EU may extend “visa-free trade” for steel and iron from Ukraine for three years
5.05.2025 - 16:00
The vote on the introduction of a preferential regime for exports of steel and iron from Ukraine is to take place on May 8.
This is stated in the draft legislative resolution of the European Parliament, writes European Truth.
On May 8, the European Parliament will vote in favor of the introduction of a preferential regime for exports of steel and iron from Ukraine after the general autonomous trade preferences for Ukrainian exports to the EU (the so-called “visa-free trade”) expire on June 6, 2025.
The draft legislative resolution of the European Parliament concerns the extension of the simplified import regime for Ukrainian steel and iron after June 5, 2025.
“Ukraine still remains a major exporter of iron and steel, despite the fact that the war has led to the destruction or occupation of many production facilities. Therefore, it remains necessary to maintain the suspension of Regulation (EU) 2015/478 on common rules for imports. This suspension is and will remain the legal basis for the suspension of the current EU safeguard measure on steel products (regarding such imports from Ukraine) within the framework of EU support,” the European Commission’s explanatory memorandum to the draft document stated.
In order to ensure the continuation of trade liberalization measures for Ukraine after the expiry of the autonomous trade preferences for Ukraine on June 5, 2025, it is necessary for the proposed Regulation to enter into force on June 6, 2025.
It is proposed to introduce preferences for Ukrainian iron and steel for a period of three years.
It should be noted that if the vote in the European Parliament is successful, the legislative resolution must be approved by the EU Council and will enter into force after official publication.
