Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 232: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the EU and the Ukraine have developed or propose to develop economic or other links; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4184/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The European Union's extensive relations with Ukraine are conducted within the framework of a number of agreements, the most significant of which are the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and the EU-Ukraine Action Plan.

The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement entered into force in 1998. It highlights respect for fundamental values as an essential element of the EU-Ukraine relationship, and provides a framework for cooperation across a wide range of areas including political dialogue, trade and investment, economic and legislative cooperation and cultural and scientific cooperation.

EU-Ukraine relations developed further with the adoption in 2005 of the EU-Ukraine Action Plan, within the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy. The on-going implementation of this Action Plan helps to fulfil the provisions of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

Sectoral agreements are also in force between the EU and Ukraine, including in the fields of trade in textile products, aviation, energy, trade in certain steel products and scientific and technical cooperation. An EU Border Assistance Mission ( EUBAM), launched in November 2005 at the joint request of the Presidents of Ukraine and Moldova, works with both countries to enhance the management of their shared border. The Mission has been a success and was recently extended until November 2009. Since April 2005, Ukraine has also been eligible to align itself with EU statements under the Common Foreign and Security Policy and has chosen to do so in the great majority of cases.

Negotiations are ongoing between the EU and Ukraine on a new Enhanced Agreement to replace the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. It is intended that the new Agreement will provide for strengthened political dialogue and cooperation in the fields of foreign and security policy, economic cooperation, energy, transport, and justice, freedom and security. Once Ukraine completes its accession to the World Trade Organisation, it is expected that negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement, which is intended to be a cornerstone of the new Enhanced Agreement, will get underway.