n Commission has proposed applying unilateral temporary customs advantages for Ukraine. These advantages, which are contained in the partnership and free trade agreement with that country, will be implemented before the document is signed, as an urgent measure to support Ukraine's ailing economy.The decision pending ratification by the European Parliament, which must occur before the Parliament dissolves for the European elections, will allow Ukraine to enter its fruit and vegetables, mainly from the summer harvest, into the EU without paying tariffs. This will save the country some 400 million Euro.
This decision will benefit 82.2 percent of Ukraine's agricultural exports and will establish quotas for cereals and other products such as pork, beef and chicken. There will also be constant monitoring to see that European producers are not adversely affected by this unilateral action.
The European Commissioner for Trade, Karel De Gucht, has stated that the Ukrainian Autonomous Region of Crimea, which is controlled by pro-Russian forces, was also part of Ukraine, so it will also benefit from the tariff reductions. "The rules of origin, however, will have to be respected to avoid abuses from third countries. Hence, any Russian products sent by Crimea will be excluded from the tariff exemption."
The Commissioner stressed that this solution didn't replace the free trade agreement that the EU and Ukraine are seeking and that it would only be in effect until November 1, when the FTA should have been signed.
