Belgium in the Council of the EU: the liberalization of trade with Ukraine will continue, but the bloc will seek joint solutions to meet the demands of European farmers.

David Clarinval, the Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium, which holds the EU presidency, said: “Member countries have once again demonstrated solidarity with Ukraine. The EC will soon announce a proposal to extend liberalization measures for Ukraine. EU members hope to receive information about such an extension and a vision of long-term trade relations with Ukraine”.

He noted that some EU countries expressed particular concerns regarding trade liberalization with Ukraine.

In this context, he said: “We do not believe that member states can or should solve this problem alone. It is important to preserve the single market and continue to stand side by side with Ukraine. The EU will continue to provide Ukraine with substantial and important help”.

At the same time, the block will look for solutions that could satisfy all member states because of the concerns of European farmers.