Trade relations:

The EU is one of Ukraine's biggest commercial partners and accounts for about one third of its external trade. The EU believes that closer economic integration (in the overall context of a political association) can be a key factor in economic growth for Ukraine.

The EU was a strong proponent for Ukrainian WTO membership, effective since 16 May 2008. Building on that membership the EU and Ukraine immediately launched negotiations for an agreement on a deep and comprehensive free trade area (DCFTA). As part of the future Association Agreement, the DCFTA is designed to deepen Ukraine's access to the European market and to encourage further European investment in Ukraine.