Ukraine resumed negotiations on joint control at checkpoints with the EU

Ukraine and the EU have moved the work on concluding agreements on joint control at checkpoints with the European Union. Deputy Minister of Economy – Trade Representative of Ukraine Taras Kachka reported about it according to the results of the 14th meeting of the Joint Coordination Platform on the Export and Transit of Ukrainian Agricultural Products in Brussels.

«The European Commission submitted its comments on the relevant agreement of the Polish government. Although this step is bureaucratic, it is an important sign that unlike previous attempts to conclude such an agreement, this time we see the determination of the EU and Poland to conclude it. The launch of the agreement between Romania and Moldova is also at the final stage. This means that in the near future relevant agreements will be concluded with all neighboring member states,» he noted.

In addition, at the meeting with the participation of representatives of Ukraine, the European Commission, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, the issue of security of Ukrainian seaports and sea routes was discussed.

«The ports of Great Odesa play a key role in the normalization of trade flows and the increase of Ukrainian exports. Their stable work directly depends on how reliably the ports will be protected from shelling by the aggressor state,» noted the Trade Representative of Ukraine.

The Deputy Minister of Economy noted that an important addition to seaports is export through the Danube. According to him, today this direction is extremely cost-effective.

«In addition, the increase in goods traffic through the Danube and the establishment of sea exports allowed more active use of land routes for the export of goods with a high added value,» said Taras Kachka.

During the meeting of the coordination platform, the issue of food security was also discussed.

«The work carried out by Ukraine and its partners creates opportunities for the settlement of residual problems in trade in the region and allows determining the parameters of trade for the period after June 2025,» Kachka summarized.

As GMK Center reported earlier, Ukraine according to the results of August 2024 increased exports goods by 6.4% compared to July, and by 17.5% compared to August 2023 – to more than $3.16 billion. The export of ore reached $201.4 million, steel semi-finished products – $99.9 million, flat rolled products – $82.4 million, steel pipes – $54.6 million.