Upgraded EU-Ukraine trade agreement enters into force

The EU-Ukraine Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) entered into force, establishing an enhanced trade framework between the EU and Ukraine.

The original DCFTA was part of the Association Agreement signed in 2014, which removed most tariffs on industrial goods. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the EU implemented autonomous trade measures (ATMs) to support Ukraine. These expired in June 2025. The new DCFTA framework integrates these arrangements, providing economic certainty and stable trade relations.

The upgraded DCFTA focuses on three main pillars: enhanced trade flows, aligned production standards, and a robust safeguard clause. It balances market access for sensitive EU agricultural products while promoting alignment of Ukrainian production standards with those of the EU. Additionally, a safeguard mechanism allows for measures to be adopted if imports cause difficulties for either party.

The agreement brings Ukraine closer to EU's single market.