On Thursday, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted to renew the suspension of import duties and quotas on certain imports from Ukraine, including iron and steel. This suspension is set to extend until 5 June 2028. The renewal comes as part of the Autonomous Trade Measures (ATM) Regulation, which the EU implemented to liberalise trade with Ukraine by temporarily suspending trade defence measures on 4 June 2022.
Since then, this exemption has been extended multiple times, with the most recent renewal expiring on 5 June. The continuation of these trade liberalisation measures, particularly for steel, aims to provide Ukraine with essential export revenues. The proposal received widespread support, passing 354 votes in favour, 147 against, and 53 abstentions.
”Ukraine’s steel industry is the backbone of the Ukrainian economy. It continues to deliver, despite many workers having left the steel plants to fight on the front lines and factories being subjected to severe attacks by Russia. The deepening of trade relations between the EU and Ukraine is not a matter of charity, but a mutually beneficial exchange that strengthens both parties,” said Parliament’s rapporteur Karin Karlsbro (Renew, SE).
The new regulation will take effect for three years, until June 2028, once an agreement is reached with the Council. The European Commission is also working on a long-term solution to ensure economic stability for trade between the EU and Ukraine.
