In a plenary session held in Strasbourg, the European Parliament voted in favor of extending temporary trade liberalization measures with Ukraine while implementing safeguards to protect EU farmers.
According to Ukrinform's correspondent, 428 MEPs supported the decision, while 131 voted against it.
"Visa-Free Trade" with Ukraine
The vote came after the European Parliament and the Council of the EU reached a preliminary agreement to suspend import duties and quotas on Ukrainian agricultural products until June 5, 2025. This move is designed to support Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion.
"The Commission can take swift action and introduce any measures it deems necessary if Ukrainian imports cause significant disruptions in the EU market or in the markets of one or more EU countries," the statement read.
Enhanced safeguards were added to protect EU farmers.
Emergency Safeguards
An emergency brake mechanism can be triggered if imports of specific agricultural products exceed the average volume recorded in the second half of 2021 and throughout 2022 and 2023. These products include poultry, eggs, sugar, oats, cereals, maize, and honey. If these thresholds are exceeded, restrictions will be imposed immediately.
The European Commission also agreed to increase monitoring of grain imports, particularly wheat, to ensure stability and transparency in the market.
