Poland announced the cancellation from June 5, 2025 of the European mechanism of autonomous trade measures (ATZ), which allowed duty-free import of Ukrainian goods. This was stated by Prime Minister Donald Tusk during a speech in the Diet. informs RMF24.
He emphasized that, despite the desire to support Ukraine in the war against Russia, this should not happen at the expense of Polish producers, especially farmers.
“From June 5, this mechanism will not exist. We are returning to the pre-war situation in matters of the border regime.” Tusk said.
He also noted that the Polish government will protect national economic interests, even if they “come into conflict” with Ukrainian ones. According to the Prime Minister, he is not afraid of possible accusations of anti-Ukrainian sentiments.
ATC was introduced by the European Union in June 2022 as a response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The mechanism allowed duty-free export of all Ukrainian goods to EU countries.
In 2023, it was extended for another year, and in 2024, the European Commission proposed restrictions — to introduce quotas for certain products, including eggs, poultry, sugar, oats, corn, cereals and honey, in order to protect the European market. The introduction of ATZ caused massive protests by farmers in Poland, who blocked border crossings with Ukraine.
