The EU has approved a new trade agreement with Ukraine instead of a "trade visa-free regime"

The EU has approved a new trade agreement with Ukraine instead of a "trade visa-free regime"

On October 13, EU member states adopted the terms of a new trade agreement with Ukraine, which is set to replace the "trade visa-free regime," the validity of which expires in June 2025.

This was announced in a statement by the EU Council.

This decision follows the earlier agreement to revise the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) between Ukraine and the EU, reached by the European Commission and Ukraine on June 30, 2025, with the aim of creating a long-term, predictable, and mutually beneficial trade framework in the broader context of Ukraine’s EU accession process.

"Today’s decision reaffirms the unwavering and multifaceted support of the EU for Ukraine after three years of unprovoked and unjustified military aggression by Russia. We are helping Ukraine militarily and financially, but we must also assist by promoting trade liberalization," – stated Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark, which currently holds the EU Council presidency.

"Both the EU and Ukraine will benefit from the abolition of customs duties, which will lead to sustainable economic stability, strong trade relations, and further integration of Ukraine with the EU," – he added.

The position agreed upon by the EU on Monday will facilitate an increase in trade flows between the EU and Ukraine while ensuring that Ukraine’s market access will depend on its gradual alignment with EU production standards concerning animal welfare, pesticides, and veterinary drugs.

Additionally, it takes into account the specific needs of certain EU agricultural sectors by establishing a robust safeguard mechanism that either party can activate in case of market disruptions.

It also ensures that market access for the most sensitive products, such as sugar, poultry, eggs, wheat, corn, and honey, will remain more restricted. Full liberalization will only be considered for certain non-sensitive products, such as milk and dairy products.

Following the adoption of the decision by the EU Council, the EU-Ukraine Association Committee, meeting in its trade configuration, will adopt a decision within the framework of the review process in accordance with Article 29(4) of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU.