The European Commission says it will take into account Ukraine’s “special and very difficult current situation” when determining country-specific steel import quotas under the EU’s upcoming post-safeguard regime. This comes amid concerns over the potential impact on Ukrainian steel exports, Kallanish notes.
“Ukraine remains an important steel importer to the EU, and we are making sure it can benefit from a special quota and that its exports to the EU can continue, even if at a lower level than in previous years,” Commission chief spokesperson Paula Pinho said on Monday. “During the negotiations and when taking the decision on the exact quota, we will of course take into account the special and very difficult current situation in Ukraine.”
The comments came in response to questions regarding the impact on Ukraine of the EU’s planned measures aimed at restricting steel imports amid global overcapacity.
On Tuesday, the European Parliament plenary voted in favour of the proposed steel trade regulation intended to replace the current safeguard measure from 1 July. The regulation must now receive formal approval from the Council before entering into force.
Ukraine’s situation as a candidate country with special security concerns will be considered when negotiating country quota allocations, the regulation document confirms.
Asked about the timeline for negotiations with trading partners, Pinho noted: “We are working against the clock. So, the objective is to have the implementing act ready by 1 July when the current steel safeguards expire.”
