The European Union is concerned about changes to the law of Ukraine on public procurement, in particular the proposal to restrict access to public procurement of products for mechanical engineering, if at least some of the components are not produced in Ukraine. This is reported by DW, referring to the response of the EU Delegation in Kyiv.
According to the publication, the diplomatic mission believes that these documents will definitely violate the principle of non-discrimination laid down in the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, as well as in Ukraine’s obligations under the World Trade Organization.
“Although the desire to support the domestic industry is understandable, especially given the economic difficulties due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there are other ways to do this without violating the foundations of free competition in relations with the EU countries and other WTO members,” the EU Delegation said.
Earlier Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that bill No. 3739 on changing the rules for public procurement of mechanical engineering products, which provides preferences for goods with localized production, does not comply with the Association Agreement with the EU, as well as other obligations of Ukraine and requires changes.
