(MENAFN) The European Union plans to reduce its agricultural imports from Ukraine, as confirmed by EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen in an interview with AFP. The temporary scheme that allowed Ukraine to export farm products to the EU without tariffs will end in June, as member states are no longer willing to extend it.

This emergency measure was introduced following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 to help Ukraine export its grain and other agricultural goods to global markets. However, the influx of Ukrainian products led to an oversupply, particularly affecting Eastern European countries, and sparked protests from local farmers.

Hansen explained that the EU will review the scheme, noting that the import quotas will not remain as liberalized as they were under the temporary arrangement. He urged member states to find a replacement solution before the scheme expires, though he did not disclose specific plans.

Hansen acknowledged that EU members are reluctant to extend the free trade policy, as it has created significant issues, especially in Eastern Europe. Countries like Poland and Bulgaria, which experienced the brunt of the protests, have threatened to impose national measures on Ukrainian agricultural imports if their concerns are not addressed. In September 2024, Bulgaria even called for a ban on Ukrainian eggs.

Additionally, reports from Reuters suggest that the EU plans to sharply reduce Ukrainian sugar imports, with future supplies expected to be much lower than current levels. Ukraine has warned that ending the free-trade policy could have severe consequences, as the EU is its main trading partner. Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergey Marchenko expressed concerns that returning to pre-war trade conditions would be highly detrimental.

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