BRUSSELS: The European Commission has urged Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia to adopt a constructive approach following their unilateral declarations to maintain their ban on grain imports from Ukraine. These countries’ actions come in defiance of the European Commission’s decision to lift the ban.
A spokesperson for the Commission stated, “We are aware of some Member States’ announcements in respect to unilateral measures. What is important right now is that all countries work in the spirit of compromise and engage constructively.”
Ukraine’s Reliance on Grain Export
Prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukraine was recognized as one of the world’s leading grain exporters. However, the conflict significantly hindered Ukraine’s capacity to ship agricultural products via Black Sea ports to global markets. Consequently, Ukrainian farmers have been compelled to rely on neighboring countries as alternative export routes for their grain.
This shift in grain and oilseed flows towards neighboring nations has adversely affected the income of local farmers, prompting governments to impose bans on agricultural imports from Ukraine.
To mitigate this situation, the European Union took action in May by prohibiting member states from taking unilateral actions and imposed its own ban on imports from Ukraine into neighboring countries. Under this EU ban, Ukraine was allowed to export its produce through these countries, provided that the goods were ultimately sold elsewhere.
The recent move by Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia to maintain their import bans has highlighted ongoing tensions regarding grain trade in the region.
