Achievements in the implementation of the first work plan for the EU4IP project ‘Strengthening Intellectual Property Rights in Ukraine, Moldova and Armenia’ during 1 July 2024 – 31 December 2025, and planned activities for 2026 were discussed during the second meeting of the EU4IP Project Steering Committee (PSC).

 

On 15 December 2025, the second meeting of the EU4IP Project Steering Committee (PSC) “Strengthening Intellectual Property Rights in Ukraine, Moldova and Armenia” (EU4IP project) was held, chaired by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST) and with the support of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

 

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders and partners, including representatives of:

 

• the European Commission (DG GROW, DG CNECT, DG TRADE and DG SANTE),

 

• European Union Delegations in the project countries,

 

• IP offices of the project countries:

 

• • Ukrainian National Office for Intellectual Property and Innovations (UANIPIO),

 

• • the State Agency on Intellectual Property of the Republic of Moldova (AGEPI),

 

• • Armenian Intellectual Property Office (AIPO), which recently joined the project.

 

In turn, representatives of the European Patent Office (EPO), Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) joined as observers.

 

   

 

This meeting served as a final analysis of the progress achieved and the coordination of the second work plan, which details the measures planned for implementation in 2026 within the EU4IP project.

 

During the discussion, Bogdan Paduchak, First Deputy Director of UANIPIO, emphasized the importance of the EU4IP project:

 

“For Ukraine, this cooperation has a special meaning. We are implementing deep and complex IP reforms in the extraordinary circumstances of russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Despite constant security risks, pressure on institutions and the economy, and daily operational challenges, Ukraine remains firmly committed to EU integration and alignment with EU IP law. In this context, EU4IP support is extremely valuable.”

 

Bogdan Paduchak

 

PSC acknowledged the successful completion of First work plan (from 1 July 2024 to 31 December 2025), which set the foundations for the implementation of the project and created momentum for further cooperation.

 

Second work plan sets out the measures that will guide the next phase of the project, providing continued support to partner countries in aligning their national legislation and practices with the EU acquis in the IP sphere.

 

The outlined priority areas for Ukraine will be:

 

• adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to the EU acquis within the framework of Negotiating Chapter 7 “Intellectual Property Law”, Cluster 2 “Internal Market”;

 

• strengthening institutional and administrative capacity in the IP sphere, with an emphasis on effective law enforcement, inter-agency coordination and the implementation of EU best practices in the process of forming and implementing IP policy;

 

• approximation of IPRs enforcement practices, in particular by developing the capacities of authorities involved in enforcement of IP rights, customs control and investigation of IP crimes;

 

• integration of European Intellectual Property Network (EUIPN) tools, harmonization of procedures, improvement of the quality of expertise and approximation of administrative practices to EU standards;

 

• approximation of legislation and technical support for accession to the European Patent Convention (EPC);

 

• integration of Ukraine into the European IP protection area and raising strategic awareness of the role of IP as a tool for innovation and economic development.

 

Separately, the Project Steering Committee emphasized the importance of the “Team Europe” approach, which brings together the expertise of EU Member States, the EUIPO and international partners. Building on the achievements of the first work plan, the second phase will continue to promote cooperation, strengthen European integration and enforcement, and raise awareness of IP.

 

A presentation of the key achievements of the first work plan and work plans for 2026 are available at the link.

 

 

Read also:

 

Ukrainian Delegation took part in 47th Session of the WIPO Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Right

 

Ukrainian delegation at the 35th Session of the WIPO Committee on Development and Intellectual Property