German experts involve the Ukrainian public in the implementation of the European Integration Agreement

On September 21, in Chernihiv, within the framework of the bilateral project “Public School of Effective Practices of the EU”, the Institute of European Policy Research Center (Berlin, Germany) and the Polissya Fund of International and Regional Studies, with the support of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, held an international conference on the Association.
Following the signing and ratification of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU in 2014, the European integration process in Ukraine has resumed, and cooperation with the European Union has become a priority strategic priority of Ukraine’s foreign policy and one of the main factors of its economic stability. The part of the agreement that defines the sphere of trade relations is an in -depth and comprehensive free trade area.
These key issues were given considerable attention in their speech by respectful participants of the meeting – a permanent deputy ambassador, the Advisor of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Ukraine Wolfgang Binzayl, Deputy Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine – Director of the Government Office of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. Dr. Matias Jopp and President of the Polissya Fund of International and Regional Studies Gennady Maxak.

In addition to representatives of local authorities, public organizations, as well as scientists, were presented by a wide audience of the event, because, according to European guests, civil society has a decisive role in taking steps in full membership.

Opening the conference, Director of the Institute of European Policy, Dr. Matias Jopp, emphasized the importance of carrying out a coordinated work on the distribution of knowledge in the field of European integration and awareness of the benefits for Ukraine.
Having stopped in detail on the structure and content of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, the German diplomat Mr Bindzayl noted that a constant dialogue with society is a key point in the agreement. And Ukraine’s investment potential is high enough – investors are just waiting for a good moment to reach the Ukrainian market, since trust is key here.
The Ukrainian Government Representative Ms. Gnidyuk called the Bible of Reform Association for Ukraine. She noted that the main issues that the government currently work is constructive changes that relate to sanitary and hygienic standards, technical rules and barriers, as well as public procurement. However, the primary task is to overcome corruption.
Gennady Maxak, President of the Polissya Fund of International and Regional Studies, focused on the crucial role of civil society and political will in the practical plane.
The participants of the assembly came to the conclusion that the process of European integration is a bilateral street – it all depends on both the EU institutions and the internal dynamics and reforms of the European direction in the country interested in the integration into the EU. How successful the country will be in this process depends on various factors, political consensus within the country and foreign policy.