FX.co ★ Ukraine stands for single EU-CU economic space

The authorities of Ukraine have called for creation of a free trade space uniting the EU and the Customs Union.
“We strongly support a common economic space between these two powerful economic associations,” Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Leonid Kozhara said at the “Ukraine-2013: Forecast” expert forum.
He suggested that the Customs Union and the European Union start talks on trade facilitation. “The question is why the EU and the Customs Union, which have a common border and trade of $446 billion, do not even start talking about facilitating trade, let alone a full free trade area? It's absurd. It turns out it is easier to sign a FTA deal with Japan or Vietnam than with one's neighbour?” he said.
“Ukraine could easily find a place in this space,” Mr Kozhara pointed out with certainty.
It should be mentioned that Ukraine has long been seeking to establish sound relationship with both Brussels and Moscow. Thus, Ukraine is currently holding negotiations with different agencies of the Customs Union to promote cooperation in the 3+1 format. Moreover, the Ukrainian authorities expressed a desire to sign a free trade agreement with the European Union. However, the EU policymakers do not think a free trade agreement and Ukraine’s closer cooperation with the Customs Union are compatible.