Ukraine Grain Imports: EU Lifts Restrictions, Three Countries Oppose
Date: 2023-09-16 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: ECONOMY
Ukraine's President Zelensky Expresses Gratitude for EU Compliance
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine expressed his gratitude to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, for upholding the principles of a free market. He stated, "This is a true example of unity and trust between Ukraine and the EU. Europe always benefits when rules are followed and agreements are honored."
Simultaneously, President Zelensky emphasized the need for European unity to function bilaterally, especially during Ukraine's challenging times of conflict. He warned, "If their decisions infringe upon EU law, Ukraine will respond in a civilized manner."
Which Countries Have Imposed Unilateral Embargoes?
It has come to light that three out of five countries—Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary—have ultimately decided to implement unilateral embargoes on grain imports from Ukraine.
The Slovak government released a corresponding statement through Dennik N, saying, "We must avoid excessive pressure on the Slovak market to remain fair to domestic farmers. At the same time, our move is a response to the similar actions of Poland and Hungary."
Earlier, Hungary's Minister of Agriculture, István Nagy, announced a unilateral ban on the import of "cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, poultry, wheat, rye, barley, corn (and products thereof), vegetables, sugar, and wine" from Ukraine on his Facebook page.
Poland's Minister of Development and Technology, Waldemar Buda, declared an indefinite ban on grain imports from Ukraine in the interests of Polish farmers.
It is worth noting that in May 2023, the European Commission, prompted by Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania, imposed a ban on the import of wheat, corn, rapeseed, and sunflower seeds from Ukraine to these countries.
Although the ban was initially extended until September 15, 2023, the mentioned countries aim to prolong it until the end of the year and expand it to cover some other goods. However, transit of Ukrainian grain through these countries remains permitted.
On September 14, the Bulgarian Parliament voted in favor of lifting the ban on grain imports from Ukraine starting from September 15.
