The European Commission decided on Friday to lift the ban on imports of Ukrainian grain into five Eastern European countries that has been in effect since May. Subsequently, three of these countries announced that they would impose their own restrictions.
Poland, Hungary and Slovakia have already banned the import of several Ukrainian grain products, arguing that they need to protect domestic production of these goods as the massive entry of Ukrainian grain into their markets has depressed prices and hurt local producers.
For this reason, the Commission adopted the ban, which was valid for Romania and Bulgaria until Friday, the last day of its entry into force, and was chosen by the Trade Commissioner to announce the lifting of the restrictions. “At the moment we do not see market distortions in these five member states, so we will not extend the ban,” said Valdis Dombrovskis, arguing that this is “an exceptional mechanism that should not apply for an indefinite period.” .
Viktor Orbán reacted indignantly. “Brussels bureaucrats are once again turning a blind eye to the problems of European farmers,” the Hungarian prime minister wrote on social media, according to Politico. “It’s time to take matters into your own hands! “Ukrainian agricultural products destined for Africa are flooding Central European markets,” he denounced.
In a statement on Friday, the European Commission said that “market distortions previously observed in Ukraine’s five neighboring countries” had “disappeared” without affecting exports outside the bloc. On the contrary, the document says, “they are in flux and even rising.” To take the decision to lift the ban, the Commission negotiated with Ukraine that this country must introduce “legal” and “effective” measures to prevent the distortions from repeating themselves.
Hungary has banned the import of 24 agricultural products of Ukrainian origin, a ban that applies to vegetables, honey and eggs in addition to grain. Poland has maintained its ban on four grains wheat, corn, rapeseed and sunflower seeds and added preparations and products made from these grains to the list. Slovakia made a similar decision on Friday.
Under these measures, Ukraine will continue to be able to export its products through these countries as long as they are not the final destination. “If Ukraine can demonstrate that grain reaches the destination country by truck and train, these domestic bans will not affect Ukraine’s export capacity,” agricultural market analyst Terry Reilly commented to Portal.
The unilateral bans had already been issued before the agreement with the Commission in May, which came about under strong pressure from the five countries and the EU Agriculture Commissioner, Poland’s Janusz Wojciechowski. Bulgaria agreed to repeal the measure and Romania, while disagreeing, will wait to see what measures Ukraine proposes.
The imposition of unilateral measures on imports is a breach of Community law, as the Commission is responsible for Union trade. Valdis Dombrovskis on Friday called on the five countries involved not to make such decisions, but did not specify whether they would be subject to sanctions.
The Ukrainian president said he was satisfied with Brussels’ decision. “This is an example of true unity and trust between Ukraine and the European Union,” Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on his Telegram account. Later, in the usual video update after Poland, Hungary and Slovakia announced their positions, he assured that Ukraine wanted to “cooperate with the EU on a bilateral level.” [seus] Neighbors” and that he would react in a “civilized” manner.