European Commission proposes opening European market to more Moldovan fruit and vegetables

On 9 June, the European Commission proposed a regulation allowing for temporarily improved market access for the remaining seven products from Moldova which are still subject to tariff rate quotas when entering the EU. 

The proposed measures cover plums, table grapes, apples, tomatoes, garlic, cherries and grape juice. 

The regulation more than doubles – for the duration of one year – the amount of these products that can be imported tariff-free from Moldova into the EU. The potential tariff-free volumes will now be worth around €55 million, including approximately €10 million of plums and €27 million of table grapes.

Together with increased access to road transport in the EU (currently being negotiated between Moldova and the EU), the liberalisation should considerably facilitate the export of Moldovan products to and via the EU. In addition, says the European Commission, the EU is open to discuss further reciprocal liberalisation.

“Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression is not only severely affecting the economy of Ukraine, but also that of its and our neighbours, in this case Moldova. Today’s decision, more than doubling seven quotas for key Moldovan agricultural exports, is a tangible sign of EU solidarity,”  said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The proposal now needs to be considered and agreed by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.

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Press release