On Wednesday, March 19, the European Parliament and the European Council reached a preliminary agreement to extend trade liberalization measures for Ukraine amid Russia's aggressive war. This was reported by the press service of the European Parliament.


The temporary suspension of import duties and quotas on exports of Ukrainian agricultural products to the EU will be extended for another year, namely until June 5, 2025. This decision is intended to support Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.


According to the agreement, the European Commission will have the authority to take any quick measures if significant violations are detected on the EU market or in the markets of one or more EU countries due to Ukrainian imports.


The Regulation also provides for the possibility of emergency introduction of tariffs on particularly sensitive agricultural products, such as poultry, eggs and sugar. The agreement expands the list of these products to include oats, corn, cereals, and honey. Parliamentarians also assured that the European Commission will act faster - within 14 days instead of 21 days - if certain levels of automatic guarantees are reached.


Rapporteur Sandra Kalniete (EPP, Latvia) said: "Today's agreement reinforces the EU's unwavering commitment to support Ukraine in the face of Russia's brutal war of aggression until Ukraine wins. Russia's attack on Ukraine also affects EU farmers. The Parliament has addressed their concerns and strengthened safeguard measures to reduce the pressure on EU farmers in the event of a sudden increase in Ukrainian imports."


The agreement to extend duty-free exports of Ukrainian agricultural products now needs to be approved by the Parliament and the Council. The suspension of import duties will expire on June 5, 2024, and the new rules will come into force immediately after that date.