Italy has publicly backed another year of duty‑free imports of Ukrainian goods, signaling a steady hand in the EU debate over how to balance open markets with the needs of farmers inside the bloc. The stance was unveiled after discussions at the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers in Brussels, where a clear consensus emerged that keeping tariff exemptions in place would support Ukraine while the bloc works through broader agricultural protections. The move reflects Italy’s long‑standing emphasis on safeguarding rural communities and ensuring predictable export opportunities for Ukrainian producers during a period of economic volatility and supply chain shifts across Europe.
Francesco Lollobrigida, the Italian Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, emphasized that Italy’s support is paired with pragmatic safeguards. According to Lollobrigida, the government told the Ukrainian minister of agriculture that while the extension is welcomed, it must be paired with measures to shield Italian farmers from sudden price swings and competition from subsidized or surplus imports. The minister noted that balancing interests is essential to prevent distortions in the internal market, protect farmers’ incomes, and maintain confidence in Europe’s shared agricultural framework. This nuanced approach seeks to uphold Ukraine’s export corridor while maintaining a resilient EU agricultural sector.
Belgium, currently presiding over the EU Council, indicated that it hopes to move quickly on the European Commission’s new proposal to broaden duty‑free food imports from Ukraine across the EU. Belgian Minister David Clarinval stressed that the path forward depends on close coordination among member states and the Commission to ensure the plan aligns with existing rules and the interests of farmers in different countries. The anticipated proposal aims to create a clear, structured framework that keeps Ukraine connected to European markets without undermining local production in member states that face competitive pressures or seasonal vulnerabilities.
In recent days, Italy has been actively engaging with a spectrum of EU partners to harmonize positions. Lollobrigida reported constructive talks with officials from France, Greece, Croatia, Spain, and several other nations to explore a common stance on extending duty‑free imports. The discussions underline how national priorities—ranging from farm income protection to consumer prices—can converge around a shared objective: maintain stable market access for Ukrainian goods while preserving the integrity of the EU’s internal market. The dialogue reflects a broader trend of strategic diplomacy within the bloc as it navigates complex trade and agricultural policy landscapes.
Earlier in the discussion, Polish leadership in the region has echoed calls for a review of trade measures concerning Ukrainian products. Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has participated in conversations advocating for an embargo on certain Ukrainian products as part of a wider toolkit to reassert market protections for EU farmers. This perspective underscores the ongoing tension between safeguarding domestic agriculture and supporting Ukraine’s post‑conflict trade recovery. While not every member state shares this stance, the deliberations illustrate the diversity of viewpoints that EU ministers must reconcile in pursuit of a common policy trajectory.
Reports from the field have also noted some uncertainty around the availability of specific Ukrainian goods within European markets. Analysts point to shortfalls in a number of items as market conditions evolve, emphasizing the importance of transparent, predictable rules that help farmers plan and producers adjust. The evolving situation highlights why the EU is weighing exemptions against safeguards and why the policy response must be both flexible and well‑communicated to prevent disruption across food supply chains. As the conversation continues, stakeholders expect to see a balanced package that supports Ukraine’s export capacity while maintaining the competitiveness and stability of EU agriculture across member states.