Ukrainian President Zelensky has criticized the EU’s decision to allow Russian grain unlimited access to its markets, while restricting Ukrainian imports. In response, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the EU Commission, suggested imposing import duties on Russian and Belarusian grain to protect European farmers and punish Russia for its aggression in Ukraine.
Von der Leyen justified her proposed tariffs as a means of preventing Russian grain from destabilizing the EU market and profiting financially from the export of these goods. The announcement came after Zelensky addressed EU leaders and emphasized that trade restrictions on Ukraine would hinder its ability to defend against a Russian attack.
While some countries have called for a full import ban on Russian and Belarusian grain, Reuters reports that the proposed import duties are mostly symbolic as only a small percentage of these grains are imported into the EU. Despite this, EU statistics show that in 2023 and 2024, the EU imported 19 million tons of grain and oilseeds from Ukraine compared to just 1.8 million tons from Russia.
In an effort to support Ukraine with import freedoms, the EU Parliament and member states have reached a preliminary agreement to extend these freedoms for certain agricultural products like poultry, eggs, and sugar. However, customs duties may be reinstated if imports of these products from Ukraine exceed average levels from previous or upcoming years. Measures can also be introduced if Ukrainian wheat significantly disrupts the EU market.
While some countries view free imports as a threat to their own markets, concerns have been raised by neighboring Poland about the potential impact on Polish farmers’ profits. The EU Parliament and Council must still finalize their decision before it can be fully implemented.
