The new trade arrangements between the EU and Ukraine now limit the export of poultry, eggs, sugar, and grains, among other products. These products may no longer be exported to the EU without limits. With this, Brussels aims to better protect European farmers' interests without harming the Ukrainian economy.
Although the agreement imposes restrictions, many Ukrainian products still retain favorable access to the European market. The new rules are less ambitious than previous exemptions but are considered more realistic. Export remains attractive, although there are now caps per product category.
European farmers' organizations Copa-Cogeca express strong criticism of the agreement. They believe the deal does not provide sufficient protection to farmers in the EU. They fear unfair competition and call for more oversight to ensure compliance with the new rules.
Polish Agriculture Minister Siekierski has repeatedly warned of damage to Polish agriculture. He accuses the European Commission of pushing through the agreement. The Polish government insisted for months on stronger protection.
The agreement was presented in Brussels on the last day of Poland’s EU presidency, by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The Commission aimed to provide political clarity just before the start of the summer recess.
Not all details of the agreement are yet public. According to Politico and Euronews, work is still ongoing on the precise implementation of controls and sanctions in case of exceeding export limits. As long as enforcement remains unclear, farmers’ organizations remain skeptical about the impact of the agreement.
The agreement is being applied provisionally; it still needs to be definitively approved by the European Council and the European Parliament later. Only then will it come fully into force. Until then, a transitional regime with temporary provisions applies.