European Commission Extends Import Duty Waivers for Ukrainian Goods and Refines Latvia’s Energy Support Strategy
The European Commission has renewed the temporary import duty exemptions for a further year, maintaining the policy on key agricultural imports from Ukraine. The measures, which cover wheat, corn, rapeseed and sunflower seed, will remain in effect for Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia until 15 September next year, according to an official EC statement cited by TASS.
The announcement underscores the EU’s continued effort to stabilize regional markets while supporting Ukrainian trade arrangements within the current framework. By keeping these reliefs in place, the bloc signals near-term continuity for traders and farmers who rely on predictable tariff conditions as they navigate the evolving energy and agricultural sectors.
Separately, the European Commission outlined a plan for Latvia to scale back certain energy subsidies as part of broader fiscal adjustments. The decision is aimed at narrowing the national budget gap while safeguarding macroeconomic resilience. Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice-President of the European Commission for an Economy that works for people, conveyed the stance on Latvia’s fiscal strategy within the context of ongoing EU economic coordination.
Officials noted that Latvia does not face a macroeconomic violation at present. Nonetheless, improvements in competitiveness and a tighter labor market are prompting a reassessment of public expenditure. The emphasis appears to be on directing available finance toward small and medium enterprises, with an eye toward sustaining growth, job creation and long-term economic stability.