The European Parliament Committee on International Trade has approved the extension of the trade liberalization arrangement for Ukraine and Moldova for another year through June 5, 2025.
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The decision was made at a committee meeting on Thursday in Brussels, the press service of the European Parliament said.
It was proposed that the temporary suspension of duties and quotas on import into the EU of Ukrainian agricultural products be extended for another year, from June 6, 2024 through June 5, 2025.
Meanwhile, the legislation gives the European Commission the power to take swift action in the event of significant disruptions in the EU common market or in the markets of one or more EU countries due to Ukrainian imports.
"It also provides for an emergency 'brake' [on the supply of Ukrainian products] for particularly sensitive agricultural products, namely poultry, eggs and sugar, meaning that if imports of these products exceed the average volumes of 2022 and 2023, then tariffs will be re-introduced.
"These liberalization measures are dependent on Ukraine's respect for democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law," the press release says.
Commenting on the decision, Ukraine rapporteur Sandra Kalniete (European Populists Group, Lithuania) said, "the extension of the EU's trade measures will ensure Ukraine can continue to export its agricultural products to the EU - a crucial lifeline for the Ukrainian economy. At the same time, the proposal includes solid safeguards ensuring our farmers will not be overwhelmed by a sudden surge of imports.
"The Commission will be able to re-introduce tariffs or take any other necessary measures if it finds imports of specific products lead to market disturbances. It is a good balance between continuing our vital support to the Ukraine and the necessary protection of our markets."
The European Parliament is expected to vote on the issue of extending the special trade arrangement with the two countries in the first reading at a plenary session next week.
After approval by the European Parliament, the EU Council must approve the decision. It will enter into force upon its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
The Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine, including the creation of a free trade area, has provided Ukrainian businesses with preferential access to the EU market since 2016.
After the start of the military operation on the territory of the country, the EU introduced measures in June 2022 that ensured duty-free access for all Ukrainian products to the EU market. These measures were extended in June 2023 for one year and expire on June 5, 2024.
The European Commission proposed extending trade liberalization with Ukraine and Moldova for another year on January 31, 2024. ■