EU Farmers Face Limited Imports from Ukraine
The European Union to limit agricultural imports with Ukraine after farmers’ protests lead to policy changes
The European Union has made the decision to restrict agricultural imports from Ukraine following widespread protests from farmers in France and other EU countries. The EU Commission has announced a proposal to limit the influx of agricultural products from Ukraine and has extended the suspension of import duties on Ukrainian exports until June 2025.
The proposed measures aim to curb the import of products such as poultry, eggs, and sugar, with the possibility of customs duties being applied if import averages exceed certain thresholds. Temporary measures may also be taken against increases in imports of other agricultural products such as grain.
In addition to these proposals, the commission has suggested that farmers be exempt from fallow obligation in 2024, allowing them to grow nitrogen-fixing products such as lentils or peas. Furthermore, all duties on imports from Moldova are proposed to be suspended until July 2025.
However, the proposal still requires the approval of EU governments and the European Parliament in order to be implemented.
The protests from farmers have been spreading across various EU countries including Germany, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Italy, and Hungary. Farmers have been expressing their discontent with agricultural policies and regulations, particularly those related to climate change, citing high costs.
France has experienced the most intense protests this year, prompting the government to roll back some regulations in order to alleviate the crisis. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced the abolition of diesel tax increases for farmers and has taken steps to reduce bureaucracy.
Farmers have been critical of increased legislation, cuts in support, and the rising costs of energy, fuel, and fertilizers in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war, as well as cheap grain products from Ukraine and water use restrictions.
European farmers have also voiced their criticisms towards the EU’s strict rules on the use of carbon fertilizers and pesticides within the scope of the Green Deal, making agricultural production difficult.
The demand for a ban on the import of cheap Ukrainian grain is particularly prominent in Poland and Romania, while increasing fuel prices are the focus of protests in France. The widespread discontent among EU farmers has clearly prompted the European Union to reconsider its agricultural trade policies.
