Ukraine, EU discuss creation of efficient deforestation and woodworking market

“The priority issue for our Government now is to create efficient markets with the uniform rules in spheres where there were no markets at all or where there were markets with different rules. The sphere of ​deforestation and woodworking is one of them. We are dealing with it. We and EU discuss how to move forward... The moratorium was introduced as a temporary measure until efficient policy in this area is developed,” Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Dmytro Kuleba said in an interview with the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

He stated that he personally opposed the moratorium on timber exports and any moratorium on export operations with the European Union on the whole.

“In general, any moratorium is a source of the shadow economy in our country. Therefore, the strategic goal is to lift the moratorium. But it will be possible to do this when the effective economic policy in this area is in place in Ukraine,” the Vice Prime Minister said.

According to Kuleba, the Government is currently trying to depoliticize this process and find effective economic solutions that will equally protect the interests of the European Union and the interests of Ukraine.

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