Since the traditional route of their export through the Black Sea was blocked due to the war with Russia, Ukrainian grain destined for foreign countries is transported through the European Union. Problem, it gets stuck on the logistics side and grain stocks are piling up in Poland, causing local prices to drop. This led to demonstrations by farmers and even the resignation of the Polish Minister of Agriculture.
On Saturday, April 15, 2023, Poland and Hungary retaliated by announcing a grain import ban until June 30 “as well as dozens of other food products” come from Ukraine.
Also read: war in Ukraine. Russia warns of the end of the grain agreement
Upcoming elections in Poland
While Hungarian nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban is close to Moscow and reluctant to associate with sanctions against Russia, Poland is nonetheless an ardent supporter of Ukraine. But the election deadlines are fast approaching: growing anger in rural areas has pushed the nationalist Law and Justice Party (PiS) in power to make the announcement.
“Polish farmers are in a difficult situation, but we would like to draw attention to the fact that Ukrainian farmers are in the most serious situation.” because of the war, the Ukrainian Ministry of Agricultural Policy replied. A meeting between the two countries is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 17, 2023.
Anger on the part of the European Commission
According to this assessment, the European Commission reacted quickly “Unilateral measures are not acceptable » , while trade policy in the European Union is their exclusive prerogative.
Last month, Poland and four other Central European countries asked him for help in finding a solution.
According to official Ukrainian data, about 3 million tons of grain leave Ukraine every month via the Black Sea under an agreement signed under the aegis of the United Nations and Turkey. 200,000 tons are transported through Poland to European ports