The European Commission is considering extending for a year the suspension of import duties, quotas and trade defence measures (‘autonomous trade measures’) applicable to Ukrainian exports to the European Union while taking account of the concerns expressed at sectoral or regional level by certain Member States.
These were the findings of discussions held on Monday 15 January within the Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA), which debated trade-related agricultural issues in preparation for the Agriculture Council on 23 January.
The Commission is therefore considering extending the regulation on autonomous trade measures by one year after its expiry on 5 June 2024. This proposal should be adopted shortly by the Commission.
The aim is to continue to support Ukraine’s agricultural exports while responding to the concerns expressed by certain Member States and stakeholders, the Commission assured the SCA delegations. Imports into the EU of Ukrainian products have soared by 73% (+69% for poultry and +172% for eggs).
The Commission is said to be “aware” that the increase in imports has had a certain impact and has generated pressure in certain sectors. It will continue monitoring the situation. The outlook for cereals, sugar and oilseeds production in Ukraine is fairly good.
At the SCA, delegations stressed the need for more detailed information on imports of Ukrainian agricultural products. Some of Ukraine’s neighbouring Member States have indicated that it would be useful if the regulation on autonomous trade measures provided for an easier procedure for introducing protective measures for certain regions or sensitive sectors.
Poland is reluctant to extend the EU’s special trade policy towards Ukraine (see EUROPE 13328/17). (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)