Unlocking Opportunities: EU Announces Exciting New Food Trade Agreement with Ukraine

The EU and Ukraine have made a significant step forward with a new trade deal that aims to replace temporary arrangements established after Russia’s invasion. This agreement seeks to stabilize trade and ease concerns for farmers in bordering EU countries who have worried about an influx of cheaper Ukrainian goods.

Back in June 2022, when conflicts disrupted shipping routes in the Black Sea, the EU suspended tariffs and quotas on some agricultural products from Ukraine. This measure, although well-intentioned, sparked concern among EU members close to Ukraine. By 2024, the EU decided to limit some imports of Ukrainian grains to protect its own farmers.

Maroš Šefčovič, the EU Commissioner for Trade, emphasized that this new deal creates a “long-term, predictable framework” for trade, which he believes will benefit both sides significantly. The EU assures that the deal considers the sensitivities of their agricultural sector and will lead to only modest increases in market access for goods like wheat and sugar.

Key changes include increased quotas for food items such as butter and oats from the EU, while Ukraine will allow the import of EU poultry, pork, and sugar. However, for Ukraine to benefit, it must gradually align its agricultural standards with those of the EU, especially regarding animal welfare and pesticide use.

Reactions to the deal are mixed. The EU’s farm lobby group, Copa-Cogeca, expressed cautious optimism. They support Ukraine’s economic resilience but stress the need for transparency. They worry about the potential impact on sensitive agricultural sectors and want full details of the agreement made public.

A survey conducted by Copa-Cogeca indicated that 65% of farmers were concerned about their ability to compete with increased imports, while 55% supported measures aimed at protecting local agriculture.

Overall, this trade deal presents both an opportunity for Ukraine to strengthen its economy and a challenge for the EU to balance its agricultural interests. The ongoing discussion highlights the complexities of international trade during turbulent times. As the situation unfolds, both sides remain vigilant about the potential impacts on their farmers and markets.



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EU member states, EU Commissioner for Trade, agreement in principle, agricultural sectors, Ukraine, trade deal