Armenia Caught Between (In-)Compatible Legal Orders: Paths of Competitive and Cumulative Integration

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-134
Author(s):  
Benedikt Harzl ◽  
Aistė Mickonytė
Keyword(s):  
Regional Integration ◽  
Free Trade Area ◽  
Customs Union ◽  
Association Agreement ◽  
Trade Area ◽  
Eurasian Economic Union ◽  
Differentiated Integration ◽  
Economic Union ◽  
Eurasian Region ◽  
The Eu

In 2013, Armenia abandoned the plan to sign the Association Agreement and to establish a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) with the EU. Instead, it acceded to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Against this U-turn in Armenia’s integration agenda, this contribution critically investigates the (in)compatibility of participation in the European and the Eurasian legal orders. While the customs union-based regional integration processes preclude Armenia’s participation in both, the authors argue that the strict dichotomy of having to choose one or another transnational legal order and the subsequent legal and political divisions harm Armenia and hamper the achievement of objectives inherent to the EU’s Eastern Neighborhood. It will be argued that this dichotomy may be overcome by a rapprochement between the EU and the EAEU, potentially through contractual relations. Moreover the creative ways in which the EU already provides for differentiated integration could be adapted to enable Armenia reconcile legal approximation with the EU with its engagement within the Eurasian region.

scholarly journals Nothern European Lessons for Eurasian Integration

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-91
Author(s):  
L. S. Voronkov
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Regional Integration ◽  
Nordic Countries ◽  
The Other ◽  
Northern Europe ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Economic Relations ◽  
Eurasian Economic Union ◽  
Economic Union ◽  
The Eu

The paper is dedicated to the differences between the classical instruments for regulating interstate political and trade-economic relations from those used in the development of regional integration processes. Traditionally, the Eurasian Economic Union is compared with the European Union, considering the EU as a close example to follow in the development of integration processes. At the same time, there exist the other models of integration. The author proposes to pay attention to the other models of integration and based on the analysis of documents, reveals the experience of Northern Europe, which demonstrates effective cooperation without infringing on the sovereignty of the participants. The author examines the features of the integration experience of the Nordic countries in relation to the possibility of using its elements in the modern integration practice of the Eurasian Economic Union.

scholarly journals QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF TRADE COMPLEMENTARITY BETWEEN UKRAINE AND THE EU

2019 ◽  
pp. 89-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. І. Shnyrkov ◽  
D. S. Pliushch
Keyword(s):  
Free Trade Area ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Coding System ◽  
Association Agreement ◽  
International Partnerships ◽  
Eu Countries ◽  
Trade Area ◽  
International Industry ◽  
Trade Potential ◽  
The Eu

The article outlines the perspective benefits of deepening integration processes between Ukraine and the European Union. Groups of Ukrainian goods have been identified, which exports to the EU are increasing dynamically. EU countries have been identified in which exports from Ukraine have been growing rapidly in recent years. The relations and nature of Ukraine's trade with the EU countries have been analyzed. The conclusions on the development of trade potential after signing the Association Agreement with the EU have been formulated. The assessment of the Complementarity Index of Trade for Ukraine and the EU by 97 commodity groups according to the Ukrainian Classification of Goods for Foreign Economic Activity and the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System for 2011-2018 has been carried out. The dynamics of change of complementarity indices are analyzed and the predicted indices of the countries for 2019 and 2020 are calculated. It has been proven that mutual trade in a free trade area is mutually beneficial for Ukraine and the EU, as Ukraine and the EU benefit from increased trade, and establishing international partnerships between their businesses and organizations can be particularly beneficial in the long term perspective. It is proposed to deepen international industry cooperation in order to develop competitive advantages and strengthen its position both on the Ukrainian market and the European market.

Towards Macro-Economic Convergence in SACU: The Position of Botswana

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mabutho Shangase
Keyword(s):  
Economic Policy ◽  
Regional Integration ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Free Trade Area ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Customs Union ◽  
Economic Convergence ◽  
Trade Area ◽  
Recent Developments

In light of recent developments such as the African Continental African Free Trade Area agreement (AfCFTA), incrementalist approaches to regional inte gration that focus on sub-regions seems to have been pushed to the backburner as more focus puts the entire African continent at the centre of integration processes. With all its potential, gradual macro-economic convergence has accordingly been neglected. Discussions on macro-economic convergence have on the other hand been cast over the broader sub-region such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) where a number of indicators and targets have been identified and pursued closely. Whilst looking at Botswana as a point of departure, this paper argues that incremental macro-economic convergence is pivotal to broader regional integration and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) provides an ideal stepping-stone. An incrementalist approach to macro-economic convergence as well as broader regional integration should begin with identifying key formal institutions that serve as custodians of macro-economic policy such as the central banks and departments of finance or treasuries. Using secondary data sources, with Botswana as a case study, this paper foregrounds macro-economic convergence, macro-economic policy making institutions, and SACU as critical building blocks for broader regional integration.

scholarly journals Ukrainian Sanitary and Phytosanitary Laws Approximation to EU Acquis Under Association Agreement Including Agreement on Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA)

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-89
Author(s):  
Taras Kepych
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Free Trade ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Free Trade Area ◽  
Reform Process ◽  
Health Law ◽  
Association Agreement ◽  
Trade Area ◽  
The Republic ◽  
The Eu

AbstractThe paper reviews the achievements to date in legal approximation in the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) field in Ukraine. Effective regulatory approximation in the SPS field was critical to anchoring the reform process in Ukraine and to fostering further progress in EU’s relations with this Eastern Partnership (EaP) country. This paper highlights three major problems in Ukraine that were hindering reform in the SPS field: inconsistency between Ukrainian and EU food safety legislation, lack of uniformity between animal health law regimes, absence of a single SPS regulator. Legal implementation of approximated legislation still remains as key challenge. The paper offers recommendations to improve the Ukraine’s approach so that the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) is part of the Association Agreement (AA) between the EU and the Republic of Ukraine could fulfill its potential.

scholarly journals A Solution for Africa

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Collins
Keyword(s):  
Free Trade ◽  
Regional Integration ◽  
Market Integration ◽  
Free Trade Area ◽  
Trade Agreement ◽  
The United States ◽  
Majority Voting ◽  
Regional Environment ◽  
Trade Area ◽  
The Eu

Regionalism—the efforts of a group of nations to enhance their economic, political, social, and cultural interaction—can assume various forms, including regional integration/cooperation, market integration, development integration, with the intent of accommodating the changing national, international, and regional environment. Despite the fact that to this day, attempts at integration (in particular, market integration based on the EU model) and regionalist impulses as they currently occur have been entirely unproductive throughout the African continent, regionalism continues to be regarded by African leaders as a reasonable strategy for increasing intra-regional trade and for reversing Africa’s rising marginalization in the world economy. They continue to be assured by the success of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the viability of the European Union’s (EU) model for integration, which begins with a free trade area or preferential trade area and ends with complete economic integration. The EU model features a specific mode of decision making (qualified majority voting), conflict resolution mechanism (role of the European Court of Justice), budgetary arrangements (revenue collection and distribution), and citizen involvement (direct elections to the European Parliament) and takes on increasingly state-like functions. While extremely successful in integrating its constituent member state in Europe, as a model it is limited, given the unique circumstances under which it was established and promoted. As noted by Emil Kirchner: Consideration of the EU as a model for other regional integration settings might be limited, given the unique circumstances in which it was established and promoted. Born out of conflict, the EU benefited from special circumstances in its development, e.g. the Cold War, the United States guarantee and nurturing role, and the industrialised nature of the European economies, which are not found elsewhere.

Regionalism and the Global Political Economy

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Axel Hülsemeyer
Keyword(s):  
Political Economy ◽  
Regional Integration ◽  
Free Trade Area ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Customs Union ◽  
Causal Connection ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Global Political Economy ◽  
Trade Area ◽  
Integration Schemes

The terms “region,” “regionalism,” and “regional integration” are often used synonymously in the academe. For instance, one author refers to Pacific Asian regionalization, North American regionalism and regional integration in Europe. Some authors view “regionalism” as the analytically broader term. Since the mid-1990s, there has been a more general movement toward “economic regionalism or regional trade agreements,” building on the concept of “new regionalism” and coinciding with the notion of “preferential trading arrangements.” This implies only those integration schemes which have an economic purpose, are in geographical proximity to each other, and consist of more than two states qualify for inclusion. There are five stages in the deepening of formal regional integration: free trade area, customs union, common market, economic union, and political union. From the late-1950s to the late 1990s, two approaches have attempted to explain the process (rather than the origins) of regionalism: neofunctionalism and liberal intergovernmentalism. Scholars argue whether there is a causal connection between regional integration and Global Political Economy (GPE), or whether they are simply correlated. Three themes from the literature on regionalism and GPE can be identified. First, the numerous studies since the late 1990s that have taken a decidedly comparative approach, irrespective of their level of analysis, agree that there is some “logic” to regional arrangements. Second, confusion occurs with domestic causality. Third, large membership has become a concern for the European Union.

scholarly journals EXPORT POTENTIAL AND POSSIBILITIES OF UKRAINIAN SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZE ENTERPRISES IN THE EUROPEAN MARKET

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (127) ◽  
pp. 165-175
Author(s):  
O. Lytvyn
Keyword(s):  
Free Trade Area ◽  
European Market ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Corporate Management ◽  
Association Agreement ◽  
Effective Implementation ◽  
Trade Area ◽  
Domestic Products ◽  
The Eu

This article deals with the export potential and possibilities of the Ukrainian small and medium size enterprises in the European market as well as markets of the third countries, especially after acting of the deep and comprehensive free trade area («FTA+») between Ukraine and the EU. Most of the articles of the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine concern the terms of business, competition defence in the market i.e. liberalization and removal of different administrative and discriminatory measures in Ukraine. The access to the market of the EU for the domestic small and medium size entrepreneurial activity players must be considerably broaden. In the case of the European market entry, the Ukrainian businessman, adjusting to the requirements of all countries-members of the EU, will be able to get a considerable competitive advantage as a mediator or intermediate link among the economic players of the EU countries. The consequences of adaptation of the technical adjusting, corporate management, defence of consumer rights and competition are analysed at the same time. The achievement of results on these questions is non-equivalent and has contradictions in the Ukrainian terms. The unwillingness of «FTA+» is exposed by the most Ukrainian economic players in separate market niches. The main reason is the expulsing of domestic products in the internal market by the European commodities and impossible access to the EU markets due to the competition and disparity of the Ukrainian standards to the European requirements. There are recommendations in relation to the effective implementation of the foreign economic activity of small and medium size enterprises, and increase of the products’ competitiveness of the domestic producers in the European market.

An Analysis of Trade of the Eurasian Economic Union

2018 ◽  
pp. 76-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahu Coşkun Özer
Keyword(s):  
Regional Integration ◽  
Customs Union ◽  
Economic Space ◽  
Macroeconomic Variables ◽  
Customs Unions ◽  
Commercial Activities ◽  
Eurasian Economic Union ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Common ◽  
Economic Union

After the creation of the Eurasian Economic Union in 2015, the Customs Union and the Common Economic Space between Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan represented two of the most important regional integration projects launched in the post-Soviet era. However, even though institutions, customs unions, and a common economic space have been established, it has become a matter of debate whether this union is effective in developing trade between the member countries. Russia has enormous power in terms of its share of the trade within the EEU. This shows Russia has economic dominance in the union. This is also the subject of debate about whether the union's members, except Russia, benefit from the customs union. In this chapter, the answers to these questions have been investigated by evaluating the commercial activities and macroeconomic variables of the member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union.

Deepening relations between Ukraine and EU in the context of DCFTA conditions.

2019 ◽  
pp. 41-48
Author(s):  
Ірина Борисівна Чичкало-Кондрацька ◽  
Анастасія Олегівна Власюк ◽  
Дарія Сергіївна Кондрацька
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Free Trade ◽  
Free Trade Area ◽  
The European Union ◽  
State Structure ◽  
Association Agreement ◽  
Trade Area ◽  
Current State ◽  
Real State ◽  
The Eu

The article is devoted to the study of the real state and consequences of deepening of economic cooperation between Ukraine and the EU in the conditions of implementation of the Association Agreement. The state of implementation of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union is considered on the basis of the study of official government reports and the results of independent experts' studies. The analysis of the current state, structure, tendencies and peculiarities of trade cooperation of Ukraine with the countries of the European Union is conducted. The influence of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the EU is determined. Particular attention is paid to the problems of Ukrainian companies entering the EU market and the use of duty-free tariff quotas.

Armenia's EU deal keeps options open and Russia happy

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
The West ◽  
Political Will ◽  
Association Agreement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Eurasian Economic Union ◽  
International Standing ◽  
Economic Union ◽  
The Eu

Significance The agreement is designed to fall short of a full EU association agreement because Armenia remains in the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). All parties say they are comfortable with the arrangement. Armenia is the only EEU member to obtain such a partnership deal with the EU. Impacts Armenia has a chance to rebuild its international standing, compromised after its U-turn in 2013. The deal will test the Armenian government's political will to reform. Moscow may try to showcase the deal as a sign of willingness to compromise with the West.

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