Translated with AI
The European Commission has completed negotiations with Ukraine on revising the conditions for access of Ukrainian agricultural products to the EU market. As reported at a joint press conference by the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič and the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christoph Hansen, an agreement in principle has been reached on expanding trade liberalization, as well as increasing quotas for a number of agricultural products.
"This is a balanced, fair and realistic agreement. It takes into account the interests of both Ukraine and EU member states, especially in the sensitive agricultural sectors," Šefčovič said.
According to the agreements reached, the parties provided for full liberalization of trade for a number of Ukrainian products, including dry milk, fermented milk products, mushrooms and grape juice. For products such as oats, barley, malt and gluten, trade quotas will increase to maximum historical volumes.
For "sensitive goods" such as eggs, sugar and wheat, quotas will also be increased, but with the EU maintaining protective mechanisms to avoid market distortions in individual countries. The EU expects Kyiv to adhere to established EU standards in production and environmental control.
In turn, Ukraine agreed to a gradual approximation of national standards in the field of livestock conditions and the use of pesticides to European ones – this process should be completed by 2028. The Ukrainian side will also increase quotas for imports of pork, poultry and sugar from EU countries.
Commenting on the issue of the unilateral ban on Ukrainian imports by Poland, Hungary and Slovakia, Šefčovič expressed hope that the agreements reached will contribute to the speedy lifting of the embargo by these countries.
Earlier, on June 5, 2025, the so-called "visa-free trade regime" introduced after the outbreak of military action on the territory of Ukraine ended. The temporary agreement in force since then will be replaced by a new framework agreement, which, as noted by the European Commission, creates "a long-term, predictable and mutually beneficial platform for economic cooperation."
