International Conventions between Italy and Ukraine
Avv. Dario Gorji Varnosfaderani
Elizaveta Cherepanova
Italy and Ukraine are bound by a comprehensive framework of bilateral agreements that cover numerous strategic sectors: from investments to judicial and customs cooperation, from the development of small and medium-sized enterprises to the protection of intellectual property.
The joint participation in key international conventions, such as those concerning commercial arbitration and the recognition of arbitral awards, demonstrates the commitment of both countries to promoting economic integration, legal certainty, and the facilitation of international trade.
These conventions serve as essential tools for enhancing commercial relations, investment flows, and civil cooperation with Ukraine, particularly in light of the country’s growing geopolitical importance and its gradual alignment with the European Union.
Below is a list of the bilateral agreements between the two countries, as well as multilateral conventions in which both Italy and Ukraine participate, which are of particular relevance for stakeholders involved in commercial exchanges between the two nations.
Bilateral Conventions
Agreement between the Government of the Italian Republic and the Government of Ukraine on the Promotion and Protection of Investments (1995)
The agreement is intended to promote and safeguard investments made by investors of one country in the territory of the other. It provides guarantees of fair treatment, protection against expropriation, free transfer of funds, and access to international dispute resolution mechanisms. The agreement seeks to establish a stable legal framework for Italian and Ukrainian investors, thereby strengthening mutual trust between the two states.
Link: https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:legge:1997;112
Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital and for the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion, with Additional Protocol (1997)
The purpose of this convention is to eliminate double taxation on income and capital and to prevent tax evasion. It defines the taxing rights of each country concerning individuals and legal entities operating in both jurisdictions. The agreement covers various categories of income (dividends, interest, royalties, capital gains) and provides for the exchange of information and mutual assistance in tax matters. The additional protocol clarifies specific applications and enhances transparency and legal certainty for cross-border investors and businesses.
Link: https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:legge:2002;169
Mutual Administrative Assistance for the Prevention, Investigation, and Suppression of Customs Offences (2003)
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the Italian and Ukrainian customs authorities. Its main objectives are to facilitate the exchange of information, strengthen joint efforts to prevent and investigate customs violations, and improve the enforcement of customs legislation. The agreement supports effective coordination in combating smuggling, fraud, and other customs-related offences, thereby contributing to secure trade and regulatory compliance.
Link: https://itra.esteri.it/Search/Allegati/48673
Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Civil Matters (1979)
This bilateral convention entered into force through Ukraine's succession to the agreements signed by the former USSR and is of fundamental importance, regulating mutual legal assistance in civil and family law matters. The agreement establishes procedures for the transmission and enforcement of judicial documents, the taking of evidence, the recognition and enforcement of civil judgments, and cooperation between courts. The convention facilitates cross-border civil proceedings by ensuring legal reciprocity, efficiency, and protection of the rights of the parties involved.
Link: https://www.normattiva.it/
Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (2003)
This bilateral memorandum between the Italian Government and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine aims to strengthen cooperation in the development of SMEs. It promotes the exchange of experiences, the organization of joint business forums, technical assistance, and access to financing opportunities for SMEs in both countries. The agreement seeks to foster sustainable economic growth and enhance economic ties through entrepreneurial development and institutional support.
Link: https://www.infomercatiesteri.it/accordi_economico_commerciali.php?id_paesi=96
Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (1995)
This fundamental bilateral treaty establishes the framework for friendly relations and long-term cooperation between Italy and Ukraine in political, economic, cultural, scientific, and humanitarian fields. It affirms mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs. The treaty promotes the development of trade, investment, legal cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges, laying the legal and diplomatic foundation for deepened bilateral relations following Ukraine’s independence.
Link: https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:legge:1997;192