Plans of 5 EU countries to extend ban on Ukrainian grain imports are unacceptable – Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry

This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that such intentions do not comply with the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and the principles and norms of the EU Single Market.

"We consider it totally unacceptable to extend trade restrictions on imports of Ukrainian agricultural products after the European Commission's ban expires on September 15. The intention to add other categories of Ukrainian products to the list of banned goods is also completely incomprehensible," the statement said.

The ministry called on EU leaders and the countries involved, some of which have received additional funding for the sector from the European budget, to find a "balanced solution" based on EU legislation and the Association Agreement.

What is known about the ban on grain imports

On 2 May, the European Commission adopted temporary safeguard measures against imports of certain agricultural products from Ukraine to 5 EU countries. Initially, the ban was introduced until 5 June. However, on May 12, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary called on the European Commission to extend the embargo on agricultural products from Ukraine until the end of the year.

In late May, it was reported that four EU countries would insist on extending grain import restrictions from Ukraine until October. 

On August 4, Poland presented the EU with estimates of the investments needed to increase agricultural exports from Ukraine across the Polish-Ukrainian border to world markets.  

On August 24, it was reported that Hungary was asking the EU to extend the ban on imports of Ukrainian grain.

Later, Polish Agriculture Minister Robert Telus said that the country would demand that the EU extend the ban on grain imports from Ukraine, and in case of refusal, it would impose its own restrictions. According to him, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary also have such intentions.