The European Parliament today adopted the extension of the EU’s autonomous trade measures for the Western Balkan countries and territories, granting continued duty-free access for selected agricultural products — including fruit, vegetables and wine — until 2030.

The measures, which contributed to trade growth of more than 125% between 2018 and 2024, are considered essential for stability, economic development and closer integration with the European Union.

ECR MEP Kris Van Dijck, the Parliament’s rapporteur and ECR Shadow for the file, welcomed the outcome of the vote, calling it “a clear signal that the European Union stands by its commitments”.

“This decision reaffirms the EU’s commitment as a reliable partner and supports the region’s integration,” Van Dijck said. “The extension is balanced and proportionate, and it maintains both legal clarity and conditionality. It strengthens the region’s economic resilience while keeping the Union’s interests fully protected.”

The renewed framework clarifies the rules for suspending benefits and removes an outdated reference to fisheries, thereby providing greater legal certainty for operators in both the EU and the Western Balkans. It is also important to note that this proposal will not have any additional budgetary impact on the EU.

The ECR Group stresses that the extension forms part of the wider European strategy to promote stability and growth in a geopolitically sensitive region. It aligns with the Commission’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and complements the broader Stabilisation and Association process.

“By endorsing this extension, the European Parliament shows that a pragmatic, trustworthy approach can deliver concrete benefits — for the region and for Europe,” Van Dijck concluded.

The report was adopted with 543 votes in favour, 72 against and 22 abstentions.