The European Commission has proposed further tariffs on a range of agricultural products and fertiliser from Russia and Belarus in an effort to further reduce imports and ultimately impact Moscow’s ability to wage its war against Ukraine.
The Commission, in a statement on Tuesday, said the agricultural products affected by the new tariffs constitute 15 per cent of agricultural imports from Russia in 2023 that had not yet been subject to increased tariffs.
According to the Commission, once adopted by the Council, all agricultural imports from Russia would be the subject of EU tariffs.
The Commission reiterated that the aim of the new tariffs was to reduce dependence on imports from Russia and Belarus, which make the European Union vulnerable to potential coercive actions by Russia and thus present a risk to EU food security.
The EU’s executive arm further stated that the measures would also support growth of the fertiliser industry within the bloc and allow for the diversification of supply from third countries.
It stressed that the proposal includes mitigating measures in case prices increase too much for EU farmers.
“These tariffs are carefully calibrated to serve multiple goals.
“We aim to weaken further Russia’s war economy, while reducing EU dependencies, supporting our industry, and preserving global food security.
“We will take every step necessary to protect our fertilisers industry and farmers,” EU Trade Commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič said.
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