BRUSSELS: EU member states and lawmakers on Wednesday reached a deal to cap duty-free imports of a range of Ukrainian farm goods, which were allowed in the wake of Russia's attack but have drawn fierce protests from farmers in the bloc.
The agreement renews for one year a broad tariff exemption first granted in 2022, but adds "safeguards" for a list of products including maize, oats, eggs, poultry, sugar and honey to stop cheaper imports from flooding the market.
The 27-nation bloc initially dropped tariffs on Ukrainian imports in a bid to help keep Ukraine's economy afloat after the country was attacked by its neighbour.
Two years into the conflict, EU farmers complain they are being undercut by less expensive imports from Ukrainian producers not bound by the bloc's stricter rules -- for example, on animal welfare -- with the issue fuelling angry protests across the bloc.
In response to those concerns, the regulation "provides for an emergency brake for poultry, eggs and sugar" as well as "oats, maize, groats (grain kernels) and honey", the European Parliament said in a statement.
The "brake" would be used to stop duty-free imports rising beyond the average volumes of 2022 and 2023.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal, in Brussels for talks with EU leaders, called the overnight deal a "very good decision".
European Parliament rapporteur Sandra Kalniete said the accord "reinforces the EU's continued commitment to stand by Ukraine" in the face of the Russian attack.
She said it also "bolstered safeguard measures that would alleviate the pressure on EU farmers should they be overwhelmed by a sudden surge in Ukrainian imports".
Wheat and barley will not be subject to import safeguards, a decision that triggered an angry response from farmer groups that said this was a key demand.
Polish farmers have been blocking checkpoints with Ukraine in anger at imports from their war-torn neighbour, and this week expanded their protests to the western border with Germany.
Member states had signed off last month on an initial European Commission plan for narrower safeguards, but the EU parliament subsequently called for cereals and honey to be included, prompting a new round of negotiations.
The European Parliament statement said lawmakers "attained firm commitments from the (European) Commission to take action if there is a surge of Ukrainian imports of wheat".
The agreement has yet to be formally adopted by EU member states, and by EU lawmakers meeting in late April, with a view to having it come into force on June 6. — AFP
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
