Approximation of the national legislation of Eastern Partnership countries with the EU legislation in the economic field

This briefing paper reviews the achievements to date in regulatory approximation in the economic field in Eastern Partnership countries. The briefing highlights five major problems hindering legal approximation in the economic field: the complexity of the acquis to be adopted; institutional coordination; implementation capacities; costs of approximation and political sensitivity in partner countries. The briefing offers recommendations to improve the EU’s approach so that DCFTAs could fulfill their potential.