly close co-operation in other areas of mutual interest.

General Principles: these include a specific set of "essential elements", the violation of which by one of the Parties could give rise to specific measures under the Agreement, including the suspension of rights and obligations.

These elements are respect for:

  • democratic principles,
  • human rights and fundamental freedoms as defined in relevant international instruments,
  • respect for the rule of law,
  • promotion of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, inviolability and independence,
  • countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, related materials and means of delivery.

Other General Principles of the Agreement relate to the principles of a free market economy, good governance, the fight against corruption, the fight against trans-national organised crime and terrorism, the promotion of sustainable development and effective multilateralism.

Political dialogue: the Agreement sets out the aims of an enhanced and strengthened political dialogue promoting gradual convergence on foreign and security matters with the aim of Ukraine's ever deeper involvement in the European security area. It establishes a number of fora for the conduct of political dialogue, and provides for dialogue and co-operation on domestic reform based on the common principles set out by the Parties. There are also provisions for intensified dialogue on foreign and security policy, including CSDP, for the promotion of peace and international justice by ratifying and implementing the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and for joint efforts on regional stability, conflict prevention, crisis management, military/technological co-operation, anti-terrorism, antiproliferation and disarmament and arms control.

Free-trade: closer economic integration through the DCFTA will be a powerful stimulant to the country's economic growth. Approximation of Ukraine to EU legislation, norms and standards, will be the method. As a core element of the Association Agreement, the DCFTA will create business opportunities in both the EU and Ukraine and will promote real economic modernisation and integration with the EU. Higher standards of products, better services to citizens, and above all Ukraine's readiness to compete effectively in international markets should be the result of this process.

Justice/Foreign affairs: in the field of Justice Freedom and Security, the Agreement pays particular attention to the rule of law and to the reinforcement of judicial institutions and practices.

It sets out the framework for co-operation on:

  • migration,
  • asylum and border management,
  • personal data protection,
  • money laundering and terrorism financing,
  • anti-drugs policy.

This Title contains provisions on movement of persons, including on readmission, on visa facilitation and on the gradual steps towards a visa-free regime in due course (provided that relevant conditions for well-managed and secure mobility are in place).

Treatment and mobility of workers are also covered, as is a commitment to further development of judicial co-operation in civil and criminal matters - making full use of relevant international and bilateral instruments.

Sector cooperation: the Association Agreement foresees a wide range of sector cooperation, focusing on support to core reforms, economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation in more than 30 areas, such as:

  • energy,
  • transport,
  • environment protection,
  • industrial and small and medium enterprise cooperation,
  • social development and protection,
  • equal rights,
  • consumer protection,
  • education,
  • training and youth,
  • cultural cooperation.

In all of these areas, enhanced co-operation starts from the basis of current frameworks, both bilateral and multilateral, with the aim of more systematic dialogue and exchange of information and good practice. Key to the sectoral co-operation chapters is a comprehensive menu of regulatory approximation set out in annexes to the Agreement. Specific schedules for transposition and implementation by Ukraine of selected parts of the EU acquis will provide a focus for ongoing co-operation, and will form the core of Ukraine's domestic reform and modernization agenda.

Institutional framework: the Agreement includes an updated institutional framework encompassing co-operation and dialogue fora from the Summit level down the level of technical subcommittees. Specific decision-making roles are foreseen for an Association Council, and by delegation for an Association Committee, which may also meet in a specific configuration to address trade issues.

Forafor civil society, notably the representative organisations for social partners, trade-unions and employers, and parliamentary co-operation are also foreseen. It also includes provisions on monitoring, fulfilment of obligations and dispute settlement (including separate provisions for trade-related issues).

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the Union budget.

activities/4/docs/0
url
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=24712&l=en
type
Results of vote in Parliament
title
Results of vote in Parliament
activities/4/type
Old
Debate in Parliament
New
Results of vote in Parliament
procedure/subject/0
Old
6.40.02 Relations with central and eastern Europe CCEEs
New
6.40.15 European neighbourhood policy
procedure/instrument
Decision
activities/3/docs/0/text
  • The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs adopted the report by Claude MORAES (S&D, UK) on the draft Council decision 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, as regards provisions relating to the treatment of third-country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party.

    Members recommended that the European Parliament should give its consent to the conclusion of the Agreement given the close historical relationship and the progressively closer links between the European Union and Ukraine and the current political situation within the European neighbourhood.

activities/4/docs/1/text
  • The European Parliament adopted by 539 votes to 123, with 33 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision 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, as regards provisions relating to the treatment of third-country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party.

    Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the Agreement.

activities/4/docs/0
url
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20140916&type=CRE
type
Debate in Parliament
title
Debate in Parliament
activities/4/docs
  • url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2014-0015 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading title: T8-0015/2014
activities/4/type
Old
Debate in plenary scheduled
New
Debate in Parliament
procedure/stage_reached
Old
Awaiting Parliament 1st reading / single reading / budget 1st stage
New
Awaiting final decision
activities/3
date
2014-09-15T00:00:00
body
EP
type
Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
committees
docs
url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A8-2014-0009&language=EN type: Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading title: A8-0009/2014
procedure/stage_reached
Old
Awaiting committee decision
New
Awaiting Parliament 1st reading / single reading / budget 1st stage
activities/0/docs/0/text/0
Old

PURPOSE: to conclude an Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: relations between the EU and Ukraine are currently based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which entered into force in 1998. At the 13th EU-Ukraine Summit in Paris in 2008, the leaders of the EU and Ukraine agreed that the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement should be succeeded by an Association Agreement.

The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement is the first of a new generation of Association Agreements with Eastern Partnership countries. Negotiations of this comprehensive and ambitious Agreement between the EU and Ukraine were launched in March 2007.

The Association Agreement aims to accelerate the deepening of political and economic relations between Ukraine and the EU, as well as Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market including by setting up a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). It is a concrete way to exploit the dynamics in EU-Ukraine relations, focusing on support to core reforms, on economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation.

The Agreement also constitutes a reform agenda for Ukraine, based on a comprehensive programme of approximation of Ukraine's legislation to EU norms, around which all partners of Ukraine can align themselves and focus their assistance. EU assistance to Ukraine is linked with the reform agenda as it emerges from the Agreement. The Comprehensive Institutional Building Programme is particularly important in this regard.

On 30 March 2012, the chief negotiators of the European Union and Ukraine initialled the text of the Association Agreement. The trade negotiators from both sides initialled the DCFTA part of the Agreement on 19 July 2012.

Measures are provided as regards the provisional application of the Agreement in view of keeping mutual economic interests and shared values in equilibrium, and the common will of the EU and Ukraine to start implementing and enforcing various parts of the Agreement in order to advance an early reform impact on sector specific issues before the conclusion of the Agreement.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

LEGAL BASIS: Article(s) 217, in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) and the second subparagraph of Article 218(8) thereof, as well as Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

CONTENT: with this draft Decision, the Commission proposes to conclude, on behalf of the European Union, an Agreement between the Union and its Member States of the one part and Ukraine of the other part, together with the Annexes and Protocols attached thereto.

Objectives: this Agreement constitutes a new stage in the development of EU-Ukraine contractual relations, aiming at political association and economic integration and leaving open the way for further progressive developments.

The overall aims of the association focus on:

  • promoting a gradual rapprochement between the parties on the basis of common values,
  • providing enhanced political dialogue,
  • promoting, preserving and strengthening peace and stability in both the regional and international dimensions,
  • establishing conditions for enhanced economic and trade relations leading towards Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market;
  • enhancing Justice, Freedom and Security (JFS) cooperation with the aim of reinforcing the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,
  • establishing conditions for increasingly close co-operation in other areas of mutual interest.

General Principles: these include a specific set of "essential elements", the violation of which by one of the Parties could give rise to specific measures under the Agreement, including the suspension of rights and obligations.

These elements are respect for:

  • democratic principles,
  • human rights and fundamental freedoms as defined in relevant international instruments,
  • respect for the rule of law,
  • promotion of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, inviolability and independence,
  • countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, related materials and means of delivery.

Other General Principles of the Agreement relate to the principles of a free market economy, good governance, the fight against corruption, the fight against trans-national organised crime and terrorism, the promotion of sustainable development and effective multilateralism.

Political dialogue: the Agreement sets out the aims of an enhanced and strengthened political dialogue promoting gradual convergence on foreign and security matters with the aim of Ukraine's ever deeper involvement in the European security area. It establishes a number of fora for the conduct of political dialogue, and provides for dialogue and co-operation on domestic reform based on the common principles set out by the Parties. There are also provisions for intensified dialogue on foreign and security policy, including CSDP, for the promotion of peace and international justice by ratifying and implementing the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and for joint efforts on regional stability, conflict prevention, crisis management, military/technological co-operation, anti-terrorism, antiproliferation and disarmament and arms control.

Free-trade: closer economic integration through the DCFTA will be a powerful stimulant to the country's economic growth. Approximation of Ukraine to EU legislation, norms and standards, will be the method. As a core element of the Association Agreement, the DCFTA will create business opportunities in both the EU and Ukraine and will promote real economic modernisation and integration with the EU. Higher standards of products, better services to citizens, and above all Ukraine's readiness to compete effectively in international markets should be the result of this process.

Justice/Foreign affairs: in the field of Justice Freedom and Security, the Agreement pays particular attention to the rule of law and to the reinforcement of judicial institutions and practices.

It sets out the framework for co-operation on:

  • migration,
  • asylum and border management,
  • personal data protection,
  • money laundering and terrorism financing,
  • anti-drugs policy.

This Title contains provisions on movement of persons, including on readmission, on visa facilitation and on the gradual steps towards a visa-free regime in due course (provided that relevant conditions for well-managed and secure mobility are in place).

Treatment and mobility of workers are also covered, as is a commitment to further development of judicial co-operation in civil and criminal matters - making full use of relevant international and bilateral instruments.

Sector cooperation: the Association Agreement foresees a wide range of sector cooperation, focusing on support to core reforms, economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation in more than 30 areas, such as:

  • energy,
  • transport,
  • environment protection,
  • industrial and small and medium enterprise cooperation,
  • social development and protection,
  • equal rights,
  • consumer protection,
  • education,
  • training and youth,
  • cultural cooperation.

In all of these areas, enhanced co-operation starts from the basis of current frameworks, both bilateral and multilateral, with the aim of more systematic dialogue and exchange of information and good practice. Key to the sectoral co-operation chapters is a comprehensive menu of regulatory approximation set out in annexes to the Agreement. Specific schedules for transposition and implementation by Ukraine of selected parts of the EU acquis will provide a focus for ongoing co-operation, and will form the core of Ukraine's domestic reform and modernization agenda.

Institutional framework: the Agreement includes an updated institutional framework encompassing co-operation and dialogue fora from the Summit level down the level of technical subcommittees. Specific decision-making roles are foreseen for an Association Council, and by delegation for an Association Committee, which may also meet in a specific configuration to address trade issues.

Forafor civil society, notably the representative organisations for social partners, trade-unions and employers, and parliamentary co-operation are also foreseen. It also includes provisions on monitoring, fulfilment of obligations and dispute settlement (including separate provisions for trade-related issues).

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the Union budget.

New

PURPOSE: to conclude an Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: relations between the EU and Ukraine are currently based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which entered into force in 1998. At the 13th EU-Ukraine Summit in Paris in 2008, the leaders of the EU and Ukraine agreed that the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement should be succeeded by an Association Agreement.

The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement is the first of a new generation of Association Agreements with Eastern Partnership countries. Negotiations of this comprehensive and ambitious Agreement between the EU and Ukraine were launched in March 2007.

The Association Agreement aims to accelerate the deepening of political and economic relations between Ukraine and the EU, as well as Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market including by setting up a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). It is a concrete way to exploit the dynamics in EU-Ukraine relations, focusing on support to core reforms, on economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation.

The Agreement also constitutes a reform agenda for Ukraine, based on a comprehensive programme of approximation of Ukraine's legislation to EU norms, around which all partners of Ukraine can align themselves and focus their assistance. EU assistance to Ukraine is linked with the reform agenda as it emerges from the Agreement. The Comprehensive Institutional Building Programme is particularly important in this regard.

On 30 March 2012, the chief negotiators of the European Union and Ukraine initialled the text of the Association Agreement. The trade negotiators from both sides initialled the DCFTA part of the Agreement on 19 July 2012.

Measures are provided as regards the provisional application of the Agreement in view of keeping mutual economic interests and shared values in equilibrium, and the common will of the EU and Ukraine to start implementing and enforcing various parts of the Agreement in order to advance an early reform impact on sector specific issues before the conclusion of the Agreement.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

LEGAL BASIS: Article(s) 217, in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) and the second subparagraph of Article 218(8) thereof, as well as Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

CONTENT: with this draft Decision, the Commission proposes to conclude, on behalf of the European Union, an Agreement between the Union and its Member States of the one part and Ukraine of the other part, together with the Annexes and Protocols attached thereto.

Objectives: this Agreement constitutes a new stage in the development of EU-Ukraine contractual relations, aiming at political association and economic integration and leaving open the way for further progressive developments.

The overall aims of the association focus on:

  • promoting a gradual rapprochement between the parties on the basis of common values,
  • providing enhanced political dialogue,
  • promoting, preserving and strengthening peace and stability in both the regional and international dimensions,
  • establishing conditions for enhanced economic and trade relations leading towards Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market;
  • enhancing Justice, Freedom and Security (JFS) cooperation with the aim of reinforcing the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,
  • establishing conditions for increasingly close co-operation in other areas of mutual interest.

General Principles: these include a specific set of "essential elements", the violation of which by one of the Parties could give rise to specific measures under the Agreement, including the suspension of rights and obligations.

These elements are respect for:

  • democratic principles,
  • human rights and fundamental freedoms as defined in relevant international instruments,
  • respect for the rule of law,
  • promotion of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, inviolability and independence,
  • countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, related materials and means of delivery.

Other General Principles of the Agreement relate to the principles of a free market economy, good governance, the fight against corruption, the fight against trans-national organised crime and terrorism, the promotion of sustainable development and effective multilateralism.

Political dialogue: the Agreement sets out the aims of an enhanced and strengthened political dialogue promoting gradual convergence on foreign and security matters with the aim of Ukraine's ever deeper involvement in the European security area. It establishes a number of fora for the conduct of political dialogue, and provides for dialogue and co-operation on domestic reform based on the common principles set out by the Parties. There are also provisions for intensified dialogue on foreign and security policy, including CSDP, for the promotion of peace and international justice by ratifying and implementing the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and for joint efforts on regional stability, conflict prevention, crisis management, military/technological co-operation, anti-terrorism, antiproliferation and disarmament and arms control.

Free-trade: closer economic integration through the DCFTA will be a powerful stimulant to the country's economic growth. Approximation of Ukraine to EU legislation, norms and standards, will be the method. As a core element of the Association Agreement, the DCFTA will create business opportunities in both the EU and Ukraine and will promote real economic modernisation and integration with the EU. Higher standards of products, better services to citizens, and above all Ukraine's readiness to compete effectively in international markets should be the result of this process.

Justice/Foreign affairs: in the field of Justice Freedom and Security, the Agreement pays particular attention to the rule of law and to the reinforcement of judicial institutions and practices.

It sets out the framework for co-operation on:

  • migration,
  • asylum and border management,
  • personal data protection,
  • money laundering and terrorism financing,
  • anti-drugs policy.

This Title contains provisions on movement of persons, including on readmission, on visa facilitation and on the gradual steps towards a visa-free regime in due course (provided that relevant conditions for well-managed and secure mobility are in place).

Treatment and mobility of workers are also covered, as is a commitment to further development of judicial co-operation in civil and criminal matters - making full use of relevant international and bilateral instruments.

Sector cooperation: the Association Agreement foresees a wide range of sector cooperation, focusing on support to core reforms, economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation in more than 30 areas, such as:

  • energy,
  • transport,
  • environment protection,
  • industrial and small and medium enterprise cooperation,
  • social development and protection,
  • equal rights,
  • consumer protection,
  • education,
  • training and youth,
  • cultural cooperation.

In all of these areas, enhanced co-operation starts from the basis of current frameworks, both bilateral and multilateral, with the aim of more systematic dialogue and exchange of information and good practice. Key to the sectoral co-operation chapters is a comprehensive menu of regulatory approximation set out in annexes to the Agreement. Specific schedules for transposition and implementation by Ukraine of selected parts of the EU acquis will provide a focus for ongoing co-operation, and will form the core of Ukraine's domestic reform and modernization agenda.

Institutional framework: the Agreement includes an updated institutional framework encompassing co-operation and dialogue fora from the Summit level down the level of technical subcommittees. Specific decision-making roles are foreseen for an Association Council, and by delegation for an Association Committee, which may also meet in a specific configuration to address trade issues.

Forafor civil society, notably the representative organisations for social partners, trade-unions and employers, and parliamentary co-operation are also foreseen. It also includes provisions on monitoring, fulfilment of obligations and dispute settlement (including separate provisions for trade-related issues).

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the Union budget.

activities/3/type
Old
Indicative plenary sitting date, 1st reading/single reading
New
Debate in plenary scheduled
procedure/title
Old
EU/Euratom/Ukraine Association Agreement: provisions relating to the treatment of third country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party
New
EU/Euratom/Ukraine Association Agreement: treatment of third country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party
activities/0/docs/0/text/0
Old

PURPOSE: to conclude an Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: relations between the EU and Ukraine are currently based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which entered into force in 1998. At the 13th EU-Ukraine Summit in Paris in 2008, the leaders of the EU and Ukraine agreed that the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement should be succeeded by an Association Agreement.

The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement is the first of a new generation of Association Agreements with Eastern Partnership countries. Negotiations of this comprehensive and ambitious Agreement between the EU and Ukraine were launched in March 2007.

The Association Agreement aims to accelerate the deepening of political and economic relations between Ukraine and the EU, as well as Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market including by setting up a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). It is a concrete way to exploit the dynamics in EU-Ukraine relations, focusing on support to core reforms, on economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation.

The Agreement also constitutes a reform agenda for Ukraine, based on a comprehensive programme of approximation of Ukraine's legislation to EU norms, around which all partners of Ukraine can align themselves and focus their assistance. EU assistance to Ukraine is linked with the reform agenda as it emerges from the Agreement. The Comprehensive Institutional Building Programme is particularly important in this regard.

On 30 March 2012, the chief negotiators of the European Union and Ukraine initialled the text of the Association Agreement. The trade negotiators from both sides initialled the DCFTA part of the Agreement on 19 July 2012.

Measures are provided as regards the provisional application of the Agreement in view of keeping mutual economic interests and shared values in equilibrium, and the common will of the EU and Ukraine to start implementing and enforcing various parts of the Agreement in order to advance an early reform impact on sector specific issues before the conclusion of the Agreement.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

LEGAL BASIS: Article(s) 217, in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) and the second subparagraph of Article 218(8) thereof, as well as Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

CONTENT: with this draft Decision, the Commission proposes to conclude, on behalf of the European Union, an Agreement between the Union and its Member States of the one part and Ukraine of the other part, together with the Annexes and Protocols attached thereto.

Objectives: this Agreement constitutes a new stage in the development of EU-Ukraine contractual relations, aiming at political association and economic integration and leaving open the way for further progressive developments.

The overall aims of the association focus on:

  • promoting a gradual rapprochement between the parties on the basis of common values,
  • providing enhanced political dialogue,
  • promoting, preserving and strengthening peace and stability in both the regional and international dimensions,
  • establishing conditions for enhanced economic and trade relations leading towards Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market;
  • enhancing Justice, Freedom and Security (JFS) cooperation with the aim of reinforcing the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,
  • establishing conditions for increasingly close co-operation in other areas of mutual interest.

General Principles: these include a specific set of "essential elements", the violation of which by one of the Parties could give rise to specific measures under the Agreement, including the suspension of rights and obligations.

These elements are respect for:

  • democratic principles,
  • human rights and fundamental freedoms as defined in relevant international instruments,
  • respect for the rule of law,
  • promotion of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, inviolability and independence,
  • countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, related materials and means of delivery.

Other General Principles of the Agreement relate to the principles of a free market economy, good governance, the fight against corruption, the fight against trans-national organised crime and terrorism, the promotion of sustainable development and effective multilateralism.

Political dialogue: the Agreement sets out the aims of an enhanced and strengthened political dialogue promoting gradual convergence on foreign and security matters with the aim of Ukraine's ever deeper involvement in the European security area. It establishes a number of fora for the conduct of political dialogue, and provides for dialogue and co-operation on domestic reform based on the common principles set out by the Parties. There are also provisions for intensified dialogue on foreign and security policy, including CSDP, for the promotion of peace and international justice by ratifying and implementing the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and for joint efforts on regional stability, conflict prevention, crisis management, military/technological co-operation, anti-terrorism, antiproliferation and disarmament and arms control.

Free-trade: closer economic integration through the DCFTA will be a powerful stimulant to the country's economic growth. Approximation of Ukraine to EU legislation, norms and standards, will be the method. As a core element of the Association Agreement, the DCFTA will create business opportunities in both the EU and Ukraine and will promote real economic modernisation and integration with the EU. Higher standards of products, better services to citizens, and above all Ukraine's readiness to compete effectively in international markets should be the result of this process.

Justice/Foreign affairs: in the field of Justice Freedom and Security, the Agreement pays particular attention to the rule of law and to the reinforcement of judicial institutions and practices.

It sets out the framework for co-operation on:

  • migration,
  • asylum and border management,
  • personal data protection,
  • money laundering and terrorism financing,
  • anti-drugs policy.

This Title contains provisions on movement of persons, including on readmission, on visa facilitation and on the gradual steps towards a visa-free regime in due course (provided that relevant conditions for well-managed and secure mobility are in place).

Treatment and mobility of workers are also covered, as is a commitment to further development of judicial co-operation in civil and criminal matters - making full use of relevant international and bilateral instruments.

Sector cooperation: the Association Agreement foresees a wide range of sector cooperation, focusing on support to core reforms, economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation in more than 30 areas, such as:

  • energy,
  • transport,
  • environment protection,
  • industrial and small and medium enterprise cooperation,
  • social development and protection,
  • equal rights,
  • consumer protection,
  • education,
  • training and youth,
  • cultural cooperation.

In all of these areas, enhanced co-operation starts from the basis of current frameworks, both bilateral and multilateral, with the aim of more systematic dialogue and exchange of information and good practice. Key to the sectoral co-operation chapters is a comprehensive menu of regulatory approximation set out in annexes to the Agreement. Specific schedules for transposition and implementation by Ukraine of selected parts of the EU acquis will provide a focus for ongoing co-operation, and will form the core of Ukraine's domestic reform and modernization agenda.

Institutional framework: the Agreement includes an updated institutional framework encompassing co-operation and dialogue fora from the Summit level down the level of technical subcommittees. Specific decision-making roles are foreseen for an Association Council, and by delegation for an Association Committee, which may also meet in a specific configuration to address trade issues.

Forafor civil society, notably the representative organisations for social partners, trade-unions and employers, and parliamentary co-operation are also foreseen. It also includes provisions on monitoring, fulfilment of obligations and dispute settlement (including separate provisions for trade-related issues).

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the Union budget.

New

PURPOSE: to conclude an Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: relations between the EU and Ukraine are currently based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which entered into force in 1998. At the 13th EU-Ukraine Summit in Paris in 2008, the leaders of the EU and Ukraine agreed that the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement should be succeeded by an Association Agreement.

The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement is the first of a new generation of Association Agreements with Eastern Partnership countries. Negotiations of this comprehensive and ambitious Agreement between the EU and Ukraine were launched in March 2007.

The Association Agreement aims to accelerate the deepening of political and economic relations between Ukraine and the EU, as well as Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market including by setting up a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). It is a concrete way to exploit the dynamics in EU-Ukraine relations, focusing on support to core reforms, on economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation.

The Agreement also constitutes a reform agenda for Ukraine, based on a comprehensive programme of approximation of Ukraine's legislation to EU norms, around which all partners of Ukraine can align themselves and focus their assistance. EU assistance to Ukraine is linked with the reform agenda as it emerges from the Agreement. The Comprehensive Institutional Building Programme is particularly important in this regard.

On 30 March 2012, the chief negotiators of the European Union and Ukraine initialled the text of the Association Agreement. The trade negotiators from both sides initialled the DCFTA part of the Agreement on 19 July 2012.

Measures are provided as regards the provisional application of the Agreement in view of keeping mutual economic interests and shared values in equilibrium, and the common will of the EU and Ukraine to start implementing and enforcing various parts of the Agreement in order to advance an early reform impact on sector specific issues before the conclusion of the Agreement.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

LEGAL BASIS: Article(s) 217, in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) and the second subparagraph of Article 218(8) thereof, as well as Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

CONTENT: with this draft Decision, the Commission proposes to conclude, on behalf of the European Union, an Agreement between the Union and its Member States of the one part and Ukraine of the other part, together with the Annexes and Protocols attached thereto.

Objectives: this Agreement constitutes a new stage in the development of EU-Ukraine contractual relations, aiming at political association and economic integration and leaving open the way for further progressive developments.

The overall aims of the association focus on:

  • promoting a gradual rapprochement between the parties on the basis of common values,
  • providing enhanced political dialogue,
  • promoting, preserving and strengthening peace and stability in both the regional and international dimensions,
  • establishing conditions for enhanced economic and trade relations leading towards Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market;
  • enhancing Justice, Freedom and Security (JFS) cooperation with the aim of reinforcing the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,
  • establishing conditions for increasingly close co-operation in other areas of mutual interest.

General Principles: these include a specific set of "essential elements", the violation of which by one of the Parties could give rise to specific measures under the Agreement, including the suspension of rights and obligations.

These elements are respect for:

  • democratic principles,
  • human rights and fundamental freedoms as defined in relevant international instruments,
  • respect for the rule of law,
  • promotion of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, inviolability and independence,
  • countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, related materials and means of delivery.

Other General Principles of the Agreement relate to the principles of a free market economy, good governance, the fight against corruption, the fight against trans-national organised crime and terrorism, the promotion of sustainable development and effective multilateralism.

Political dialogue: the Agreement sets out the aims of an enhanced and strengthened political dialogue promoting gradual convergence on foreign and security matters with the aim of Ukraine's ever deeper involvement in the European security area. It establishes a number of fora for the conduct of political dialogue, and provides for dialogue and co-operation on domestic reform based on the common principles set out by the Parties. There are also provisions for intensified dialogue on foreign and security policy, including CSDP, for the promotion of peace and international justice by ratifying and implementing the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and for joint efforts on regional stability, conflict prevention, crisis management, military/technological co-operation, anti-terrorism, antiproliferation and disarmament and arms control.

Free-trade: closer economic integration through the DCFTA will be a powerful stimulant to the country's economic growth. Approximation of Ukraine to EU legislation, norms and standards, will be the method. As a core element of the Association Agreement, the DCFTA will create business opportunities in both the EU and Ukraine and will promote real economic modernisation and integration with the EU. Higher standards of products, better services to citizens, and above all Ukraine's readiness to compete effectively in international markets should be the result of this process.

Justice/Foreign affairs: in the field of Justice Freedom and Security, the Agreement pays particular attention to the rule of law and to the reinforcement of judicial institutions and practices.

It sets out the framework for co-operation on:

  • migration,
  • asylum and border management,
  • personal data protection,
  • money laundering and terrorism financing,
  • anti-drugs policy.

This Title contains provisions on movement of persons, including on readmission, on visa facilitation and on the gradual steps towards a visa-free regime in due course (provided that relevant conditions for well-managed and secure mobility are in place).

Treatment and mobility of workers are also covered, as is a commitment to further development of judicial co-operation in civil and criminal matters - making full use of relevant international and bilateral instruments.

Sector cooperation: the Association Agreement foresees a wide range of sector cooperation, focusing on support to core reforms, economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation in more than 30 areas, such as:

  • energy,
  • transport,
  • environment protection,
  • industrial and small and medium enterprise cooperation,
  • social development and protection,
  • equal rights,
  • consumer protection,
  • education,
  • training and youth,
  • cultural cooperation.

In all of these areas, enhanced co-operation starts from the basis of current frameworks, both bilateral and multilateral, with the aim of more systematic dialogue and exchange of information and good practice. Key to the sectoral co-operation chapters is a comprehensive menu of regulatory approximation set out in annexes to the Agreement. Specific schedules for transposition and implementation by Ukraine of selected parts of the EU acquis will provide a focus for ongoing co-operation, and will form the core of Ukraine's domestic reform and modernization agenda.

Institutional framework: the Agreement includes an updated institutional framework encompassing co-operation and dialogue fora from the Summit level down the level of technical subcommittees. Specific decision-making roles are foreseen for an Association Council, and by delegation for an Association Committee, which may also meet in a specific configuration to address trade issues.

Forafor civil society, notably the representative organisations for social partners, trade-unions and employers, and parliamentary co-operation are also foreseen. It also includes provisions on monitoring, fulfilment of obligations and dispute settlement (including separate provisions for trade-related issues).

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the Union budget.

activities/1/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to conclude, 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, as regards provisions relating to the treatment of third-country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other part.

    PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

    ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. 

    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 (please refer to the summary of the initial legislative proposal of 15/05/2013.

    Those negotiations were successfully finalised and the Association Agreement between the European Union and EURATOM and their Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part was initialled in 2012, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

    This proposed Decision concerns only Article 17 of the Agreement, which contains specific obligations relating to the treatment of third country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party.

    It should now be approved on behalf of the Union.

    CONTENT: under this proposed Decision, the Council is called upon to approve, on behalf of the Union, the abovementioned Association Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine.

    Provisions are regards the treatment of legal migrants: this proposal concerns only Article 17 of the Agreement, which contains specific obligations relating to the treatment of third country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party and which falls within the scope of Title V of Part Three of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The aim and content of those provisions is distinct from and independent of the aim and content of the other provisions of the Agreement to establish an association between the parties. A separate decision relating to the other provisions of the Agreement will be adopted in parallel with this Decision.

    N.B.: the future Agreement should not be construed as conferring rights or imposing obligations which can be directly invoked before Union or Member State courts and tribunals.

activities/3
date
2014-09-16T00:00:00
body
EP
type
Indicative plenary sitting date, 1st reading/single reading
activities/2/committees/2/date
2014-09-15T00:00:00
activities/2/committees/2/rapporteur
  • group: S&D name: MORAES Claude
committees/2/date
2014-09-15T00:00:00
committees/2/rapporteur
  • group: S&D name: MORAES Claude
activities/0/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to conclude an Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part.

    PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

    ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

    BACKGROUND: relations between the EU and Ukraine are currently based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which entered into force in 1998. At the 13th EU-Ukraine Summit in Paris in 2008, the leaders of the EU and Ukraine agreed that the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement should be succeeded by an Association Agreement.

    The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement is the first of a new generation of Association Agreements with Eastern Partnership countries. Negotiations of this comprehensive and ambitious Agreement between the EU and Ukraine were launched in March 2007.

    The Association Agreement aims to accelerate the deepening of political and economic relations between Ukraine and the EU, as well as Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market including by setting up a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). It is a concrete way to exploit the dynamics in EU-Ukraine relations, focusing on support to core reforms, on economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation.

    The Agreement also constitutes a reform agenda for Ukraine, based on a comprehensive programme of approximation of Ukraine's legislation to EU norms, around which all partners of Ukraine can align themselves and focus their assistance. EU assistance to Ukraine is linked with the reform agenda as it emerges from the Agreement. The Comprehensive Institutional Building Programme is particularly important in this regard.

    On 30 March 2012, the chief negotiators of the European Union and Ukraine initialled the text of the Association Agreement. The trade negotiators from both sides initialled the DCFTA part of the Agreement on 19 July 2012.

    Measures are provided as regards the provisional application of the Agreement in view of keeping mutual economic interests and shared values in equilibrium, and the common will of the EU and Ukraine to start implementing and enforcing various parts of the Agreement in order to advance an early reform impact on sector specific issues before the conclusion of the Agreement.

    IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

    LEGAL BASIS: Article(s) 217, in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) and the second subparagraph of Article 218(8) thereof, as well as Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

    CONTENT: with this draft Decision, the Commission proposes to conclude, on behalf of the European Union, an Agreement between the Union and its Member States of the one part and Ukraine of the other part, together with the Annexes and Protocols attached thereto.

    Objectives: this Agreement constitutes a new stage in the development of EU-Ukraine contractual relations, aiming at political association and economic integration and leaving open the way for further progressive developments.

    The overall aims of the association focus on:

    • promoting a gradual rapprochement between the parties on the basis of common values,
    • providing enhanced political dialogue,
    • promoting, preserving and strengthening peace and stability in both the regional and international dimensions,
    • establishing conditions for enhanced economic and trade relations leading towards Ukraine's gradual access to parts of the EU Internal Market;
    • enhancing Justice, Freedom and Security (JFS) cooperation with the aim of reinforcing the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,
    • establishing conditions for increasingly close co-operation in other areas of mutual interest.

    General Principles: these include a specific set of "essential elements", the violation of which by one of the Parties could give rise to specific measures under the Agreement, including the suspension of rights and obligations.

    These elements are respect for:

    • democratic principles,
    • human rights and fundamental freedoms as defined in relevant international instruments,
    • respect for the rule of law,
    • promotion of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, inviolability and independence,
    • countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, related materials and means of delivery.

    Other General Principles of the Agreement relate to the principles of a free market economy, good governance, the fight against corruption, the fight against trans-national organised crime and terrorism, the promotion of sustainable development and effective multilateralism.

    Political dialogue: the Agreement sets out the aims of an enhanced and strengthened political dialogue promoting gradual convergence on foreign and security matters with the aim of Ukraine's ever deeper involvement in the European security area. It establishes a number of fora for the conduct of political dialogue, and provides for dialogue and co-operation on domestic reform based on the common principles set out by the Parties. There are also provisions for intensified dialogue on foreign and security policy, including CSDP, for the promotion of peace and international justice by ratifying and implementing the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and for joint efforts on regional stability, conflict prevention, crisis management, military/technological co-operation, anti-terrorism, antiproliferation and disarmament and arms control.

    Free-trade: closer economic integration through the DCFTA will be a powerful stimulant to the country's economic growth. Approximation of Ukraine to EU legislation, norms and standards, will be the method. As a core element of the Association Agreement, the DCFTA will create business opportunities in both the EU and Ukraine and will promote real economic modernisation and integration with the EU. Higher standards of products, better services to citizens, and above all Ukraine's readiness to compete effectively in international markets should be the result of this process.

    Justice/Foreign affairs: in the field of Justice Freedom and Security, the Agreement pays particular attention to the rule of law and to the reinforcement of judicial institutions and practices.

    It sets out the framework for co-operation on:

    • migration,
    • asylum and border management,
    • personal data protection,
    • money laundering and terrorism financing,
    • anti-drugs policy.

    This Title contains provisions on movement of persons, including on readmission, on visa facilitation and on the gradual steps towards a visa-free regime in due course (provided that relevant conditions for well-managed and secure mobility are in place).

    Treatment and mobility of workers are also covered, as is a commitment to further development of judicial co-operation in civil and criminal matters - making full use of relevant international and bilateral instruments.

    Sector cooperation: the Association Agreement foresees a wide range of sector cooperation, focusing on support to core reforms, economic recovery and growth, governance and sector co-operation in more than 30 areas, such as:

    • energy,
    • transport,
    • environment protection,
    • industrial and small and medium enterprise cooperation,
    • social development and protection,
    • equal rights,
    • consumer protection,
    • education,
    • training and youth,
    • cultural cooperation.

    In all of these areas, enhanced co-operation starts from the basis of current frameworks, both bilateral and multilateral, with the aim of more systematic dialogue and exchange of information and good practice. Key to the sectoral co-operation chapters is a comprehensive menu of regulatory approximation set out in annexes to the Agreement. Specific schedules for transposition and implementation by Ukraine of selected parts of the EU acquis will provide a focus for ongoing co-operation, and will form the core of Ukraine's domestic reform and modernization agenda.

    Institutional framework: the Agreement includes an updated institutional framework encompassing co-operation and dialogue fora from the Summit level down the level of technical subcommittees. Specific decision-making roles are foreseen for an Association Council, and by delegation for an Association Committee, which may also meet in a specific configuration to address trade issues.

    Forafor civil society, notably the representative organisations for social partners, trade-unions and employers, and parliamentary co-operation are also foreseen. It also includes provisions on monitoring, fulfilment of obligations and dispute settlement (including separate provisions for trade-related issues).

    BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the Union budget.

activities/0/commission/0
DG
activities/1/commission/0
DG
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body
EC
dg
procedure/title
Old
EU/Ukraine Association Agreement: provisions relating to the treatment of third country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party
New
EU/Euratom/Ukraine Association Agreement: provisions relating to the treatment of third country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party
activities
  • date: 2013-05-15T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2013/0290/COM_COM(2013)0290_EN.pdf title: COM(2013)0290 type: Initial legislative proposal published celexid: CELEX:52013PC0290:EN body: EC commission: type: Initial legislative proposal published
  • date: 2014-06-20T00:00:00 docs: url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=ADV&RESULTSET=1&DOC_ID=14011%2F13&DOC_LANCD=EN&ROWSPP=25&NRROWS=500&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC type: Legislative proposal published title: 14011/2013 body: EC commission: type: Legislative proposal published
  • date: 2014-07-17T00:00:00 body: EP type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Foreign Affairs committee: AFET body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Employment and Social Affairs committee: EMPL body: EP responsible: True committee_full: Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs committee: LIBE
committees
  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Foreign Affairs committee: AFET
  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Employment and Social Affairs committee: EMPL
  • body: EP responsible: True committee_full: Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs committee: LIBE
links
European Commission
other
    procedure
    dossier_of_the_committee
    LIBE/8/00829
    geographical_area
    Ukraine
    reference
    2013/0151B(NLE)
    title
    EU/Ukraine Association Agreement: provisions relating to the treatment of third country nationals legally employed as workers in the territory of the other party
    legal_basis
    stage_reached
    Awaiting committee decision
    subtype
    Consent by Parliament
    type
    NLE - Non-legislative enactments
    subject