Criticism of Kyiv: EU is undermining the Ukrainian economy
The head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Economic Issues, Dmytro Natalukha, spoke sharply about the European Union's decision to cancel duty-free import of Ukrainian goods. According to him, this decision undermines Ukraine's economy and its ability to conduct military operations.
"An idiotic situation"
Natalukha told Euractiv that returning to pre-war customs duties would reduce the volume of products supplied by 70% this year. He believes that such a decision would put Ukraine in an "idiotic position" since the country would have to ask the EU for financial assistance instead of earning money from foreign trade. According to Natalukha, this is a distorted situation that turns Ukraine into a beggar.
Consequences for Ukraine
According to Natalukha, the cancellation of benefits will provoke a recession and seriously weaken the country's economic ability to continue military operations.
Reasons for the EU decision
The European publication Euractiv links the EU's change of approach to internal economic and political problems that remain unresolved. Despite promises of support, European countries avoid final decisions, creating uncertainty for Kyiv.
Exports to Europe under threat
The abolition of the preferential regime that has been in effect for agricultural products since 2022 will be a serious blow to Ukraine. The Ukrainian economy is heavily dependent on exports to Europe.
The European Union previously suspended customs duties on goods imported from Ukraine. However, in recent weeks, amid protests by European farmers, mainly from Poland, the possibility of restoring tariffs has been discussed.
According to European publications, the return of duties could have a significant impact on the Ukrainian economy. Special trade preferences that have been in effect until now will be cancelled.
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