President von der Leyen announces Ukraine’s accession to several EU economic programs
"We involve Ukraine in a number of key EU programs. Ukraine is joining now or will join later this year the EU internal market, justice program, citizens program [Europe for Citizens program]. Very soon you will be able to apply for financing of various types of projects. This means more support for small businesses within the [EU] single market here in Ukraine. They will be able to join European business networks and gain access to new markets," von der Leyen said at a briefing following the meeting between the College of European Commissioners and the Government of Ukraine, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
The official also noted that the EU opens the Horizon Europe program office in Kyiv.
According to von der Leyen, a 15-point action plan for Ukraine's access to the European single market was agreed upon. In this context, the President of the European Commission announced that the parties will also move together in matters of conformity and industrial product assessment.
"Last year, we suspended all EU import duties on all Ukrainian exports. It was a huge success. This allowed us to keep our trade extremely stable. In fact, trade increased by 16%. Today I can announce that we have proposed to extend this suspension for another year so that Ukrainian goods have access to the domestic market also in 2023," von der Leyen noted.
In addition, the President said that operators signed an agreement on the extension of free roaming for another 6 months expressing hope that it will soon be possible to make it permanent.
As reported, a meeting of the members of the College of European Commissioners, headed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, with the Government of Ukraine took place in Kyiv today. The meeting participants discussed the support for Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression, the coordination of efforts to restore Ukraine, the continuation of key reforms and Ukraine's future EU membership.
On February 3, the 24th EU-Ukraine Summit will be held in Kyiv.
Photo: President’s Office
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