Europe Day 2025 – What is the position regarding Ukraine?

On 8 April 2024, the European Union renewed the Autonomous Trade Measures (ATM) for Ukraine until 5 June 2025. This renewal has allowed Ukraine to continue generating income fr om its trade flows with the EU, which has proven to be essential for supporting its economy. Together with the EU’s extensive military, financial, and humanitarian support, the continuation of trade has played a significant role in helping Ukraine, especially in its gradual integration into the EU internal market.

The official statement at the time declared that:
“This renewal reaffirms the EU’s unwavering political and economic support for Ukraine, after two years of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression.”

However, the situation in Ukraine has not improved since 2024. Despite this, the Union’s approach has shifted: the renewal of the ATM is no longer on the agenda. Instead, the current focus lies on establishing an agreement based on Article 29 of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. This article involves a complex and lengthy process to re-negotiate the schedule of tariff reduction or elimination.

For the EDA, the position remains clear: EU stand with Ukraine. Together with Ukrainian dairy partners, we renew our call for the long-term implementation of the ATMs for milk and dairy products, incorporating safeguard clauses wh ere necessary. We advocate for the lasting integration of the Ukrainian dairy sector into the European Single Market.

“The prolongation of the ATMs beyond 5 June 2025 is, beyond all economic considerations, a political imperative. The arguments presented by the Union for the 2024 prolongation are today more valid than ever. There is an urgent need for action at European Union level,”
stated EDA Secretary General Alexander Anton.