Ukraine Allows the Use of EU Electronic Signatures

The Ukrainian government has endorsed a resolution outlining the mechanism for recognizing foreign trust services in Ukraine. The resolution notably permits the use of qualified electronic signatures from European Union countries within Ukraine. This development, as reported on the Ukrainian government portal, aims to expedite the integration of Ukraine into the EU's Single Digital Market and simplify electronic interactions between Ukrainian businesses and foreign partners.

In addition to authorizing the use of European electronic signatures, the resolution also allows their inclusion in the trusted list of foreign providers of electronic trust services. This will enable EU citizens to sign electronic documents in Ukraine using their electronic signatures and provide electronic trust services within the country.

The adoption of the resolution also facilitates the negotiation of international agreements for mutual recognition of electronic trust services with other countries.

"These changes will streamline electronic interactions with foreign partners, particularly in business transactions. Moreover, they will facilitate the full utilization of Ukrainian e-signatures abroad and the sharing of EU e-documents in Ukraine," explained government officials.

It's worth noting that last year, the National Bank of Ukraine also addressed the recognition of qualified electronic trust services provided by the European Union within the Ukrainian banking system and during fund transfers. Consequently, Ukrainian banks, branches of foreign banks, and participants in payment systems must recognize qualified electronic signatures or seals created in accordance with EU legislation, as well as means of qualified electronic signature or seal certified in accordance with EU legislation.

Recalling that on November 8, the European Commission recommended starting negotiations with Ukraine regarding its accession to the European Union. Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, noted that Ukraine continues to combat Russian aggression while simultaneously implementing crucial reforms within the country, even amid ongoing conflict. Her recent visit to Kyiv confirmed that Ukraine has made significant progress, having completed around 90% of the necessary steps for further integration into the European Union. This progress includes reforms in the judicial system, anti-corruption measures, and the country's deoligarchization.