Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Economy, Taras Kachka, has warned the European Union of possible trade consequences if trade relations with Kyiv are not properly addressed. Otherwise, retaliation should be expected.
Deputy Minister Kachka expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of negotiations regarding Ukraine’s extended duty-free access to the EU market. According to Politico, he suggested that Ukraine is prepared to retaliate if certain countries, including Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary, continue to block the negotiations.
Kachka emphasized that the lack of progress could force Ukraine to take measures to balance trade relations. “These decisions will be the least pleasant for the countries that are currently politically slowing down free trade negotiations,” he said during a public appearance.
According to Politico, Ukraine imports more from the EU than it exports, leaving a trade surplus in favor of the Union. The deputy minister noted that any trade conflict could harm European businesses more than Ukraine, as European exporters sell more goods to Ukraine than they import from it.
Taras Kachka has previously threatened to sue Poland at the World Trade Organization over Poland’s embargo on Ukrainian grain. Jacek Zarzecki from the Polish Sustainable Beef Platform commented that Kachka „confused courage with a counterweight.” The deputy minister also suggested the possibility of aggressive actions against Polish transport companies.
