EU intends to sign free trade and association agreements with Ukraine at once

The European Union plans to sign free trade and association agreements with Ukraine together, not separate, contrary to rumors, Interfax reported yesterday, citing undisclosed EU sources. In separate news yesterday, the spokesperson for Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that conclusion of the agreements was its #1 task. Brad Wells: Ukraine is hoping to conclude the association agreement and free trade pact with the EU at the annual EU-Ukraine summit in Kyiv this December, particular since Ukraine’s biggest EU champion, Poland, is now holding the presidency of the council of the EU until January 1. We view conclusion of these agreements this winter as likely, but expect a lengthy-adoption scenario by EU members over concern for Ukraine’s recent democratic record – with true benefits of the agreements for Ukraine delayed for the mid-term (see more in our politics flash note from August 9).