Support Ukraine and protect our farmers

Leading EPP Group MEPs welcome the deal that was struck overnight to extend the suspension of import duties and quotas on Ukrainian exports to the EU, while also strengthening the safeguards for sensitive agricultural products. "The deal is proof that we will continue to support Ukraine until it is victorious. Russia's targeting of Ukraine and its food production also affects EU farmers. The Parliament has heard their concerns. As well as extending the trade measures, MEPs today also backed safeguards to alleviate the pressure on EU farmers should they be overwhelmed by a sudden surge in Ukrainian imports. A good balance has been struck between continued support for Ukraine and the necessary protection of our markets," says Sandra Kalniete MEP, the European Parliament's lead negotiator on the Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs) for Ukraine.

"The compromise on Ukrainian food imports is important for many food sectors suffering from market disruption. However, as the farmers are struggling with the sinking market prices, it is a pity that wheat has not been included in the deal," emphasises Herbert Dorfmann MEP, EPP Group spokesman on agriculture.

The deal expands the import caps from sugar, poultry and eggs to honey, maize, oats and groats. There will be no explicit cap on wheat, but the Commission has agreed to introduce safeguard measures for wheat in case of market disruptions.