European Union Extends Trade Support to Ukraine Despite Farmer Protests

Despite European farmers’ protests, the European Union has given the green light to Ukraine. . While farmer protests continue in Europe, the European Union has agreed to expand trade advantages to Ukraine. Imports of agricultural products from Ukraine have been at the center of farmer protests that have gripped Europe in recent months, alongside rising costs and new regulations.

The European Union has decided to extend trade support to Ukraine for another year. Representatives of EU governments and the European Parliament have reached a temporary agreement to extend the suspension of import duties and quotas for Ukraine’s exports to the EU until June 2025. The trade measures aimed to support Ukraine, whose agricultural sector economy has been a vital part since the start of Russia’s occupation and some ports have been closed due to the war.

However, the EU has increased protection for sensitive agricultural products such as sugar, corn, eggs, and poultry, allowing tariffs to be imposed if imports exceed the average of the last two years.

Imports of crops from Ukraine have been at the center of farmer protests that have gripped Europe in recent months, alongside rising costs and administrative burdens. Last month, producers urged the European Parliament to limit free trade measures, arguing that these measures jeopardized bloc economies and disrupted the single market.

Polish farmers have been among the most vocal, beginning to block a major highway near the German border earlier this week.

The proposal must be approved by the European Parliament and member states for it to take effect.