Ukraine and the EU are developing a compromise version of “visa-free trade” for agricultural products

After the end of the autonomous trade measures, there will be no return to the pre-war conditions of trade in agricultural products with the European Union; instead, a compromise option is currently being developed that will take into account the interests of both Ukrainian and European farmers.

This was announced by the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, Vitaliy Koval.

According to him, during a meeting with the European Commissioner for Agriculture, Christoph Hansen, he discussed the key problematic issues of trade in agricultural products with the European Union.

“What is important to understand is that the interim positive result is that there will definitely be no return to the pre-war trade conditions. This will be a compromise option that will be developed in the near future,” Koval emphasized.

He clarified that the key principles of trade between Ukraine and the EU should take into account the interests of Ukrainian and European farmers, and the volume of exports of domestic agricultural products will be controlled.

Koval recalled that the European market remains key for Ukrainian farmers, and its share in total exports is 52%. That is why, according to the minister, it is important to prove once again that Ukraine is a partner, not a threat to European farmers.

We will remind, on May 13, 2024, the EU Council extended temporary preferences for Ukraine in trade for another year – until June 5, 2025. At the same time, an emergency braking mechanism is provided for sensitive goods, in particular honey, cereals, corn, poultry meat, eggs, sugar, oats, if imports exceed the established volumes.

Some neighboring countries are reluctant to expand market access for Ukraine, which is a powerful agricultural producer, fearing that this will harm their farmers and cause resentment.

Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade Representative of Ukraine Taras Kachka expressed hope for a fair agricultural agreement between the EU and Ukraine.

“Today we still have time to find a constructive solution, we have a few more weeks – we are waiting. Ukraine is as flexible as possible and ready to ensure trade transparency. This is more a matter of politics than trade,” he added.

Tags: EU, restrictions, Ukraine