On October 13, the Council of the European Union decided to reduce or completely remove tariffs on agricultural products from Ukraine, including dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, and meat and meat products.
According to the statement on the EU Council’s website, this decision is part of the review of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) between the EU and Ukraine.
“The EU position agreed today will enhance trade flows between the EU and Ukraine, while ensuring that Ukraine’s market access is contingent on its gradual alignment with EU production standards on animal welfare, pesticides and veterinary medicines,” the statement noted.
The decision also considers the specific needs of certain EU agricultural sectors, creating a reliable safeguard mechanism that either side can activate in case of market disruptions.
At the same time, market access for the most sensitive products—such as sugar, poultry, eggs, wheat, corn, and honey—remains limited and gradual.
“Today’s decision reaffirms the EU’s unwavering and multifaceted support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression. We are helping Ukraine militarily and financially, but we need to also help them by promoting trade liberalisation. Both the EU and Ukraine will benefit from the elimination of customs duties, leading to sustained economic stability, enduring trade relations, and further Ukrainian integration with the Union,” Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark added.
The decision will now be reviewed by the EU–Ukraine Association Committee in its trade configuration, as part of the review process under Article 29(4) of the EU–Ukraine Association Agreement
