The European Commission decided to lift restrictions on the import of Ukrainian grain. Poland, Hungary and Slovakia will extend the ban

The European Commission did not extend restrictions on the import of agricultural products from Ukraine after September 15, when the relevant measures expire. This was reported in a press release from the department.

The European Commission concluded that restrictions on Ukrainian exports, which were introduced in May, eliminated market distortions in Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. It was these countries that demanded a ban on exports from Ukraine.

In turn, Ukraine agreed to introduce various legal measures (including an export licensing system) within 30 days to avoid new surges in the market, the press release said.

From September 16, Kyiv must control the export of four types of agricultural products to prevent market distortions in neighboring countries. Ukraine must submit an action plan by September 18.

“The European Commission will refrain from introducing any restrictions as long as effective measures on the part of Ukraine are in place and are fully operational,” the statement said.

President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky thanked the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen for the department’s decision. “Now it is important that European unity works on a bilateral level. So that neighbors support Ukraine during the war. And if their decisions violate EU law, Ukraine will respond in a civilized manner,” he added.

Poland will extend restrictions on the import of Ukrainian grain from midnight on September 16, said Prime Minister of the Republic Mateusz Morawiecki. According to him, Poland will extend the ban, despite the disagreement of the European Commission, because “it is in the interests of Polish farmers.” Following Poland, Hungary and Slovakia announced an extension of the embargo .

• After the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, traditional routes for the supply of Ukrainian grain to third countries, including through Black Sea ports, were completely or partially blocked. As a result, part of Ukrainian agricultural products began to be sent by land through neighboring countries.
• In May, the European Commission introduced a temporary ban on the import of agricultural products from Ukraine to five member countries of the bloc: Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia. These states said cheaper Ukrainian grain had hit their markets and agricultural producers.
• If the ban was extended, the Ukrainian authorities threatened to appeal to international arbitration and the World Trade Organization.