Brussels, watch out! 🚜 The European Union has just decided to put the brakes on duty-free imports of some Ukrainian grains to calm down some very unhappy farmers across the bloc.
On Wednesday, EU member states and lawmakers struck a deal to cap the influx of certain Ukrainian agricultural products that have been pouring into the EU since duty-free access was granted in 2022. Initially meant to support Ukraine's economy during tough times, the move has sparked fierce protests from local farmers who feel they're getting the short end of the stick.
The new agreement renews the tariff exemption for another year but introduces \"safeguards\" on products like oats, eggs, poultry, and sugar. That means these items won't be able to flood the market unchecked anymore. Wheat and barley, however, won't be part of this safeguard list.
According to a European Parliament press release, the regulation \"provides for an emergency brake for poultry, eggs, and sugar,\" as well as \"oats, maize, groats, and honey.\" It's a response to farmers' concerns that cheap imports from Ukraine are undercutting their livelihoods, especially since Ukrainian producers might not be following the same strict EU rules on things like animal welfare.
It's been two years since the EU dropped tariffs to help out Ukraine, but now local farmers are saying, \"Hold up! What about us?\" The tension has led to some heated protests, with farmers taking to the streets (and fields) across Europe.
Looks like the EU is trying to strike a balance between supporting Ukraine and keeping its own farmers happy. Only time will tell how this new agreement plays out on the ground.
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EU to cap imports of Ukrainian poultry and grains to appease farmers
cgtn.com
