- “Thank you very much, chair. Indeed. There are questions on a number of issues. I have taken note that some more information is required on the actual numbers and the actual tariff quotas, which I will be happy to give. I've also taken note of many questions on the safeguard, how it will work, and I'll be happy to provide some more information on that as well. And of course, standards is the third point on which a number of questions has been asked. So perhaps I can start with the, um, Perhaps a few, recalling just a few of the numbers indeed of the tariff quotas. I will just try to focus on the most important one is the most sensitive products, and what I would like to do is also recall. I think it would be interesting to see how that relates indeed to the imports that we've had under the ATMs. So I have taken note that poultry has been raised a few times, and for that, I would like to recall that the current Dcfta quota is 90,000 tons and a revised Dcfta quota. In fact, it's two quotas put together will be 120,000 tons. I would also like to recall that under the ATMs, exports reached at a peak 174,000 tons. Other important products that have been mentioned are, for example, wheat. Wheat had a current quota of 1000. Sorry, 1 million tons. And there has been a limited increase, as I indicated, to 1,000,300 tons.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports
- “And it's difficult. It can be of a sectoral or a regional nature. And as I indicated, it is very important to understand that also, at the level of Member States, these difficulties, difficulties arise Disguise at the level of member states. This will allow potentially the use of the safeguard. Now, as you know, chair, we provide every two months a full report on our trade with Ukraine. So we keep a very close eye and a very constant monitoring of our trade with Ukraine, and we will continue to do so. And this includes also the European Union level and the member state level. How this will work I think the question has been asked how this will work. Of course, we have a single market, so all measures will be taken at the level of the EU. But the serious difficulties that arise even in one member state will be taken into account. Now also, questions have been made about how quick we can be about the safeguard. While the text is very clear, um, while it says that ordinarily it is one month and not less than one, sorry, not less than one month time, the text itself provides that in cases of urgency. This safeguard can be taken before one month, and I think this is important to see how much care has gone into creating a strong safeguard. And that, coupled with a constant monitoring, should ensure that we keep the situation under control.”
EU Single Market harmonisation · Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports
- “Thank you very much. Thank you, Madam Chair. I will try to explain the situation, and I can see that there are three main issues that perhaps I need, on which I need to provide some further explanation. So the first one is what happens in three weeks from now. The second is what are we doing for the future? What is the Commission's intention for the future? And that, of course, has to do with the review of the Dcfta under article 29. And the third issue is a number of concerns that have been raised. And I particularly would like to focus on one, which is the standards of production. So let me perhaps take these three issues one at a time. So the first one is what happens in three weeks from now. So what the commission has put on the table and has informed the Parliament and member states is a draft implementing act. And this draft implementing act focuses on the management of tariff rate quotas. These tariff rate quotas are the tariff rate quotas that apply in accordance with the existing agreement with Ukraine. And why has the Commission put forward This draft implementing act because realistically, we will not be able from now to the 5th of June to accomplish what is our priority, which is to review the Dcfta, reviewing the conditions and reviewing the concessions.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Ukraine relations
- “Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I am pleased to be here to update you on where we stand in terms of the agri food trade with Ukraine and Moldova after the start of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022. The EU reacted quickly by adopting unilateral autonomous trade measures to help war ravaged Ukraine as well as Moldova, which was also impacted by the war. The first autonomous trade measures were enforced for one year as of June 2022 for Ukraine, and as of July 2022 for Moldova. For Ukraine. The EU granted quota free and duty free access to the EU market for all Ukrainian agri food products for Moldova. The first trade measure granted additional duty free quantities for certain products, such as certain fruit and vegetables. With the prolongation agreed by the co-legislators in spring 2023, the autonomous trade measures provided for the possibility for the Commission to adopt an expedited safeguard measures if needed, and also provided for reinforced monitoring and reporting on the impact of imports under the autonomous trade measures on the EU market. As regards Moldova, the prolonged autonomous trade measures in 2023 granted also quota free and duty free access to the EU market for all agri food products. Finally, when the autonomous trade measures were prolonged again in spring of 2024, Reinforced safeguards for Ukraine and Moldova, as well as automatic safeguards for seven sensitive agricultural products exported by Ukraine, have been added concretely for the autonomous trade measures for both Ukraine and Moldova.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Moldova relations
- “And we have indicated in particular that we want competition with third countries to be fair. Um, I think just running quickly through the list of other questions, there were a number of questions which I believe I have replied as far as possible, of course, on the contents of the, um, of the. Of the countermeasures. And I have to say, the countermeasures are there. As I said, we we work on both sides. Our priorities negotiation that has been made very clear, and we believe in the potential and the possibility to have an agreement. This is why contacts are intensified, and we indeed lead on identification of the contacts with the United States. And, you know, they take place almost daily, even I believe, today. There are contacts today. So it's important to to underline how much this is our, um, our priority. Just trying to see quickly the the questions have been, uh, made a number of products, of which of course, we are we are extremely well aware of the sensitivity and the fact that the, um, the US market is a very important one. But I repeat, I repeat that our efforts on diversification are real. The efforts, may I add, not only of the institutions are real, but the efforts of businesses on diversification are real. And we try to partner with businesses to put in practice the diversification. I will stop here, Madam chair. Thank you very much.”
EU-US trade relations
- “And I would like to recall that under the ATMs, um, imports went up to 6 million tons, uh, both in 2023 and in 2024. Um, sugar, of course, has been mentioned. And indeed a current faced with a current quota of 20,000. The revised Dcfta quota is 100,000, but that is five times less the imports of sugar under the ATMs. So that's an 80% decrease of the imports under the ATMs. Uh, perhaps others have been mentioned. Of course others are mentioned. Ah, eggs, uh, that go from 6000 to 18,000. But, uh, as to recall that the imports were 54,000 in 2024. Honey has been mentioned where there was indeed high imports of 53,000 tons in 2024. And the revised Dcfta quota is indeed 35,000. And for the for exports, we know that exports of honey also take place outside of the tariff quota. Let me recall, perhaps, as I said, the there are quotas which remain, uh, indeed, with no modification, all the meat related quotas, red meat related quotas, um, for maize, I think it's important to recall that for maize, the quota indeed is 1 million as proposed. 1 million. And of course, the quota was indeed 11 million. So for the products that have been a number of. So I as you can see, it's not so easy to perhaps report on all the interested here accused, but I'll be happy to provide, of course, any further information that is needed on specific products, but these are the ones that are considered most sensitive.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports
- “So this is this is why, in general, we are very firm in affirming that this does not help anyone. Tariffs do not help anyone. Um, so I want to come back to the diversification, which has been raised in several interventions. Now, um, I think we have to say a few things about diversification. We are all aware, of course, that the US is currently our second export destination, but it is also true that efforts for diversification. As I indicated earlier, are already foreseen in the vision. They are ongoing and they are something that we are putting a lot of effort in and which give results. So we have seen diversification lately of products which form the bulk of our exports to the US and to the US. And then you know that they are high value products, for example, wines and spirits and of course dairy products and olive oil and other high value products. And we have seen an effort of diversification. We also have so, so exports that are efforts that are visible even today. And may I say that these products are the ones who benefit from Nick already negotiated agreement and who feature prominently in our demands in our ongoing negotiations.”
Free trade agreements (FTAs) · Export of EU agri-food products · EU-US trade relations
- “And as indicated before for other products, market access improvements were agreed to reflect a trade that has proven beneficial to both sides, notably because of complementarity of respective productions. And for these products, the increase in the quota volumes will be up to the highest level of trade from Ukraine in recent years. This is possible because these are considered less sensitive products. Some examples are butter, skimmed milk powder, malt and gluten. Oats and barley goes. Finally, for a limited number of products, full liberalisation could be offered. These include selected dairy products such as whole milk powder and fermented milk, and other products such as grape juice. And I would like to add that the EU will also benefit from improved market access conditions into Ukraine for products such as dairy, cheese, yogurt and butter, offal, fruit and vegetables, starches, hops, animal food and fish. The existing tariff rate quotas for poultry, pork and sugar will be substantially increased, and in general, all existing duties applied to you products will be either reduced or in some cases, eliminated. So I said the above demonstrates that this is a balanced agreement which continues to support Ukraine and takes account the sensitivities of our farmers, with the aim to provide much needed predictability and stability. Thank you.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · Export of EU agri-food products
- “The negotiations have resulted in a balanced agreement. The agreement allows to continue supporting Ukraine in terms of trade opportunities, and at the same time, it takes also fully into account the sensitivities of EU farmers and stakeholders. This is why for the most sensitive products such as poultry, eggs, sugar or honey. The EU concessions are particularly limited and well below the trigger volumes agreed for the latest autonomous trade measures. Other examples are the quotas for beef, sheep and pork meat, which are sensitive in most negotiations and they remain untouched. For wit. The quota revised also sees a very limited increase, well below the quantities imported under the ATMs for other products. The concessions, by and large, correspond to imported volumes over a number of recent years. We are talking here for a few products such as skim milk powder, malt and gluten, oats and barley. Goats only. The least sensitive products will be fully liberalised. Some examples are a limited number of dairy products like whole milk powder or fermented milk, or other products such as mushrooms or grape juice. But I underline once again, only the least sensitive products have benefited from full liberalisation. I also would like to underline that this is a bilateral review. This means that Ukraine agreed also to improve the market access for EU exports of agri food products that will give additional opportunities for EU producers. Ukraine will grant either full liberalisation, lower tariffs or increase the quotas for key products of interest to European farmers, notably poultry, pork and dairy.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · Export of EU agri-food products
- “Chair. The Commissioner considers that we have reached Ukraine a good and balanced agreement. While we do give additional concessions to Ukraine, these are, on one side mutual and on the other hand, limited in scope to take fully into account our sensitivities. Those sensitivities, which were of course, expressed in the context of this committee and by our stakeholders and by Member States, have been carefully taken into account into the final agreement. Overall, instead of temporary autonomous trade measures that were granted to Ukraine for the past three years, the reviewed Dcfta will bring stability and predictability for the years ahead. This is needed for farmers and stakeholders, and in particular, this is needed for EU farmers who have a right to expect such stability and predictability in our trade relations with Ukraine. I would like to say a few words, chair, if you allow also on where we are with the review of the Eu-moldova Dcfta. On the same day, the autonomous trade measures for Moldova expired on the 24th of July 2025, the Commission announced it had reached an agreement with the Moldovan authorities on the review on the revision of the Dcfta. Justice for Ukraine. This marks an important step towards building a stable, long and balanced trade relationship. Sorry long term and balanced trade relationship, especially with Moldova, also advances on its path towards EU membership.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Moldova relations
- “And of course, we are always open to listening to the to stakeholders. Um, we just yesterday, I believe the um, agreement itself was presented to stakeholders and we were able to answer all their questions. We obviously keep in close touch with stakeholders at all times. Now, um, also questions were asked, um, on, um, what happens to imports that go elsewhere that transit and go elsewhere. And let me perhaps this gives me the opportunity to say that it is a very good thing for Ukraine to be able to recover its traditional markets. As has been mentioned, Ukraine is important for food security for at the global level, and it is important that Ukraine be able to recover its traditional markets. So there is no particular change there. We have, of course, procedures and processes to understand where exports are finally counted. And of course, the Dcfta covers exports that are destined to the European Union. The question of transit is a different one, but we understand that the situation is improving. Of course, with regard to the first years after the war, and therefore Ukraine can and should be able to reach its traditional markets. Now, the questions were also asked, um, going through the um questions, questions were asked on the cumulative effect. Well, of course we always look at the cumulative effect. And you know that we periodically, um, have um, studies that look at the cumulative effect of our of our trade agreements.”
Russia-Ukraine conflict (10th term)
- “And I want to underline that what we request of Ukraine, the alignment is something that we request of nobody else of course. And this is the perspective as a future UN member states. And it is an endeavour that Ukraine will undertake in a short, relatively short period of of three years. And it constitutes a completely different approach. As I indicated, this does not mean, as I said once more, it does not imply in any way that Ukraine does not. Ukrainian imports do not need to conform with their goals. They need to. And let me say that the monitoring system that is set up in, in, in in the text itself, it's quite strong. We have a yearly reports that will allow us to ascertain that things go in the right direction, because it's important, of course, that the alignment may take some time. So it is important that we know every time, and not only at the end of the process, that things are going in the right direction. And the text, the agreement sets out a very clear procedure by which, if the Commission is not satisfied that there is enough proof of alignment, then a process can be set in motion with Ukraine, and Ukraine may provide such proof, but at the end the Commission may propose indeed that the additional preferences be suspended. So it's a strong conditionality. I will stop there. Thank you. Chair.”
EU-Ukraine relations
- “And of course, I understand that this can cause concern to farmers to see that a number of agreements are taken at the same time. But we do take that into account, of course, in the negotiations and the latest, um, uh, studies on cumulative effect, I think are quite recent. And I'll be happy, of course, to provide more information on that, of course, if necessary. Uh, now, I think if I may perhaps go to the third point rather quickly, which is the standards, a very, very important point. And I think many questions have been asked to understand, uh, when and how Ukraine is going to align and what does that mean in practice and how that will be monitored. So just to recall that this is an unprecedented, uh, approach that we have in this agreement, it is nowhere else in any other agreement. And this is made in the context of the perspective of Ukraine. Both Ukraine and I should add, Moldova, of course, as future EU members. And in this context, a strong alignment was possible and a strong alignment and in a realistic time frame, which is 2028. Let me underline, however, that aside from the alignment, which means that the production standards themselves have to be aligned on EU standards, it is clear, of course, that all imports have to conform to our rules. So these are two separate questions.”
EU enlargement · EU-Moldova relations
- “As I indicated, this list is put out there for public consultation. And public consultation is not a formal, but it is a real process that allows the Commission to understand what are the sensitivities and what are the areas which could actually impact the European Union. So that's where this discussion takes place. And may I say that we have proven in the past also in as regards the discussion on the previous list of countermeasures on steel and tariffs, that the Commission is indeed capable of listening to the points that are made as regards the potential effect, for example, of imports of necessary imports. And some of them have been mentioned today. And may I say that we are extremely mindful of the importance for, um, some particular sectors and some particular regions of the EU, of the export to European Union. And this is why we work hard and we keep in mind the negotiated result is the best for all, because we consider that where trade is made on a mutually beneficial basis, that certainly, um, certainly is to the benefit of all rather than trying to use tariffs to. Reorient or indeed try to compensate for competitiveness issues. May I come back to the competitiveness? This is very important indeed. And in the vision, we have made a number of points that concern competitiveness. Indeed, on the on the side of our internal policies, but also on the side of our external policies.”
Competitiveness matrix
- “Chair. I will be fully present the main market access changes. And as you know, we try to find the right balance between the need to support Ukraine on one side and the sensitivities of certain EU agricultural sectors, for which concerns were expressed by member states and farmers. So for the most sensitive products, the EU market access is improved with respect to existing excuse, but the additional access offered is limited compared to the peaks in imports during the autonomous trade measures. And I will make, with your permission, a few examples of sensitive products. The first one is sugar and the sugar. The new quota will be 100,000 tonnes. This does constitute an increase with respect to the current year, an admittedly modest one, but it does represent a considerable decrease from the record trade levels of 2023. Other examples are the X quotas, which are fixed at 18,000 tonnes. Poultry indeed another sensitive product. The quota will be increased from the current 90,000 tonnes to 120,000 tonnes once more. This is a significant, um, significantly lower level compared to the tonnes imported in 2023. On wheat, there is an increase from the current quota of 1 million to 1.3 million. And just as an example, this does represent a decrease in imports. The current levels very recent levels are 6.5 million tons. Another sensitive product is honey, for which a tariff quota of 35,000 tonnes will be offered.”
Import of agri-food products in the EU · Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports
- “And indeed thank you, chair, with your permission. Indeed, we report regularly to the Council and the Parliament on, uh, on the trade exchanges, um, on a regular basis. So if I may, I will just come back to a few questions. More concerning market access. So there were a few questions and a few numbers indeed on the on the quotas and the to accuse the new tax versus the old tax. And in fact, I myself quoted some numbers. And I think it's interesting to see, for example, the the question of the balance becomes apparent if we look at the numbers from both sides. For example, for sugar, as I indicated, the quota that is on the table is 100,000. That does represent, um, an increase on the small quota of 20,000 that is today. But the market the maximum, the exports were five times this amount. So I think it's important to see that the work and the balance has been done with the interests of farmers in mind, and also on the basis of the concerns of member States. The same, for example, for honey, which was another one that was quoted currently the uh, the um quota that is on the table corresponds to about half of the imports that are currently there, which are also out of quota. Um, so the situation, as you can see, the balance to achieve is uh, changes in many cases from product to product. But in every case we try to achieve it. Another good example, which I quoted myself is wheat that is constitutes an 80% decrease, uh, the quota that we put on the table with respect to, um, recent uh, in imports.”
Import of agri-food products in the EU · Export of EU agri-food products
- “At the same time, the reinforced safeguards contributed to ensuring orderly trade relations with Ukraine, in particular for the seven products subject to automatic safeguards. The current autonomous trade measures for Ukraine and Moldova will expire in the coming weeks, and precisely on the 5th of June for Ukraine and on the 24th of July for Moldova, when the current trade measures, the autonomous trade measures for Ukraine, were adopted. The Commission was very clear that it was committed to pursue mutual tariff liberalisation with Ukraine under article 29 of the EU Ukraine Association Agreement, which of course foresees a review of the trade conditions. This remains the firm intention of the Commission, and the Commission will do its utmost to conclude this process as soon as possible. Indeed, it is not possible to continue renewing, as the Commission has indicated, this unilateral autonomous trade measures. Farmers and stakeholders on both sides need predictability to plan ahead. Nevertheless, given the timing constraints, the Commission is also looking into possible measures in case the Ukraine Dcfta review negotiations are not finalised and applied by the 6th of June, when the terms of the Dcfta will again apply to imports from Ukraine. At the end of the autonomous measures that I have just indicated. To this end, on the 8th of May, the Commission services shared with the European Parliament and the member states. A draft implementing regulation, which is necessary to allow imports from Ukraine to continue under the preferential conditions of the currently applicable Dcfta, and this until a revised Dcfta is in force, as is the Commission's intention, as I have indicated previously, thereby ensuring a smooth transition from the autonomous trade measures when these expire on the 5th of June.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Ukraine relations
- “May I underline we are looking at reviewing reciprocal concessions between Ukraine and the European Union. But realistically, this is our intention. And this is the Commission has declared this since 2024. And this is an ongoing process to which I will come back in a minute. But realistically, as I said, we have a timing constraint on the 5th of June. The current autonomous trade measures, so the current trade liberalisation measures will expire. We therefore need to ensure that we have the correct legal means to manage the tariff quotas, which will become applicable again on the 6th of June. And this this is the intention and the content of the draft Implementing act that the Commission has communicated to the Parliament and to Member States. Perhaps, just to give you a little bit more information about the content of the draft Implementing Act. It foresees that a quantity is made available for operators for the 40 tariff quotas that exist under the current trade regime. And this quantity that is made available for operators is the equivalent of 7/12 of an annual quantity. This is logical because this quantity is supposed to cover the period from June to December. It also lays down some rules for how these will be managed. There's a number of technical reasons for that, but that's because we need to have rules, and operators need to know how they can access these quantities.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Ukraine relations
- “Now, if the autonomous trade measures are not prolonged, then starting from the 6th of June, as I indicated, the current conditions will apply. But what is our approach for the future? Well, the intention of the commission is to attempt to finalize the conversations, which are ongoing at an early stage. May I underline with the with Ukraine the intention to finalize it as early as possible? But there are some important points that I want to underline in the approach that the Commission is taking to these negotiations. And they are they connect to the third point which has been raised, which is the question of production standards. We are looking at our negotiations with Ukraine in the context and with a view to accession. Ukraine is destined to become a member, a member state of the European Union and in that context to Ukraine, is already engaged in a process of alignment with EU production standards and, of course, with EU laws and acquis in general. So we can see that all these elements go in the same direction. We have a perspective of you as a member state of sorry, of Ukraine, as a future member state, and for that we have the engagement of Ukraine to conform to our production standards. But we also have concerns now that have been expressed in the meantime as to the trade that should also take place on the basis of these conditions being applied also in Ukraine.”
EU enlargement · Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Ukraine relations
- “And this is an engagement that Ukraine, we believe Ukraine is ready to take. So this will be an important component of the negotiation to come. The second important component, may I add, is that we currently have safeguards that characterize our trade regime. That is also an important aspect of our future negotiations. So maybe that is reassuring to know that we have we are taking into account the concerns and the considerations that have been expressed by stakeholders, of course, by the Parliament and indeed by member States and in particular the member States, which are most exposed because of geographical reasons. And I think I want to underline that this is our approach for the future. So I hope I have made correctly the distinction now for you, because what between what is about to happen for I don't want to say technical reasons, but we are bound to allow imports under the current conditions to take place from the 6th of June for a period of time, which we hope will be short as possible, because the aim is once more to come rapidly to a revised Dcfta with new conditions which are good for Ukraine and are good for the European Union and European Union farmers. Thank you chair.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Ukraine relations
- “Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I will try today to provide the latest updates concerning the succession of fast moving developments on US tariffs, the implications of some of which are not yet fully clear. I will also recall the position of the European Commission, which is one of privileging negotiations and standing firm to defend our interests. Over the past decades, the economic relationship between the EU and the US has been immensely important with transatlantic trade, including on agri foods creating jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. Consumers have benefited from some exchanges and businesses have experienced growth. But as you are of course aware, the US has unilaterally increased its import duties on EU goods, including agri food goods. It has, moreover, indicated that further increases may apply, and I will try now to make a brief summary of where we stand. The US currently applies tariffs on steel and aluminium. Those tariffs were 25%. But the recent announcement on which I will come back says indicates that they will be raised to 50%. The US also applies tariffs on car, cars and car parts. On the 2nd of April, the US announced the tariffs on all products and all countries would be applied for the EU. An increase to 20% for all products was initially announced on the 2nd of April, but is currently suspended until the 9th of July. The 9th of July a tariff of 10%. An additional tariff, may I add of 10% percent carry applies to all EU products. There are two more recent developments the announcement of an increase to 50%, initially foreseen for the 1st of June but also postponed to 9th July.”
EU-US trade relations
- “Now, as regards the latest developments, the European Commission has also expressed its regret regarding its recent announcement, indicating the US intention to impose a 50% tariffs on all products, as well as a second, even more recent announcements indicating that the tariffs on steel and aluminium would be increased to 50%. Such declarations introduce additional destabilisation and uncertainty to an already challenging situation for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. Following a call between president for the Lion and President Trump. The additional tariffs of 50% on all EU products envisaged originally for the 1st of June, are suspended until the 9th of July. The European Commission, in this complex context, has been very clear that we privilege a mutually beneficial agreement with the US, and we are committed to constructive and focused efforts in this sense. There is constant contact at the level of the Commissioner for trade with his counterparts to steer our mutual engagement. Coming now to even more recent developments, two court judgments in the US struck down the tariffs announced on 2nd April on all products from all countries, including the EU, and this with regard to all third countries. The EU's as the US administration immediately appealed the rulings and was granted its request for an immediate administrative stay. As a consequence, it appears that the tariffs concerned continue to be applied for now, while the cases continue to be litigated in front of the courts. Further clarity may emerge in the coming days. So while all the options remain on the table from the EU, including possible countermeasures, our preferred option clearly is to arrive to a mutually acceptable agreement for both the EU and the US.”
EU-US relations · EU-US trade relations
- “At the same time, and in such an unstable and unpredictable environment, we are looking at the opportunity for exports in other third countries. And indeed, you may recall that diversification is one of the key actions envisaged in the vision for agriculture and food. As you know, the EU is currently engaged in substantial preferential trade agreements with nearly 80 countries. And we will explore all options to enhance this relationship and support the relevant sector in diversifying their trade. And this is actions that have already started with some of our partners trading partners. In addition, the EU is currently negotiating or finalising agreements worldwide, including of course with Mercosur, including the modernisation of the Mexico Agreement and of course, negotiations with India, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia. Another element we are closely monitoring is the necessity to avoid EU markets having to absorb global overcapacity because of changes in trade flows as a result of the US measures, and of an uncertain trade framework in general. So we are very vigilant about this as well. To summarize then, Madam Chair, we have made a commitment following the call between the two presidents to accelerate talks and negotiate a good deal in the interest of both the EU and the US. That is our priority right now. But the work on the defensive side also continues to be prepared in case the negotiations are not satisfactory. And at the same time, as I indicated, we are looking at alternatives where needed for our trade of agri food. Thank you, Madam Chair.”
Free trade agreements (FTAs) · Export of EU agri-food products · EU-US trade relations
- “And as I indicated before, a separate announcement of an increase of 50% of steel and aluminum tariffs and even more recently, a number of US court cases. And I will try to describe the the content of these court cases and the consequences. Uh, in a minute. These tariff increases. Let me be very clear, are unjustified and they cause economic harm on both sides of the Atlantic. Tariffs could indeed affect negatively EU exports to the US and EU farmers and agri food businesses could indeed be impacted. The tariffs are also expected to impact the US economy negatively. I will try to summarize briefly the US reaction, the reaction of the EU. So first, the Commission has prepared a list of countermeasures for the US steel and aluminium tariffs. The Commission reacted to the announcement by President Trump putting the 20% tariffs on hold by suspending the entry into force of such countermeasures of the countermeasures for steel and aluminium for 90 days. In this way, the Commission has given a clear signal that the European Union not only wants to give negotiations a chance, but that it is ready to advance swiftly and decisively. The Commission has already prepared a second list of possible countermeasures, currently in public consultation, to counterbalance the universal tariffs originally announced on the 2nd of April, which apply to all products. The inclusion at this stage of any products in the consultation does not prejudge, of course, the inclusion of the products in a potential list of countermeasures. This is a phase of public consultation.”
EU-US trade relations
- “Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I think the comments that are very wide ranging, illustrating the complexity of the nature of the situation we find ourselves in, and that, as I illustrated, the Commission is navigating with one priority in mind, and the priority is to have a negotiated outcome for the benefit indeed, of, first of all, of European businesses and of course, farmers. But we believe to the benefit of businesses on both sides of the Atlantic, businesses and citizens on both sides of the Atlantic. So let me reiterate that this is a priority, and the work on this is ongoing. And reference has been made indeed to Commissioner Sefcovic, who is leading the work, of course, with his US counterparts. And of course, the president has also intervened, as I recalled earlier. So this is indeed, I think, the all the various elements that have been raised indeed underscore and underline the complexity of the situation. I think I would like to highlight perhaps a few things. The fact that, uh, the, um, tariffs, as they are today, they hurt the global economy and they hurt the economy, of course, of the EU and other third countries, but also of the American economy. And they hurt businesses. Businesses need predictability and stability, and it's clear that this is what is missing at the moment. And I want to come back to that in a moment on what we have perceived and seen as potential consequences. And may I say, many of the consequences which have been evoked today are exactly the consequence of an of an uncertainty and a lack of predictability, which prevents investments, which prevents, uh, expansion and growth and which may even affect well-established, um, trade patterns.”
EU-US trade relations
- “The Council has already adopted a decision endorsing the Dcfta with Moldova. In fact, last week on the 18th of September, this allowed the EU and Moldova to formally adopt this decision on the 19th of December. And I'm glad to say that this was, if I understand, correctly published today. The new trade regime will then enter into force on the 4th of October. And I have to say, this is indeed a very, very fast procedure that has been undertaken for Moldova. While most Moldovan exports already benefit from duty free access under the existing EU Moldova Association Agreement, the revised terms offer further opportunities for both sides while taking into account also here EU sensitivities. Once again, new market access for Moldovan products is conditional on the gradual alignment of Moldova to the relevant EU production standards, such as the use of pesticides. This approach is once more consistent with the logic of Moldova's EU accession process and the adoption of the EU acquis. Once more, there is a conditionality linked to the alignment to EU production standards, and also, in the case of Moldova, there is a strong safeguard clause to address potential negative impacts of further imports from Moldova, and in this case, the review clause is set for 2027 to take into account market trends, as well as Moldova's progress towards EU alignment and market integration, while catering also in the review for EU sensitivities. Thank you chair.”
EU enlargement · Free trade agreements (FTAs) · EU-Moldova relations
- “Thank you. Thank you very much. Chair. Honourable members. The negotiations with Ukraine to review the Eu-ukraine Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area took place in June. As you know, and an agreement in principle was reached with our Ukrainian counterparts on 30th June. I'm happy to be here today to update you again on the state of play, and indeed on the latest developments, and I'll be very happy to give you both the state of the procedure and some details on the content of the market access provisions, as well as already mentioned by you, chair, the safeguards provisions and the alignment provisions that our agreement contains. Since the conclusion of the negotiations, both the EU and Ukraine have taken steps towards formally endorsing the reviewed Dcfta on the EU side. The approval process is ongoing, and we hope that the Council will shortly endorse the outcome of the negotiation. We understand this may be a matter of days or at most weeks once. Also the internal procedure in Ukraine will be completed. The agreement will at that stage be able to be formally adopted by the Eu-ukraine Association Committee in its trade configuration. Subsequently, it shall enter into force on the 15th day following the date of adoption of this decision. So we've had the opportunity indeed to to keep the European Parliament and this Committee informed on previous occasions. And this is why now I want to talk a little bit about the content of the agreement.”
Free trade agreements (FTAs) · Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Ukraine relations
- “And what is interesting is also that, uh, Ukraine had other traditional markets before. And here is the question that was raised about the fact that we would have flanking measures to help Ukraine recover, recover their traditional markets. And this is to everybody's benefit, just, uh, uh, on the, uh, member states, on the neighboring member states. In fact, I think it's important to see that many of the, um, farmers interests that have taken that we have taken into account in this balancing are of different interest is for, uh, indeed, farmers that come from neighboring member states. And the safeguard itself can be used also based on the analysis of the effect, not only at the level of the European Union, but also on the level of one or more member states. Uh, just a very last point. There is a question on how we would ensure that the conditionality is achieved, how we would check that the, uh, uh, standards are followed. There is a whole process that is put in place where there would be regular reports. And if the Commission is not satisfied that the alignment has taken place and the standards are respected and the whole process will come, where in fact Ukraine will have the possibility, and sometime to ensure that that is the case and to convince the Commission. So the entire process is there to ensure that the standards are effectively applied. Thank you chair.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
- “In line with its accession perspective, Ukraine has agreed to align to important EU production standards on areas such as animal welfare, veterinary medicines, feed additives and plant protection products by 2028. It is important, of course, to keep track of Ukraine's progress in the alignment, and for this reason Ukraine will submit annual reports to the Commission and by 2028, a final report. The Commission will keep, of course. This matter fully under review. If the EU assesses that the alignment is not satisfactory, it may reverse all or part of the preferences as granted in this review. So, as you can see, the alignment is linked to the preferences given. I would like to go to the third key component of this balanced agreement. The agreement contains also a strong safeguard, which can be activated in case the additional imports from Ukraine would cause serious difficulties, either in the EU as a whole or on the market of one or several member states. So I would like to underline these two points. There is a wide definition of the difficulties that can cause the activation of the safeguard. And on the other hand, the difficulties can be present either at the level of the whole of the EU or even at the level of one or more Member states. Now, to reflect the dynamic nature of Ukraine trade, and to reflect, of course, changing considerations and situations, both parties agreed to review the situation in 2028 to conclude on Ukraine.”
EU enlargement · Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Ukraine relations
- “This draft, Implementing Regulation accordingly lays down the management for all current Dcfta tariff quotas on a pro-rata basis. So 7/12 of the yearly volume will be made available as from the 6th of June. This is indeed a logical approach as this period runs from June to December, so seven months. This is a short term transitional import regime that will be applicable until the results of the ongoing review of tariff liberalization under article 29 comes into force. And this, as I keep repeating, remains the priority for the Commission. And of course, at this moment we need to honour our obligations under the currently applicable bilateral agreement with Ukraine and Ukraine. Therefore, should, of course, be allowed to continue exporting agrifood products to the EU market under the conditions that derive from the Dcfta in force. And this is exactly what this draft implementing regulation aims to do. And once more, until the review of the Dcfta is agreed and ready to be implemented. But the timing constraints have made us put this implementing act on the table. Thank you, Madam Chair.”
Free trade agreements (FTAs) · Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Ukraine relations
- “These reinforced safeguards provisions included the possibility to assess the adverse impact of imports under the autonomous trade measures, not only at EU level, but also at the level of one or more member states. In addition, the current autonomous trade measures for Ukraine include also automatic safeguard, as I indicated on this point. The European Parliament and the Council decided in May 2024 that such automatic safeguards would cover seven products, which are eggs, poultry and sugar, as well as maize, honey, oats and goats, and that the trigger to activate this automatic safeguard would be set at the yearly average imports over a period calculated over a period from July 2021 to December 2023. For the year 2024. The yearly average was was calculated in full for the period from the 1st of January 2025 to the 5th of June 2025, which is the period about to expire. The trigger represents 5/12 of that yearly average. All these safeguard measures, Madam Chair, were added to address the concerns of EU stakeholders, especially in neighbouring Member States, on the potential impact of imports from Ukraine. And if we look backwards, the autonomous trade measures, together with the Solidarity Lanes initiative, have helped Ukraine as well as Moldova to continue New exporting, as well as to continue contributing to global food security despite the war. In this context, it is, of course, crucial for Ukraine to keep open its traditional export routes via the Black Sea.”
Import of agri-food products in the EU · Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports
- “So this is the content of the draft implementing Act. And we are doing it because logically and realistically, we will not be able to accomplish what is our main, uh, main objective, which is to review the current conditions of the, uh, of the trade agreement with Ukraine. Now, let me come to the second point, which is what is the approach for the future? As I indicated before, the idea is to review the conditions and to renegotiate the conditions with Ukraine, because this is a bilateral agreement and we will negotiate with our trading partners, which is again, we are not. I repeat, we are not prolonging the current autonomous trade measures. That would only be possible, of course, with an act of the Parliament and the Council. That is not the intention of the Commission to propose such an act. And why is that? Because there are concerns on the on the point of view of stakeholders and the point of view of European farmers. And I think it is important to understand that these concerns, it is the intention of the Commission to take them fully into account. And this is why this has long since has long been the position of the Commission, that it will not propose a prolongation of the autonomous trade measures.”
EU-Ukraine relations