Ukraine and EU: Mutual Recognition of E-Signatures

Ukrainian businesses actively use electronic document management (EDM) services with qualified electronic signatures (QES). However, currently, electronic signatures issued in Ukraine are not recognized abroad, and foreign ones are not recognized in Ukraine. This creates significant obstacles for Ukrainian businesses collaborating with international partners, making it impossible to manage documentation and sign agreements electronically. This issue and its solutions were discussed by experts, including Oleksandr Vernygora, CEO of Deals and Head of the Information and Communication Committee of the Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs, based on a Deals publication.

To overcome these barriers, international agreements on the mutual recognition of electronic trust services are necessary. This involves implementing unified standards and formats for electronic documents, such as European data exchange standards like ASIC. Ensuring a high level of cybersecurity to guarantee the reliability of information exchange and storage is also an important aspect. Ukraine is already taking initial steps in this direction by participating in a pilot project with Estonia on the mutual verification of electronic signatures.

The implementation of unified standards and mutual recognition of electronic signatures will bring significant benefits to Ukrainian businesses and promote their integration with the European market. This will allow:

• Simplifying international trade and cooperation: Ukrainian companies will be able to effectively interact with European partners by signing documents online.
• Increasing efficiency and reducing costs: transitioning to paperless document management with international counterparties will optimize business processes.
• Integrating with European standards: adapting to European EDM norms opens new opportunities for Ukrainian enterprises on the international stage.

Source: Deals