European Parliament approves extension of trade liberalization for Ukraine, Moldova for another year
The European Parliament approved the proposal of the European Commission to extend the liberalization of the trade regime with Ukraine and Moldova until June 5, 2025
The corresponding decision was made at the plenary meeting of the European Parliament, which took place on Wednesday in Strasbourg. The speaker was the deputy from Lithuania Sandra Kalniete (Group of the European People's Party).
Some 347 deputies voted for, 117 against and 99 abstained.
In particular, the decision proposed to extend the temporary suspension of import duties and quotas on the export of Ukrainian agricultural products to the EU for another year, from June 6, 2024 to June 5, 2025, in support of Ukraine against the background of Russia's ongoing aggressive war against this country.
This legislation gives the Commission the power to take swift action and introduce any necessary measures in the event of significant disruption to the EU market or the markets of one or more EU countries due to Ukrainian imports. It also provides for an emergency brake on particularly sensitive agricultural products, namely poultry, eggs and sugar, meaning that if imports of these products exceed the 2022 and 2023 averages, tariffs will be reimposed. Liberalization measures depend on Ukraine's respect for democratic principles, human rights, the rule of law and its continued efforts to combat corruption and organized crime.
Next, the Council will formally approve the regulation and it will enter into force upon publication in the Official Journal of the EU.