The European Commission condemns the ban on Ukrainian grain imports by Poland and Hungary: “unacceptable” | outside

Poland and Hungary announced a ban on the import of Ukrainian grain. Ukraine can transport much less grain than usual across the Black Sea, and as a result more is coming overland to countries in central Europe. As a result, prices there are under pressure. According to the countries, the import ban was necessary to protect their farmers.

The Polish government took action only after protests from farmers. For the ruling Law and Justice party, these protests came in an entirely inappropriate election year. Development and Technology Minister Waldemar Boda confirmed on Twitter that the import ban is complete. This means that goods may not be transported through Poland either.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Agricultural Policy said on Saturday that it regretted Poland’s decision. “Polish farmers are facing a difficult situation, but we assure that Ukrainian farmers are facing the most difficult situation,” the ministry said. Ukraine proposed to reach a new agreement in the coming days, which satisfies both parties.

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Poland wants to talk Ukraine into agreements on a system that will ensure agricultural goods in transit cannot end up on the Polish market. According to Ukraine’s official news agency, Ukrinform, this will be discussed for the first time on Monday.

Although the volumes are lower than before the war, thanks to a grain deal signed with Russia, Turkey and the United Nations, Ukraine still transports the vast majority of its agricultural products across the Black Sea. According to Ukraine, this includes about 3 million tons of grain per month, compared to the 200,000 tons of grain transported through Poland to other European ports. In addition, about 300,000 to 500,000 tons of oils, sugar, eggs, meat and other products enter Poland every month.