Brussels to replace Ukraine trade benefits with transitional deal
The European Commission will implement a transitional regulatory measure following the expiration of Ukraine’s current duty-free trade arrangement on June 6, Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform reported on May 23.
The temporary implementing act, already approved by a special intergovernmental committee, will remain in place while the EU and Ukraine work to modernize their Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), which has been in effect since 2016.
“This implementing act was adopted by the relevant committee and is expected to take effect on June 6,” said European Commission spokesperson Balázs Ujvári in Brussels, according to Ukrinform.
Ujvári recalled that in 2022, in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the European Union adopted what it called Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs) — granting Ukraine duty-free access to EU markets and the most favorable conditions for exporters. However, unlike in previous years, the EU will not extend these measures for another term.
“Instead, we’re looking for longer-term solutions,” Ujvári said. “That’s why we’re focusing on the DCFTA, which has governed trade between Ukraine and the EU since 2016. Negotiations are ongoing to revise and modernize the agreement. Until that happens, we as a responsible institution must be prepared for transitional steps.”
The ATMs were introduced after Russia's invasion and had been extended twice, each for one year. The current regime ends on June 5, 2025, and will not be renewed.
Earlier reports noted that Poland will also cancel the European-level ATMs for Ukraine starting June 5, 2025, ending tariff-free imports of Ukrainian goods.
According to Oleksandra Avramenko, chair of the European Integration Committee of the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club (UCAB), returning to DCFTA conditions will mean the reimposition of restrictions on 30 product categories, compared to the seven currently regulated under the outgoing autonomous measures.
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