Despite demonstrations and concrete evidence, the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the European Council - Coreper II has decided not to further improve the proposed text by the Commission regarding ATM's in Ukraine.

If the text remains unchanged and is also approved by the European Parliament, the economic sustainability of EU sectors such as poultry, eggs, sugar, cereals, and honey will be jeopardized.

Although there is an understanding of the political sensitivity that mistakenly led to the decision at the Council level, as well as the need to support Ukraine, it is regrettable that the small adjustments that would have provided an efficient solution for European producers while maintaining EU citizens' support for Ukraine were not considered.

With the intensification of protest movements in Ukraine's neighboring countries and the increasing effects of these imports in other member states, there is justified fear that unilateral actions will continue, endangering the integrity of the single market and, so far, unwavering support for the Ukrainian cause in a significant part of the population.

Without a more strategic perspective, Europe faces a double failure: on the one hand, disruptions to the internal market are likely to intensify, and on the other hand, Ukraine's traditional markets are being replaced with Russian cereals and products.

The decisions taken by the Commission and the Council, as well as the limited time given to them for deliberation, should not discourage Members of the European Parliament from requesting further modification of the proposal in the coming days and weeks, demonstrating in their positions an understanding of the situation on the ground and the necessary solutions for affected farmers.

The European agricultural community is ready to bear its share of the burden but expects not to be left alone in bearing the brunt of it. We urge Members of the European Parliament to ensure that clear and effective measures are taken for all affected sectors.

On behalf of the following associations:

• AVEC – Association of Poultry Processors and Poultry Trade in the EU countries
• CEFS – European Association of Sugar Manufacturers
• CEPM – European Confederation of Maize Production
• CIBE – International Confederation of European Beet Growers
• COPA-COGECA - The united voice of farmers and their cooperatives in the European Union
• EUWEP - European Union of Wholesale with Eggs, Egg Products, Poultry, and Game