At the same time, the reference period has been extended; not only covering 2022 and 2023 but also including the second half of 2021. Before the outbreak of the Russian war, exports were significantly higher.
It is expected that the European Union will continue to discuss restrictions on Ukrainian agricultural imports. Within agricultural circles, there are still complaints because the influx is said to depress local prices. Opponents also argue that the exemption creates “unfair competition” because Ukrainian agriculture does not have to comply with the same standards as EU farmers.
Last month, the European Parliament approved an initiative from the Christian Democratic European People's Party, which positions itself as pro-Ukrainian, to tighten import restrictions and extend them to more products, including grain.
This stance was seen as a victory for the powerful farmers’ lobby Copa-Cogeca, which urged EU politicians to partially withdraw the granted trade liberalization with Ukraine. Poland and France also pushed for this, but other EU countries opposed it.
There is still no unanimous position in the European Parliament. A vote on this is scheduled again on April 24 in Strasbourg. Two of the largest groups, the European People's Party and the Socialists and Democrats, advocate additional restrictions, while others, including Renew Europe and the Greens, want to adhere to the previously agreed original compromise.