Today, the European Parliament was scheduled to decide whether to extend the trade protection measures suspended since 2022 for certain Ukrainian products — including steel — once again. Critics fear that the tariff-free import regime continues to undermine the competitiveness of European farmers, steel companies, and small and medium-sized enterprises. An open letter from the Steel Pipe Industry Association (WVSR) to all Members of the European Parliament warns of “disastrous consequences” for EU industry and urges rejection of the extension.
The Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN) Group has therefore submitted a procedural motion to postpone the vote in order to allow for a more in-depth assessment of the economic impact. ESN MEP Prof. Dr. Hans Neuhoff stated:
“We have requested that the planned vote on further tariff suspensions for imports from Ukraine be postponed. Otherwise, our domestic economy — from family-run farms to medium-sized industries and the steel sector — would come under massive pressure.
Ukraine produces with dumping wages and without comparable environmental or social standards. If their goods continue to enter the EU unchecked, we risk jobs and value creation across Europe.
The open letter from the Steel Pipe Industry Association clearly highlights these concerns. We reacted quickly and took the concerns of small and medium-sized enterprises seriously. Unfortunately, many MEPs — particularly from the usual camps of the traditional parties — once again prioritized the interests of Ukraine over those of their own nations. The necessary votes to approve our motion for postponement were not secured — yet another nail in the coffin for the German economy.”
