On the eve of Monday's three-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, farm ministers from eastern EU countries renewed their push against concessions for Kyiv in the upcoming agricultural trade negotiations. Member states neighboring Ukraine are demanding the European Commission protect their agricultural sectors as the expiration of current measures approaches.
“We stand in solidarity with Ukraine, but we will protect the livelihood and competitiveness of farmers!” Hungarian Agriculture Minister Istvan Nagy declared through social media on Sunday. He added, “We are wondering if Brussels will take the interests of Eastern European farmersInto consideration this time or will betray them again.”
Headed by Budapest, the agriculture ministers of Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, and Slovakia sent a letter to the EU executive on Friday calling for the reintroduction of pre-war tariff quotas after the temporary trade benefits expire this coming June. The ministers expressed concerns about the Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs) put in place following the Russian invasion, which they argue have disrupted their local markets.
The ATMs enabled Ukrainian agricultural exports to enter the EU without tariffs, extended several times since their implementation. Following tense negotiations for the most recent extension, safeguard mechanisms were introduced to protect sensitive EU products such as poultry, eggs, sugar, and oats. The Commission has stated it will not extend these temporary measures again, which means, without agreement, the EU and Ukraine will revert to pre-war tariffs—potentially costing Ukrainian agribusinesses up to €3 billion annually.
Signatories of the letter not only demanded the return of these quotas but also urged the Commission to define country-specific quotas for individual member states, according to Nagy. He expressed disappointment over the Commission's decision to lift the ban on agricultural imports from Ukraine’s five EU neighbors, which had been imposed after local farmers complained of overwhelming competition. Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland had instituted their own restrictions post-embargo, which remain effective, criticized repeatedly by the European Commission. Bulgaria opted against challenging the Commission, and Romania has imposed stricter import licenses.
“There are some things we do not allow!” Nagy emphasized, reaffirming Hungary's intention to maintain its ban on Ukrainian products for as long as deemed necessary.
The pushback from eastern EU states is compounded by growing pressure on the European Commission to disclose more details about the trade talks with Kyiv. Last week, commission representatives, including Pierre Bascou from the agriculture directorate-general, held closed-door meetings with the Parliament's agriculture committee, but did not provide clarity on the negotiation schedule. A reactive parliamentary source stated, “They want to do it at the 11th hour.”
Despite the pressure, EU officials appeared unfazed. “We can negotiate a very fast deal,” one official stated, aiming to quell concerns over delays. This situation is complicated by upcoming presidential elections in Poland, which could lead to hesitation among the ruling coalition to offer any trade concessions to Ukraine fearing electoral backlash.
The push for agricultural protections by these eastern EU countries reveals deep tensions within the EU as members grapple with solidarity for Ukraine amid concerns about their own economic stability. The impending negotiations will not only test the bonds of unity among EU states but also have significant ramifications for regional agricultural markets and food security.