The EU continues the saga of duty-free trade for Ukraine
20 March 2024 09:39
The European Union continues to move through bureaucratic procedures to finally approve the extension of duty-free trade with Ukraine. Last night, the European Parliament reported that it had “reached a preliminary agreement” with the EU Council on this issue, Komersant ukrainskyi reported 
The European Commission prepared the relevant decision back in February, and the European Parliament approved it on 13 March. Now the approval of the EU Council, which consists of ministers of the member states, is required.
According to the European Parliament, “The Parliament and the Council must give the final green light to the temporary agreement.”
The agreement on preferential trade with Ukraine was again changed not in favour of Ukraine. Thus, the temporary suspension of import duties and export quotas on Ukrainian agricultural products to the EU will be extended for another year, until 5 June 2025. However, the European Commission may apply any measures it deems necessary if there are “significant disturbances” on the EU market or the markets of one or more EU countries due to Ukrainian imports.
The agreement also provides for an emergency suspension of imports of particularly sensitive agricultural products. The previous decision of the European Parliament referred only to poultry, eggs and sugar. Now it turns out that oats, corn, cereals, honey and wheat have been added to the list. If the imports of these products exceed the average volumes of 2022-2023, they will be subject to customs tariffs within 14 days. In this way, the EU is effectively reintroducing import quotas for these Ukrainian goods, albeit at a high level.
This decision was made under very strong pressure from some member states’ governments, political forces and European farmers’ associations. In particular, the governments of Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia demanded that imports of Ukrainian products be restricted. They claimed that cheap agricultural products from Ukraine were flooding their markets. Six major European farmers’ associations also protested strongly against Ukrainian products. Polish farmers have even blockaded borders, not only with Ukraine but also with Germany. Polish producers do not want Ukrainian goods on the German market, as they displace Polish products.
“Today’s agreement reinforces the EU’s unwavering commitment to support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s brutal war of aggression until Ukraine is defeated. Russia’s targeting of Ukraine and its food production also affects EU farmers. The Parliament has heard their concerns and strengthened safeguard measures that would ease the pressure on EU farmers if they are hit by a sudden surge in Ukrainian imports.”
– commented on the “preliminary satisfaction” of the Latvian Foreign Minister Sandra Kalniete.
Today, Polish protesters are planning to hold the largest protests across Poland, which they expect to paralyse the entire country.
