The survey results among the member companies of the European Business Association demonstrate a predominant readiness of companies to operate in the European Union market. Specifically, 31% believe they are fully prepared to conduct business in the EU, 38% are mostly ready, and 26% are partially ready. Only 5% are currently mostly unprepared to work according to European rules and standards.
At the same time, 44% of survey participants rated the level of awareness in their company regarding EU rules and requirements as high. In 35% of companies, the level of awareness is average, while in 11%, it is below average, and in another 11%, it is basic.
The majority of the surveyed companies, namely 71%, positively assess the impact of Ukraine’s European integration movement on their business, while 21% do not feel any impact, and 8% assess this impact as negative. It is worth noting that 83% of businesses are willing to participate in forming Ukraine’s negotiating position regarding EU accession.
However, evaluations of Ukraine’s overall progress in fulfilling its EU integration obligations are more polarized. Overall, 52% of respondents believe that Ukraine’s progress in this area is satisfactory, while 5% consider it significant. Meanwhile, 42% rate Ukraine’s European integration efforts as insignificant, and 2% believe that there has been no progress at all.
Regarding specific areas, survey participants see the most progress in digital transformation and media, transport policy, agriculture, and rural development. Ukraine demonstrates the least achievements in the areas of the judiciary and fundamental rights; justice, freedom, and security.
According to survey participants, the best dialogue on European integration issues among state authorities is with the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine (2.92 points), followed by other central executive bodies (2.81 points), the Verkhovna Rada (2.53 points), and local authorities (2.46 points out of 5 possible).
In the opinion of businesses, the obstacles to Ukraine’s faster fulfillment of its EU integration obligations include low institutional capacity, including a lack of resources and professional personnel, insufficient expertise among state authorities, civil society, and businesses, and a lack of political will.
To become a full member of the EU, according to 39% of survey participants, Ukraine will need 5 to 10 years. Another 30% believe that Ukraine can join the EU within the next 5 years, while 26% assume it will take more than 10 years.
For reference:
The survey was conducted from June 25 to August 22, 2024, among member companies of the European Business Association. Among the surveyed companies, 59% supply goods or services to the EU market, 58% import goods or services from the EU market, and 8% plan to enter the market.
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