The decision on the continuation of trade liberalization with Ukraine in the EU has been postponed until the evening, after the morning round of talks between the ambassadors of the bloc. This was reported by Radio Liberty's Europe editor Rikard Jozwiak on Wednesday, UNN reports.
Details
"This morning (there was) the first debate between EU ambassadors on trade measures (ATM) for Ukraine. There will be an extension, but the question is how many exceptions will be made and what are the benchmarks for the years. The decision is tonight," Jozwiak wrote in X.
German media outlet n-tv, in turn, noted that negotiations in Brussels over the planned restrictions on duty-free imports of Ukrainian agricultural products "continue to be tough.
"The Belgian presidency is presenting a new compromise proposal to EU countries this morning, with the planned vote postponed until the evening," the newspaper also noted.
Reportedly, the main dispute is over possible restrictions on wheat imports, which is demanded by France and Poland, among others.
The publication points out that last week, negotiators from the European Parliament and 27 EU countries actually agreed to extend trade liberalization for Ukraine, which has been in effect since 2022, and the agreement also provides for protective mechanisms for certain products. In addition to eggs, poultry, and sugar, oats, corn, and honey are also covered, the publication points out.
Recall
On January 31, the European Commission proposed to extend the suspension of import duties and quotas on Ukrainian exports to the EU for another year, while proposing measures to mitigate the possible impact on farmers in the EU.
On March 7, the European Parliament gave its first approval for duty-free access to the EU for Ukrainian goods for another year, but with the right to restrictions.
On March 19, the EU hosted a triallogue on the extension of autonomous trade measures for Ukraine.
However, on March 20, EU ambassadors failed to approve the extension of trade liberalization measures for Ukraine, and were supposed to discuss the issue at their next meeting a week later.
For reference
The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, which includes a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, has provided Ukrainian businesses with preferential access to the EU market since 2016. Immediately after the outbreak of Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine, the EU introduced autonomous trade measures in June 2022 that allow duty-free access for all Ukrainian goods to the EU market. These measures were extended for one year in June 2023 and expire on June 5, 2024.