Today at 16:36
On April 23, the European Parliament voted for the extension of temporary trade liberalization measures for Ukraine, maintaining specific restrictions to protect EU farmers.
428 MEPs supported the decision while 131 stood against it, according to a FREEDOM correspondent.
The legislation was implemented after the Parliament and EU Council reached a preliminary agreement on the suspension of import duties and quotas for Ukrainian agricultural products until June 5, 2025, to support Ukraine amid Russia’s atrocious aggression.
Safeguard measures were to protect EU farmers’ interests were taken into the account, they include restricting particularly sensitive agricultural products such poultry, eggs, sugar, oats, groats, maize, and honey.
“The Commission can take swift action and impose any measures it deems necessary should there be significant disruption to the EU market or the markets of one or more EU member states due to Ukrainian imports (wheat, etc.),” reads a statement posted by the European Parliament.
If imports of products mentioned exceed the average of import volumes observed in the second half of 2021, and all of 2022 and 2023, tariffs can be reimposed.
The Commission promised it would launch talks with Ukraine on permanent trade liberalization soon, and the Parliament would be closely engaged in the process.
Read also: Ukraine needs $42B in budget support this year – IMF
