Ukraine and the EU discussed ways to speed up negotiations on a free trade area. This was reported, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Konstantin Eliseev.

We discussed ways to speed up the negotiation process in a free trade zone, since it is clear that at this stage - it is a key document, - he said after the 12 th round of talks between Ukraine and EU association agreements.

On the one hand, to accelerate the negotiating process, but on the other - to maximize the balance of interests between the two sides, - added the Deputy Minister.

He stressed that Ukraine is a key quality and content of agreements, as well as the extent to which this document will take into account the interests of Ukrainian commodity producers and provide an opportunity for a full, rather than virtual access to the EU internal market.

K. Yeliseyev noted that technical studies indicate that the strategic plan of establishing a free trade area would benefit both Ukraine and the EU.

There are figures that show that this is a very positive impact on GDP growth. It may initially be painful, difficult, but the medium and long-term prospects will be an important stimulus for further growth of the Ukrainian economy, - he said.

Deputy Minister noted that some proposals made during negotiations, are innovative, both for Ukraine and the EU, and therefore need some time to study.

Secondly, let us not forget what the complexity of the negotiations, in which situation is the Ukrainian side. We are, in fact, alone, and around us plays a team of 27 players plus the world the European Commission, - said K. Yeliseyev.

And you understand, as is sometimes hard to resist such a strong team in order to protect their interests. It takes time, routine work, - he added.
The Deputy Minister also noted that a large part of the agreement on other issues has been agreed.
He said that during the current round of parties also discussed the issues that remain unresolved, in particular, with regard to the preamble agreement of cooperation in the field of Justice and Internal Affairs, the final provisions, which relate to security policy.

next round of talks, according to Deputy Minister, the parties scheduled for October in Kiev.

As reported, Ukraine and the EU began negotiations on a new agreement on 5 March 2007, and negotiations on a Free Trade Area - 18 February 2008. At the EU-Ukraine summit in Paris on September 9, 2008 was approved by the decision that the new agreement will be called association agreements.

Ukraine and the EU had planned to sign a new agreement before the end of this year, but on 10 July this year, K. Yeliseyev said that the signing of an agreement before the end of this year, most likely not take place. This information is on the same day and confirmed the chairman of the European Commission to Ukraine Jose Manuel Pinto Teixeira.