The EU will reinstate quotas on Ukrainian agricultural exports starting 6 June, ending the bloc’s wartime suspension of trade restrictions. The move follows approval of “transitional measures” by a majority of member states on Thursday.
EU agriculture spokesperson Balázs Újvári said the decision marks a return to the 2017 DCFTA deal, and not an extension of the Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs) that allowed Ukraine duty-free access since 2022. The quotas will now apply for the rest of the year, covering 7/12ths of the annual volumes.
Critics warn the rollback could severely harm Ukraine’s war-weakened economy. Dmytro Natalukha, chair of the Ukrainian Parliament’s economic committee, said the change may cost €3 billion—about 70% of Ukraine’s expected growth in 2025.
“Unfortunately, this promise has not been honoured,” he said, blaming the EU for failing to create a replacement system.
Brussels disputes the figure, with DG TRADE’s Leon Delvaux claiming the real impact is closer to €1.5 billion.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk admitted lobbying for the change, despite claiming to support Ukraine. With Poland’s elections approaching, critics say Tusk has sided with Brussels bureaucrats over Ukraine’s survival.
Despite Kyiv’s offer to limit sensitive goods, talks on a permanent deal remain stalled.
