Hungary has decided to maintain the ban on the import of Ukrainian agricultural products, but will not restrict its transit through its territory. This decision was announced by the Minister of Agriculture of Hungary Istvan Nagy during a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Taras Kachka.

Nagy said that official Budapest also plans to actively lobby the European Union for the development of new rules that would meet the interests of Hungarian farmers. He emphasized the importance of continuing the dialogue to find effective solutions to the challenges facing Hungarian agriculture. The minister also expressed hope that the Russian-Ukrainian war will end quickly and peacefully.

Nagy clarified that the autonomous trade measures introduced by Brussels will be valid until June 5, 2025. After this date, Hungary hopes to adopt new EU regulations that will take into account the country's interests.

Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Taras Kachka noted that in the next 9-10 months, Ukraine and the European Union should determine trade parameters for the period until Ukraine's full accession to the EU. In particular, the issue of agricultural products is particularly sensitive, and Hungary's position will be "key" due to its EU presidency and its neighborhood with Ukraine, which maintains certain restrictions on product exports.

The European Union extended trade liberalization with Ukraine for another year, until June 2025. The first exemption from customs duties was introduced in 2022 in response to Ukraine's economic difficulties during the war. This decision was extended in 2023, and in January 2024, the European Commission proposed new conditions for the extension of the duty-free regime with additional guarantees to protect the European market.

European institutions believe that the duty-free and quota-free regime will help stabilize the Ukrainian economy during Russian aggression and contribute to the gradual integration of Ukraine into the EU internal market.