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Trade
  • News article
  • 12 June 2022
  • Geneva
  • Directorate-General for Trade
  • 1 min read

Solidarity with Ukraine: Trade ministers express support for Ukraine ahead of WTO Ministerial

Trade Ministers from the European Union and 29 other WTO members met ahead of the opening of the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva today to express their solidarity with and support for Ukraine.

In a joint statement, Ministers flagged their grave concerns about the devastating impact of the war on Ukraine’s ability to export and import, as well as the consequences of the war on global trade and food security more broadly. Ministers also expressed their willingness to facilitate market access, including transit, for Ukrainian exports.

Opening the meeting, European Commission Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis said: “The EU is taking all possible measures to support Ukraine’s economy as it struggles to maintain access to export markets while facing Russia’s aggression on its territory. The EU is leading by example: all Ukrainian exports can enter the EU duty- and quota-free, and we are setting up “Solidarity Lanes” to help get Ukrainian goods to international markets.  I am happy to see that so many trade ministers have heeded the EU’s call and are also showing their solidarity with Ukraine as we convene for the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference.  Together, we want the world to know how firmly we stand by our Ukrainian friends in these most challenging of times.”

On behalf of the Government of Ukraine, Deputy Minister and Trade Representative Taras Kachka expressed Ukraine’s gratitude for the solidarity shown at the event. He called on WTO members to support Ukrainian trade as an important factor for fostering the country’s resilience and recovery. Roksolana Pidlasa, Member of Parliament of Ukraine, was also present at the event.

Background

In addition to providing significant financial, humanitarian and military assistance, the EU has taken unprecedented steps to support Ukrainian trade following the Russian invasion. All Ukrainian imports can now enter EU completely duty- and quota-free. Any anti-dumping and safeguard measures that were imposed on Ukraine before the war have now been suspended. The European Commission has also set up “Solidarity Lanes” – concrete ways to help Ukrainian exports, notably cereals, reach their international markets despite the blockage of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports.

For more information

Joint statement

EU measures in solidarity with Ukraine

EU Trade Liberalisation Measures supporting Ukraine

EU Action Plan on 'Solidarity Lanes'

 

Details

Publication date
12 June 2022
Author
Directorate-General for Trade
Location
Geneva
Country or region
  • Ukraine
Trade topics
  • Importing into the EU