The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine generally supporteddraft draft dated 04/12/2023 No. 0198 regarding the ratification of the Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union on Ukraine's participation in "Customs", the EU Program for cooperation in the customs sphere.
The accession of Ukraine to the program of cooperation with the EU on customs issues "Customs" is a necessary step for deepening cooperation between Ukraine and the EU in the customs sphere, in particular, in the conditions of our country's acquisition of the status of a candidate for EU membership.
We would like to remind you that the Program will help to create a modern customs union, which puts the interests of business and citizens as the basis, by:
• increasing the exchange of information and data between national customs administrations;
• support of customs authorities in protecting the financial and economic interests of countries, in particular in the correct collection of customs payments;
• development of better risk management strategies to protect the financial interests of countries participating in the program;
• further promotion of trade growth.
Ukraine's participation in the "Customs" program will allow you to enjoy all the advantages of this Program regarding cooperation between customs administrations, namely:
• development and strengthening of IT potential, in particular development and operation of European electronic systems;
• establishment of a network of contacts by directions with colleagues from other countries;
• access to documents on customs issues (instructions, recommendations, explanations, methodologies, etc.);
• exchange of knowledge and best practices between employees of the customs authorities of the participating countries;
• research and innovation activities.
The Agreement shall enter into force on the date on which the parties notify each other through diplomatic channels of the completion of their internal procedures necessary for the Agreement to enter into force.