Poroshenko Enforces Preparations for Unified EU-Ukraine Airspace

The plan of actions aimed at the preparation for the introduction of unified European Union-Ukraine airspace was authorised by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in decree.

KIEV (Sputnik) — Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed a directive authorizing a complex of measures aimed at creating a unified EU-Ukraine airspace, according to a decree posted on presidential website on Friday.

"Implement immediately the plan of actions aimed at the preparation for the introduction of unified European Union-Ukraine airspace, considering, in particular, measures to adapt Ukrainian legislation in the area of air transportation to relevant legislation of the European Union," the decree says.

Negotiations on a unified airspace agreement between Ukraine and the European Union started in December 2007 and were due to conclude in 2013.

During the eighth round of talks in Brussels, in October 2014, the sides agreed on the text of the document, as well as to continue to cooperate in order to prepare the document for signing.

The agreement involves a gradual market liberalization, harmonization of rules in the field of civil aviation on the basis of EU standards and the promotion of industrial and operational cooperation.

The creation of a unified airspace is one of the key elements of the implementation of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union in the field of transport.