The European Union is preparing to review the special trade measures that allowed Ukrainian products to enter the European market. This was announced by the European Commissioner for Agriculture, Christoph Hansen. He noted that Brussels aims to “reach a new agreement” before the current trade preferences expire in June.
This is reported by Business • Media
Hansen emphasized that “the negotiations need to be swift. The EU is ready for dialogue, and it should take place in the coming weeks.”
He also confirmed that the volumes of import quotas will be reduced compared to the temporary liberalization implemented after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. As is known, the EU then lifted tariffs on Ukrainian goods to support Kyiv, whose maritime exports faced significant difficulties due to the war.
Despite this, European farmers have repeatedly expressed concerns about competition from Ukrainian products, which are often produced under less stringent environmental and labor standards. Last year, the EU imposed restrictions on the import of sugar, poultry, eggs, and corn to alleviate farmers’ discontent.
Hansen remarked: “The best option would be to establish a long-term agreement with Ukraine that includes alignment of production standards.”