EU May End Ukraine’s Trade Benefits in June, Proposes New Deal

The European Union will reportedly not extend its current Autonomous Trade Measures (ATM) for Ukraine beyond June 5, 2025, and plans to revert to pre-war trade conditions.

According to European Pravda on April 9, citing senior EU official familiar with the negotiations, Brussels does not intend to introduce new unilateral trade preferences for Ukraine immediately after the current package expires.

The measures in question, introduced in 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, included tariff-free access for a broad range of Ukrainian goods. These preferences, along with restrictions on specific sensitive products such as poultry, eggs, and honey, will reportedly end on June 6.

“Starting June 6, the autonomous trade measures granted to Ukraine after the Russian invasion will expire. Both the preferential conditions and existing restrictions on several categories of Ukrainian exports will be lifted,” the official said.

However, the EU is reportedly considering maintaining certain trade benefits for select Ukrainian goods, such as steel. Discussions are also underway to amend Article 29 of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, which provides a framework for mutual tariff liberalization, according to European Pravda.

A spokesperson for the European Commission confirmed that the EU executive is finalizing a proposal under Article 29 and will present it to Ukraine in the near future.

The aim, according to the spokesperson, is to “ensure economic stability and predictability for farmers and businesses in both Ukraine and the EU,” while supporting Ukraine’s wartime economy and facilitating a smooth transition after the expiration of the ATM package.

The Commission emphasized that it is aware of concerns raised by EU member states and farmers regarding sensitive agricultural imports and intends to consult with Ukraine on mutually beneficial terms.

Earlier, Ukraine and the EU signed a series of agreements in Brussels, including a €300 million funding package from the European Investment Bank to restore critical infrastructure, and deals on Ukraine’s participation in EU space programs and the Joint Procurement Agreement for medical supplies.

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