Plenary has endorsed the Commission proposal to increase by 50% EU tariffs on agricultural products from Russia and Belarus that were not yet subject to extra customs duties.

Axar.az reports, citing the website of the European Parlament, the aim is to reduce EU dependence on the two countries still further. Products to be hit by the new tariffs include sugar, vinegar, flour and animal feed.

The text also provides for a 6.5% tariff on fertilisers imported from Russia and Belarus, plus duties of between €40 and €45 per tonne for the 2025-2026 period. These tariffs will rise to €430 per tonne by 2028. Income from the sale of Russian and Belarussian fertilisers is considered to be contributing directly to the war against Ukraine.

The proposed measures will reduce EU imports of the goods concerned significantly, whether they originate in the two countries or are exported directly or indirectly by them. It is expected that this will result in further diversification of EU fertiliser production, currently impacted by the low prices of imports.

The legislation also tasks the Commission with monitoring price increases and any possible damage to the internal market or the EU agriculture sector, and with taking action to mitigate the impact.

The regulation was adopted by 411 votes in favour and 100 against, with 78 abstentions.