Today’s EU integration decisions will shape the conditions in which Ukraine’s IT business operates tomorrow. It is therefore important for the IT industry to play an active role in shaping Ukraine’s positions in its dialogue with the EU. This was the focus of a closed-door meeting between IT industry representatives and Vsevolod Chentsov, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, organised by the IT Ukraine Association and the Diia.City Union.
The discussion covered areas of EU integration with a direct impact on business operations:
- access to the European market and digital regulation;
- cybersecurity and artificial intelligence;
- maintaining a competitive environment for Ukrainian companies.
Vsevolod Chentsov outlined the current state of the negotiation process and Ukraine’s preparations to open the next negotiation clusters. Particular attention was given to Cluster 3, “Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth”, which covers digitalisation, entrepreneurship, tax policy, education, and science and research.
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of systematic dialogue with business, noting that the industry’s position, arguments, and practical expertise could play a meaningful role in shaping Ukraine’s negotiating positions.
One of the key topics was harmonising Ukrainian legislation with EU standards. IT industry representatives raised the question of balancing compliance with European requirements against preserving a competitive regulatory environment for Ukrainian business. Discussion topics included Ukraine’s accession to SEPA, integration with PEPPOL, the development of trust services, cybersecurity, implementation of the AI Act, and mutual recognition of certification. Such tools could simplify Ukrainian companies’ work with European partners and reduce barriers to entering the EU market.
During the Q&A session, business representatives also raised questions on the development of DefenceTech and dual-use technologies, robotics, veteran entrepreneurship, and the simplification of digital procedures.
It’s important for us to understand where business sees problems and bottlenecks, and where the Government can help. We’re counting on your ideas and practical experience. We remain open to cooperation,
the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.
EU integration opens up new opportunities for Ukrainian companies. Our shared task is to ensure the technology sector can make full use of them. Following the meeting, both sides agreed to continue the dialogue and seek a more systematic format of engagement between the tech industry and the state within the EU integration process.
We thank Vsevolod Chentsov for an open dialogue and his willingness to discuss issues important to the future of Ukraine’s technology industry with the IT community.
