19
Tue, Mar
68 New Articles

Ilyashev & Partners Represents Ukraine in First Dispute Under EU-Ukraine Association Agreement

Ilyashev & Partners Represents Ukraine in First Dispute Under EU-Ukraine Association Agreement

Ukraine
Tools
Typography
  • Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
  • Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times

Ilyashev & Partners is defending Ukrainian trade and economic interests in a dispute between Ukraine and the EU relating to a temporary export ban on unprocessed timber.

According to the firm, "the case concerns the ... interpretation of the provisions of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, in particular with respect to the right of each party to establish and regulate the levels of national environmental protection [and] sustainable forest management, as well as issues of the national policy of Ukraine in the field of forestry and environmental protection.

In specific, the dispute arose in connection with the introduction by Ukraine of a moratorium on the export of unprocessed (raw) timber. Since 2005, Ukraine has a permanent ban on the export of timber and lumber of valuable and rare species, including acacia, birch, cherry tree, pear tree, walnut, chestnut, yew, sweet cherry tree, planetree maple, and juniper. In 2015, a temporary ban was imposed for a period of ten years on the export of unprocessed timber of any species, with the exception of pine, for which the moratorium began on January 1, 2017.

The European Union is claiming that Ukraine's failure to lifting the 2005 export ban on rare and valuable wood species and its introduction of a temporary export ban on unprocessed timber in 2015 contradict the provisions of Article 35 of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement as to the prohibition of export and import restrictions on goods.

In January 2019, the EU requested consultations with Ukraine with regard to the temporary ban on the export of unprocessed timber. The consultations were not succesful, and in June 2019, the EU initiated arbitration and sent a request to establish an Arbitration Panel. The Arbitration Panel’s hearings took place on September 22-23, 2020.

According to Ilyashev & Partners, this is the first dispute arising within the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement framework, "and the second case in EU history ... to be resolved by ad hoc arbitration provided for by the bilateral interstate trade agreement."

Ukraine Knowledge Partner

AVELLUM is a leading Ukrainian full service law firm with a key focus on Finance, Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Tax, and Antitrust.

Our aim is to be the firm of choice for large businesses and financial institutions in respect of their most important and challenging transactions.

We build lasting relationships with our clients and make them feel secure in new uncertain economic and legal realities.

We incorporate the most advanced Western legal techniques and practices into our work. By adding our first-hand knowledge, broad industry experience, and unparalleled level of service we deliver the best results to our clients in their business endeavours. Our partners are taking an active role in every transaction and ensure smooth teamwork.

AVELLUM is recognised as one of the leading law firms in Ukraine by various international and Ukrainian legal editions (Chambers, The Legal500, IFLR1000, The Ukrainian Law Firms, and others).

Firm's website: www.avellum.com

 

Our Latest Issue