Deal on trade support for Ukraine with more protection for EU farmers

What Was Decided

Co-legislators agreed to suspend import duties and quotas on Ukrainian agricultural exports to the EU until 5 June 2025 and to introduce reinforced safeguard measures. An emergency brake was added for poultry, eggs, sugar, oats, groats, maize and honey, the reference period for triggering it was extended, and the Commission can take action if imports cause significant market disruption.

Who Is Affected

The measures affect Ukrainian exporters seeking duty-free access and EU farmers who are granted strengthened protections; the Commission will increase monitoring of grain imports, in particular wheat. Parliament, the Council and the Commission are involved and the Commission committed to discuss permanent tariff liberalisation with Ukraine under the Association Agreement review process.

What Comes Next

Parliament and the Council must give final approval to the provisional agreement, with Parliament’s plenary likely to vote during the second part-session in April and the current measures expiring on 5 June 2024 so new rules should enter into force immediately after that date.