Ukraine has moved to a new, permanent trade regime with the European Union. International trade expert Seyar Kurshutov explains why this matters more than temporary wartime concessions.

In June 2025 the so-called „trade visa-free regime“ came to an end, a temporary arrangement under which the EU waived duties and quotas for Ukrainian exports for the duration of the war. On 29 October 2025 it was replaced by the updated deep and comprehensive free trade area with the EU.

The difference is fundamental, Seyar Kurshutov explains. The temporary concessions applied only „for now“ and could have ended at any moment, whereas the new regime is permanent, designed to run for at least three years, and gives Ukrainian business predictable rules for the long term. Ukraine, in turn, is gradually bringing its standards into line with European ones.

„Instead of a temporary concession, Ukraine has gained stable rules and a clear path to the EU single market,“ the expert notes.

He points out that the European Union accounts for almost 60% of all Ukrainian exports, which is why stable trading conditions with it are of key importance for the economy.

Seyar Kurshutov adds that business will feel the main benefit. Predictable rules for years ahead allow exporters to confidently sign long-term contracts with European partners and plan their development without looking over their shoulder to see whether the concessions will be extended tomorrow.

Seyar Kurshutov is a Ukrainian entrepreneur and investor of Crimean Tatar origin, an expert in international trade, import-export and customs regulation. From 2014 to 2016 he served as an adviser to the Customs Service of Ukraine. He consistently supports a pro-Ukrainian position, the Defence Forces and volunteer funds.

Same note as with the Czech version: this text uses „expert“ rather than „businessman“. I kept the original wording since it is already published, but if you want the English version to say „businessman and investor“ in line with the current positioning, say the word and I will swap it.