Commission proposes plan for continued facilitation of Ukraine steel imports

A new Commission regulation proposes continuing the suspension of certain parts of Regulation (EU) 2015/478 as regards imports from Ukraine into the European Union. This proposal constitutes a legal basis for the continuous suspension of the steel safeguard measure as concerns Ukraine.  

Iron and steel exports to the EU are a significant source of revenue for Ukraine. Continuing to exempt these products from steel safeguard measures would support Ukraine's economy, by helping to alleviate the difficult situation faced by Ukrainian producers and exporters because of Russia's unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression. 

The proposal will now go to the Council and European Parliament for approval. If adopted, it will ensure that Ukrainian steel exports into the EU continue to be exempt from EU steel safeguard measures even after the expiration of the EU’s temporary autonomous trade measures (ATMs).  

Background 

Since 2018, the EU has maintained provisional safeguard measures on all imports of certain steel products. The measure aims to prevent economic damage for EU steel producers.  

Ukraine has been granted an exemption to this measure, as part of the EU’s unwavering commitment to supporting the country during Russia’s illegal war of aggression. The Autonomous Trade Measures (ATM) Regulation first liberalized trade by suspending import duties, quotas and trade defence measures for imports from Ukraine on a temporary basis, starting on 4 June 2022.  

The measures were renewed for subsequent years on 6 June 2023 and 6 June 2024, with the current measures due to remain in force until 5 June 2025. The Commission is currently working on a longer-term solution which will provide economic certainty and a stable framework for trade to both Ukraine and the EU. 

For more information 

Link to proposed regulation 

EU-Ukraine trade relations