Ireland is reportedly considering aligning with Poland in an effort to obstruct extensions to tariff-free access for certain Ukrainian imports into the European Union. This stems from concerns raised by Polish farmers and a Ukraine-EU trade proposition.
In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU had exempted import duties on agricultural products, thus providing Ukraine with wider access to the European market to bolster its devastated economy. However, this favourability on Ukrainian grain trading and other commodities has been resisted by Poland and France, following farmer protests claiming their products are being undercut.
Recently, the European Council and the European Parliament agreed on a compromise to extend the access for Ukrainian goods for another year. The agreement includes safeguards to prevent market flooding brought by import surge. This compromise is set to be voted on by EU member state ambassadors on Monday.
Ireland initially backed this compromise but is speculated to have reconsidered and is now leaning towards Poland’s stance. It is understood that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar had been lobbied by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on the issue at the recent EU summit in Brussels.
Poland has voiced discomfort over angering farmers with tariff-free entry of Ukrainian imports, fearing this could disturb solidarity with Ukraine amidst the war. In reaction to this, an Irish source mentioned a decision to support Poland’s stance during the vote. However, the Irish administration indicates the decision is still under consideration, noting that cogent arguments exist on both sides.
Farmers’ protests throughout Europe have overwhelmingly influenced EU political agendas in recent months. Opinion polls indicating an increase in far-right party support in various countries have prompted action to address farmers’ grievances, particularly with the impending European Parliament elections in June.
Should the proposal to prolong Ukraine’s current trade access fail to accumulate sufficient ambassadorial support on Monday, it’s likely to return for renegotiation. Regardless, sources say efforts to continue the suspension of Ukrainian goods’ tariffs are expected, incorporating legislative protections to maintain current EU farmers’ pricing.
Current exemptions on Ukrainian goods tariffs risk expiration in June if a continuity agreement isn’t agreed upon. The current proposal provides an ’emergency brake’, effectively capping certain imports like poultry, eggs and oats by reintroducing tariffs if Ukraine-EU supply surges.