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[] The International Centre for Policy Studies is an independent research organization whose mandate is to promote the concept of public policy and related processes as a guarantee of effective democracy in Ukraine and other post-soviet countries [ advertise with us ] This Week’s Topic Domestic demand keeps the economy moving Over 2006–2008, Ukraine’s economy will keep growing around 5% per annum. The ICPS forecast is for real GDP to grow 5.5% in 2006, 4.6% in 2007 and 5% in 2008. Growth will deviate from the overall trend the most in 2007 as private consumption slows down, because of slower growth in disposable incomes. The updated ICPS macroeconomic forecast can be found in the latest issue of Quarterly Predictions Read more »» Expert comment Ukraine needs a new approach to SEZs The new Government has announced that one of its economic priorities will be reviving the special conditions for business operations under Special Economic Zones (SEZs). International Centre for Policy Studies economist Hanna Cherednychenko says that SEZs need to be changed from mere “tax resorts” where tax holidays are handed out to “incubators” where the conditions for start-ups in priority sectors are generally favorable. Hanna Cherednychenko Read more »» Position The ICPS position on integration with NATO Premier Viktor Yanukovych’s 14 September announcement in Brussels that Ukraine would postpone joining the Membership Action Plan (MAP) indefinitely demonstrated that Ukraine currently does not have a coordinated and consistent policy of integration with NATO. The country’s foreign policy remains hostage to the struggle for power. Meanwhile, not only Ukrainian society but also politicians themselves understand little about the purpose of integrating Ukraine with NATO and the Membership Action Plan. Read more »» New publication Ukraine’s policy to control illegal migration This White Paper proposes an alternative,independent vision of state policy for controlling illegal migration in Ukraine. This is the final report from the “Improving the Implementation of Migration Policy by Disseminating EU Experience with Readmission Treaties” Project. This document also contains recommendations for institutional reform, legislative changes, and drawing on technical assistance, as well as proposals for specific polices and programs in migration control and border management. The report also proposes responses to challenges associated with signing a Readmission Treaty with the EU: recommendations on creating conditions for the detention of illegal migrants, ensuring them legal protection, and carrying out identification and expulsion procedures. Moreover, this paper also lays out reforms that are needed to improve the effectiveness of Ukraine’s migration policy: reforms in the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and the judiciary. Read more »» ICPS News Alexander Kwasniewski is the new Chair of the ICPS Supervisory Board On 12 July, Alexander Kwasniewski became the new Chair of the ICPS Supervisory Board. President of the Republic of Poland for two terms, Mr. Kwasniewski is a politician of world stature who has always defended Ukrainian interests. In his introductory speech to the Centre’s Supervisory Board, Mr. Kwasniewski assured his audience that he would continue to work as Ukraine’s advocate. The Centre, for its part, is confident that with Mr. Kwasniewski as Chair, ICPS will be able to raise its profile in international circles and intensify its activity in the area of Eurointegrational processes. Read more »» Prospects for Deep Free Trade between Ukraine and the EU Although it is the easiest alternative in terms of implementation, a simple Free Trade Agreement that cancels tariffs on goods in addition to the conditions of WTO accession would bring very few advantages to Ukraine—and even fewer to the EU. On the contrary, although it will definitely be harder to institute, a deeper accord on Free Trade with the EU, the FTA+, could form the basis for an economic strategy that would ensure rapid growth in Ukraine. Read more »» ICPS News October 12, 2006 Stakeholder consultations on EU–Ukraine Free Trade Agreement resume September 19, 2006 The ICPS position on integration with NATO News archive »» Expert comment August 21, 2006 Ukraine needs a new approach to SEZs August 3, 2006 Viktor Yushchenko—Ukraine’s Lincoln July 28, 2006 Gasoline price rise will be moderate in August Comments archive »» New on Site October 10, 2006 Economic Statistics No. 72, October 2006 October 10, 2006 ICPS Newsletter No. 336 (October 9): Domestic demand keeps the economy moving October 2, 2006 Quarterly Predictions No. 36 Third quarter 2006 September 7, 2006 Can old broom sweep clean…? (an article for Ukrayinska Pravda) August 28, 2006 Lessons for Ukraine from the UK Experience of Parliamentary Opposition I wish to receive this web site updates to the following address: Postal: vul. 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