Ukraine is working towards a new agreement with the European Union that will allow for “industrial visa-free” access. According to Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denis Shmygal, this agreement was discussed during a recent meeting on sectoral cooperation with the EU in 2025.
The prospect of a “promyshlennoe bezviz” or “industrial visa-free” agreement has been met with excitement and optimism by both Ukrainian and EU officials. This agreement would allow for easier movement of goods, services, and investment between Ukraine and the EU, boosting economic growth and strengthening ties between the two.
Currently, Ukrainian citizens can travel to the EU visa-free for short stays, but this does not apply to business and work-related travel. The new agreement would remove these restrictions and allow for more streamlined and efficient trade and cooperation between Ukraine and the EU.
This is a significant step for Ukraine, as it continues to work towards closer integration with the EU. In recent years, Ukraine has made significant progress in implementing reforms and aligning its standards and regulations with those of the EU. This has led to increased trade and investment between the two, and the new industrial visa-free agreement would further enhance this partnership.
The agreement is expected to cover a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, energy, transport, and digital technologies. This will open up new opportunities for Ukrainian businesses to expand into the EU market and attract foreign investment into Ukraine. In addition, it will also facilitate the transfer of knowledge and expertise between Ukraine and the EU, promoting innovation and growth in both regions.
The benefits of the industrial visa-free agreement are not limited to economic cooperation. It also has political and strategic implications for Ukraine’s relationship with the EU. By increasing trade and economic ties, Ukraine is further cementing its position as a key partner and ally of the EU. This is especially important in the context of ongoing tensions with Russia and the need for Ukraine to diversify its economic and political alliances.
The timing of this agreement is also significant, as it comes at a time when the world is facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The economic impact of the pandemic has been felt by all countries, and this agreement will provide a much-needed boost to the Ukrainian economy, which has been hit hard by the crisis. It will also help to mitigate the effects of the pandemic by promoting trade and investment, creating jobs, and boosting economic growth.
The negotiations for the industrial visa-free agreement are still ongoing, and both sides are committed to reaching a mutually beneficial and comprehensive agreement. The final agreement is expected to be signed in the near future, and it will come into effect after ratification by both parties.
In conclusion, the prospect of an industrial visa-free agreement between Ukraine and the EU is a positive development that has the potential to bring significant benefits to both sides. It will enhance economic cooperation, promote innovation and growth, and strengthen the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the EU. As negotiations continue, it is important for both sides to work towards a successful and comprehensive agreement that will benefit all parties involved.
