The arbitration panel in the dispute between Ukraine and the EU regarding the ban on the export of unprocessed wood (logs) has recognized that Ukraine has the right to restrict the export of logs under certain circumstances, Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture, Trade Representative Taras Kachka has said.
“The arbitrators in the unprocessed wood case have made their decision regarding the ban on the export of logs. The arbitrators recognized that Ukraine is able and has the right to restrict logs exports under certain circumstances. So the existing export ban in 2005 was recognized by the court as fully legitimate,” Kachka wrote on his Facebook page.
He said that at the same time, the arbitrators recognized that the 2015 ban should be adjusted taking into account the full right of Ukraine to regulate this area of activity in accordance with Article 290 and Article 293 of the Association Agreement. Corrective actions should be carried out in cooperation with the EU.
“The decision of the arbitrators gives us wide freedom to choose the measures of execution of the decision. The cornerstone of its implementation will be the creation of a normal market within Ukraine. So, the first step should be the approval of the law of Ukraine on the unprocessed wood market (bill No. 4197-1) based on a government experiment to sell logs at auctions,” Kachka said.
