The European Union hopes to resolve the issue related to restrictions by Ukraine on car imports as part of the negotiation process and is not considering the possibility of using countervailing measures as part of the World Trade Organization.

"We're in talks with Ukraine on this measure, but the EU has not currently endorsed any decisions in the form of sanctions or retaliatory measures. Other countries are currently adopting a more impatient position. We also have some questions about this measure by Ukraine [increased import duties on cars], but we want this problem to be resolved during the negotiation process," Deputy Director of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Trade Peter Balazs told journalists in Kyiv on Friday.

As reported, on April 14, 2013, Ukraine introduced special duties on imports of new passenger cars with engines from 1,000 to 1,500 cubic centimeters at a rate of 6.46%, and on cars with engines from 1,500 to 2,200 cubic centimeters at a rate of 12.95%, irrespective of the country of origin and export.

The EU and a number of other countries, including the United States and South Korea, have expressed their concern over this step.