Ukraine is taking “active steps” to win the sympathy of Germany, the country most strongly opposed to the signature of a landmark association agreement with the EU in the absence of a solution to the imprisonment of former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, diplomats told EurActiv.
In Berlin, Vilkul, an influential member of the new Ukrainian government, emphasised that Germany had the largest trade turnover with Ukraine, reaching $9.4 billion (€7.3 billion) in 2012, and has a long history of political relations with Kyiv.
To facilitate trade contacts and investments, the two governments reportedly are working on setting up a Joint German-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce. Berlin is also advising Kyiv on the establishment of the state Agency tasked to support national producers on foreign markets.
“Germany is a key partner of Ukraine in the European Union and we count on its support,” said Vilkul.
He added that as a “state manager”, he took every effort to create favourable conditions for foreign business in Ukraine.
“We all understand, however, that the Association Agreement between Ukraine and EU will create unprecedented opportunities for German business in Ukraine. Europe will only benefit from this new era of Ukraine’s involvement into common market,” the Ukrainian official pleaded.
