Joint statement on Government Procurement implications resulting from the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine

The following communication, dated 20 June, 2022, is being circulated at the request of the delegations of Australia; Canada; European Union; Iceland; Japan; Republic of Korea; Republic of Moldova; Montenegro; the Netherlands with respect to Aruba; New Zealand; Norway; the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu; Ukraine; United Kingdom and United States.

June 20, 2022

We, Parties to the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Government Procurement, stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and are united in condemning in the strongest possible terms the Russian Federation's military assault on Ukraine, which is supported by Belarus.

We consider that the Russian Federation's actions are an unprovoked, premeditated attack against a sovereign democratic state, and an egregious violation of international law, the UN Charter, and fundamental principles of international peace and security. These actions call into serious question the respect of the Russian Federation for all international institutions, disciplines, and norms.

We take note of the Russian Federation’s observer status and application for accession to the Agreement on Government Procurement dated 22 August 2016. As full Parties to the Agreement on Government Procurement, we express deep concern that the Russian Federation’s aggression and on-going atrocities are affecting the ability of one full Party - Ukraine - to meaningfully participate in the Agreement on Government Procurement and international procurement markets more generally. As such, we consider the Russian Federation’s aggression affects the balance of rights and obligations under the Agreement for all Parties - as reflected in negotiated schedules – and thus undermines the Agreement itself.

Therefore, in light of the impacts of the Russian Federation’s aggression, the co-sponsors of this communication will not participate in any work related to the Russian Federation’s accession to the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Government Procurement and consider the process suspended.

Together, we insist that the Russian Federation urgently stops its military aggression and immediately withdraws its troops. We remain firmly convinced that the Russian Federation must be held accountable for its actions and stop undermining democracy, global stability and international law.