EU import deal will support Ukraine while protecting bloc’s farmers

Farmers sit on a tractor during a protest in Madrid, Spain (AP)

European Union legislators have agreed to renew Ukraine’s import rates, which have been in place since shortly after Russia invaded, while adding protective measures for agricultural products such as grain and honey to address the concerns of farmers across the 27-nation bloc.

Farmers angry at red tape and competition from cheap imports from select countries have been vehemently protesting in recent weeks across the bloc.