Emmanuel Macron, alongside other EU leaders, has sparked controversy by pushing for stricter measures against Ukraine’s duty-free access to the European Union.
France and Poland, supported by Hungary and Slovakia, have opposed the compromise deal proposed by the Belgian Council presidency and the European Parliament, citing concerns that the restrictions on grain and honey imports were insufficient.
At the recent European Council (EUCO) summit, Macron, along with Donald Tusk, also successfully persuaded Austria and Italy to either abstain or vote against extending Ukraine’s tariff-free privileges, a move that has drawn both praise and criticism within diplomatic circles.
“Macron and Tusk are all about the pro-Ukrainian rhetoric but have no problem to take away the one option Ukrainians have to get some economic activity going,” an EU diplomat told Politico.
“So these leaders are ready to pay Ukraine €50billion with one hand and take away their income with the other hand. I think the Catholics call it robbing Peter to pay Paul.”
The decision to restrict Ukrainian agricultural sales has significant implications, with estimations suggesting a loss of over €1billion annually for Ukraine.
While the move is seen as a victory for the EU’s farming lobby, which has successfully lobbied for measures to shield them from competition, it raises questions about the bloc’s commitment to supporting Ukraine amid pressure from interest groups.
Ukrainian farmers emerge as clear losers, facing substantial revenue losses.
Additionally, European consumers may experience reduced supply and increased food prices, further exacerbating food price inflation within the EU.
