European Parliament amended the proposal for visa-free trade with Ukraine

The European Parliament has approved the extension of trade liberalization for Moldova until June 5, 2025, and amended a similar proposal for Ukraine.

The decision of MEPs provides for strengthening guarantees for EU farmers, according to a statement on the European Parliament’s website.

Thus, MEPs decided to amend the European Commission’s proposal to suspend import duties and quotas on Ukrainian agricultural exports to the EU for another year with 347 votes in favor.

The MPs returned the document to the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee (which last week had already supported a similar decision) to begin negotiations on amending the European Commission’s proposal with the EU Council.

The parliament noted that the legislation gives the European Commission the authority to take swift action if there are significant disruptions in the EU market due to Ukrainian imports.

MEPs voted in favor of amending the European Commission’s proposal to include more sensitive products and introduce a wider reference date for calculating average volumes.

“Liberalization measures depend on Ukraine’s respect for democratic principles, human rights, the rule of law and its ongoing efforts to fight corruption and organized crime,” the statement said.

At the same time, MEPs agreed to suspend all duties on imports from Moldova for another year, as the country relies on Ukrainian transit routes for its exports and has been “also hit hard” by Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.

Tags: Ukraine, EU