The EBA discussed the implementation of the Ukraine Facility Plan with the European Commission’s representative Benoit Mesnard

06/ 10/ 2025

On October 3, representatives of the European Business Association met with Benoit Mesnard, Head of Unit, Ukraine Service, European Commission. They discussed the implementation of the Ukraine Facility Plan, key reforms, issues of European integration, and legislative harmonization for Ukrainian businesses. During the meeting, Benoit Mesnard shared updates from the European Commission regarding the Plan`s progress. He noted that the situation in Ukraine remains uncertain due to the ongoing war, which inevitably affects the pace of the program’s execution. Ukraine has already advanced significantly in reforms, yet much remains to be done. Eurocomission representative emphasized that Ukraine’s integration into the EU Single Market represents an important step both for the country and for the local businesses. The European Commission remains committed to supporting Ukrainian ministries and state agencies in aligning national legislation with EU standards. Benoit Mesnard also noted that Ukraine may request additional transition periods for implementing certain norms. At the same time, he stressed that demonstrating a steady track record in implementing reforms is critically important, as it will directly influence the pace of Ukraine’s EU accession. On their part, the EBA’s representatives outlined the expectations of the business community regarding the legislative harmonization process and presented the latest results of the Business Climate Note. Business experts underlined that the rule of law, anti-corruption measures, and judicial transparency remain key priorities for building a predictable and fair business environment in Ukraine. At the same time, the business community cautioned that the rapid implementation of new EU regulatory requirements without considering current wartime realities could create additional risks. Ukrainian companies are operating under extremely difficult conditions, facing high production and logistics costs due to the ongoing war. Therefore, it is important that the Eurocomission takes this context into account when setting adaptation timelines for new regulations. The business community supports European integration but advocates for a “smart harmonization” approach — one that reflects the real capabilities of Ukraine’s wartime economy. Among other topics discussed were anti-corruption legislation, the law on lobbying, judicial transparency, deshadowing the economy, registration of veterinary medicines, energy issues, environmental matters (including the postponement of CBAM and technical regulations under REACH and CLP), as well as the need to further improve Ukraine’s regulatory framework. The European Business Association sincerely thanks the European Commission for the open and constructive dialogue and looks forward to continued fruitful cooperation within the framework of the Ukraine Facility Plan implementation.

During the meeting, Benoit Mesnard shared updates from the European Commission regarding the Plan`s progress. He noted that the situation in Ukraine remains uncertain due to the ongoing war, which inevitably affects the pace of the program’s execution. Ukraine has already advanced significantly in reforms, yet much remains to be done.

Eurocomission representative emphasized that Ukraine’s integration into the EU Single Market represents an important step both for the country and for the local businesses. The European Commission remains committed to supporting Ukrainian ministries and state agencies in aligning national legislation with EU standards. Benoit Mesnard also noted that Ukraine may request additional transition periods for implementing certain norms. At the same time, he stressed that demonstrating a steady track record in implementing reforms is critically important, as it will directly influence the pace of Ukraine’s EU accession.

On their part, the EBA’s representatives outlined the expectations of the business community regarding the legislative harmonization process and presented the latest results of the Business Climate Note. Business experts underlined that the rule of law, anti-corruption measures, and judicial transparency remain key priorities for building a predictable and fair business environment in Ukraine.

At the same time, the business community cautioned that the rapid implementation of new EU regulatory requirements without considering current wartime realities could create additional risks. Ukrainian companies are operating under extremely difficult conditions, facing high production and logistics costs due to the ongoing war. Therefore, it is important that the Eurocomission takes this context into account when setting adaptation timelines for new regulations. The business community supports European integration but advocates for a “smart harmonization” approach — one that reflects the real capabilities of Ukraine’s wartime economy.

Among other topics discussed were anti-corruption legislation, the law on lobbying, judicial transparency, deshadowing the economy, registration of veterinary medicines, energy issues, environmental matters (including the postponement of CBAM and technical regulations under REACH and CLP), as well as the need to further improve Ukraine’s regulatory framework.

The European Business Association sincerely thanks the European Commission for the open and constructive dialogue and looks forward to continued fruitful cooperation within the framework of the Ukraine Facility Plan implementation.