Research Papers

This paper analyses the compatibility between the EU’s and Russia’s regional economic integration models in the post-Soviet space and examines its implications for Ukraine. First, it explores the legal framework of the EU-Ukraine trade relations and the envisaged establishment of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) in the context of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). Second, the various initiatives of regional trade integration with Russia and other post-Soviet republics are scrutinised in light of Ukraine’s legal commitments towards the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the EU. Particular attention will be devoted to the compatibility of Ukraine’s potential accession to the Russian-Kazakh-Belarusian Customs Union (R-K-B Customs Union) and the conclusion of the DCFTA with the EU. It is argued that the establishment of a DCFTA with the EU precludes Ukraine’s full participation to the R-K-B Customs Union. However, the conclusion of a FTA with both the EU and the R-K-B Customs Union would be possible legally. Finally, it will be explored how Russia’s impending WTO accession could facilitate the incompatibilities between the EU’s and Russia’s regional economic integration models in their shared neighbourhood.