The EU will extend visa-free trade with Ukraine and Moldova.

The Committee of Permanent Representatives of the EU agreed on a mandate for negotiations on the continuation of the suspension of tariffs and duties on imports from Ukraine and Moldova. Proposals related to the so-called “autonomous trade measures” mean suspending tariffs and quotas for imports from Ukraine to the EU for one more year, from June 6, 2024, to June 5, 2025.

At the same time, the proposals envisage strengthening protection in the field of trade in “sensitive” agricultural products, strengthening the protective measures already included in the current regulatory rules, and including new measures for certain “sensitive” products. Similar conditions are proposed to be extended to Moldova.

The next step in the approval of the proposals will be the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Trade’s vote on March 7. However, Slovakia may not support the extension of the trade liberalization regime with Ukraine if the demands of Slovak farmers are not considered.