The Union has completed negotiations with Ukraine. Siekierski: The EC decided without consultation

The European Commission decided to end negotiations with Ukraine without prior consultation with EU Member States and agricultural organizations – indicated the Minister of Agriculture Czesław Siekierski, commenting on the conclusion of an agreement on Monday on a new trade agreement with Ukraine.

On Monday, the EU Trade Commissioner Marosz Błyczovicz announced that the European Commission and Ukraine initially agreed on the new trade agreement. The agreement covers Ukraine's obligation to gradually adapt agricultural production standards to EU standards by 2028. It is about, for example, animal welfare and pesticides.

According to the Commissioner, this agreement opens a new chapter in EU-Ukraine trade relations, determines long-term, predictable and mutual framework, beneficial for exporters, enterprises and farmers on both sides and strengthens the road of Ukraine to membership in the EU. The contract also contains – as he added – the “solid mechanism” of EU markets, especially in areas where imports from Ukraine could cause serious difficulties for the Member States.

“With disappointment, I adopted the way the EC informed the Member States about the completion of negotiations with Ukraine on the last day of the Polish Presidency in the EU Council. As the chairman of the EU Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (Agrifish), I have repeatedly paid attention to the need for the European Commission to conduct commercial negotiations in a more transparent manner and in dialogue with farmers ” – said the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in his statement in his statement.

He noted that the EC decided to end the negotiations “without prior consultation neither with EU Member States or with agricultural organizations”.

The commission only presents a general outline. There are no specifics

The Ministry of Agriculture in the announcement indicated that the EC has provided a general description of the elements of the agreement, but did not provide details, including primarily a new level of tariff contingents. This information is to be provided in the near future. He added that after the release of the text of the proposed agreement by the EC, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will analyze its content and cooperate with the Ministry of Development and Technology in matters regarding the position of the Polish government on the agreement.

In June 2022, the EU decided to temporarily abolish duties and quantitative limits for agricultural products from Ukraine. This decision was made in response to the Russian invasion and was aimed at supporting Ukraine in the face of higher export costs through the EU after Russia threatened the safety of traditional sailing routes in the Black Sea.

At the beginning of June, however, these trade preferences were suspended. The reason was protests in EU countries adjacent to Ukraine, especially in Poland, caused by excessive influx of cheaper Ukrainian grain, poultry and sugar.

As a result, the EU returned to the commercial agreement before the war with Ukraine, re -introducing customs and quantitative limits to some agricultural products. The EC said that this agreement would apply until the new agreement with Ukraine is negotiated.

As the EU agricultural commissioner Christophe Hansen donated on Monday at a press conference, full liberalization was agreed for some products, for example dairy products such as powder milk and fermented milk, but also mushrooms and grape juice.

The agreement still requires technical issues. The result of these negotiations will have to be approved by both parties in relevant procedures. In the case of the EU, the contract will have to be supported by Member States as part of the EU Council. (PAP)

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