Brussels, 18/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson and Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko opened negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) between the EU and Ukraine. Prior to the talks, Ukraine was given the go-ahead to join the WTO on 5 February. While Yushchenko hopes to conclude the agreement by the start of 2009, Mandelson expects “tough” negotiations.
“This is an important day for both Ukraine and the EU,” Mandelson said at the...