EU gives green light to control imports from Ukraine

The text includes “remedial measures” that can be quickly adopted in the event of “significant disruptions” in the market. It must now be approved by MEPs.

On Wednesday February 21, EU states approved the extension for one year of the exemption from customs duties for Ukrainian and Moldovan agricultural imports. But while farmers accuse the influx of cereals, eggs and chickens from Ukraine of lowering local prices and fueling competition “disloyal” failing to meet certain standards (mass-raised poultry, etc.), the ambassadors of the 27 Member States have attached this exemption to “safeguard mechanisms” reinforced to limit their impact.

By virtue of the proposal of the European Commission, these “corrective actions” can be quickly adopted in the event of “significant disruptions” on the market, even if they affect only one Member State. Above all, for three products qualified as “sensitive”poultry, eggs and sugar, one “emergency brake” is planned for “stabilize” imports at average volumes imported in 2022 and 2023, levels beyond which customs duties would be reimposed.

This arsenal of restrictions, which must now be approved by MEPs during a vote in plenary session in April, must be supervised by Brussels, contrary to the embargo imposed unilaterally in 2023 by neighboring states of Ukraine in great displeasure of the Commission, policeman of the commercial policy of the 27.

A very sensitive subject in border countries

“We show our unwavering support to Ukraine, while protecting our domestic market from an excessive increase in imports of certain sensitive agricultural products,” rejoiced Hadja Lahbib, Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the EU. Because this exemption from customs duties from which Ukraine benefits has become a particularly sensitive subject, particularly in Poland, where the blocking of the border by angry farmers has caused a violent crisis between Warsaw and kyiv in recent days.

The powerful organization bringing together the majority European agricultural unions, Copa-Cogeca, as well as five sectoral associations, called in mid-February for restrictions to be drastically tightened. Faced with the agreement obtained in Brussels, the latter deplored in a press release that the proposed cap for three products corresponded to high volumes “which precisely provoked” the current crisis, while“no restrictions are provided [automatiquement] for cereals and honey despite the significant Ukrainian production capacity.”

“This approach will fail to address farmers’ concerns, and will likely lead to further protests”they warned, as imports of Ukrainian agricultural products jumped by 11% in value year-on-year between January and September 2023.