The EU will continue to provide preferential treatment for imports from Ukraine, albeit with several safeguards in place

The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have reached a preliminary agreement to extend trade liberalisation measures for Ukraine in response to Russia’s aggressive war.

This was stated in a release published on the European Parliament’s website on March 20.

«The temporary suspension of import duties and quotas on exports of Ukrainian agricultural products to the EU will be extended for another year, until June 5th, 2025, to support Ukraine amidst Russia’s aggressive war», — stated Brussels.

Simultaneously, it was noted that the European Commission «may swiftly implement any necessary measures if Ukrainian imports cause significant disruptions in the EU market or in the markets of one or more EU Member States».

Under the current regulation, «emergency braking» can be applied to «particularly sensitive agricultural products, namely poultry, eggs, and sugar». MEPs have successfully expanded this list to include oats, corn, cereals, and honey. They have also secured firm commitments from the EC regarding measures to be taken in case of a sharp increase in wheat imports from Ukraine.

If imports of these products surpass the average volumes of the previous two years, tariffs will be reintroduced.

«Today’s agreement reaffirms the EU’s steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s brutal war of aggression, aiming for Ukraine’s victory», — remarked Sandra Kalniete (EPP, Latvia), spokesperson on the issue.

According to her, the Parliament has addressed the concerns of EU farmers and bolstered protective measures to alleviate pressure on them in case of a sudden surge in Ukrainian imports.

Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EU implemented autonomous trade measures, granting duty-free access for all Ukrainian goods to the EU. These measures were extended for one year in 2023.

As farmers in several countries, including Poland, are protesting against the increase in imports from Ukraine, it’s noteworthy that the influx of Russian goods into Poland does not trouble local farmers.