Over the weekend, Poland and Hungary banned imports of Ukrainian grain and other food products after cheap goods flooded their markets. The move was a result of Ukrainian grain being stuck in the country due to blocked ports for many months prior to the UN-brokered grain export deal. While much of it flowed into neighboring Poland, the majority tended to remain stuck in the country, which severely impacted Polish farmers given collapsing prices that resulted.
The Polish prime minister’s office called the move a necessary measure “to protect the Polish agricultural market against destabilization,” while Hungarian Agriculture Minister István Nagy announced a temporary ban on the import of grain and oil seeds, along with other foods, which he said is needed “in the absence of meaningful EU measures.”
The Ukrainian government immediately expressed regret following the announcement. The European Union criticized the bans, calling them “unacceptable.” The bloc had lifted tariffs on Ukrainian grain last year to help transport it to the rest of the world amid Russia’s invasion. However, the exports have led to a glut of produce in Europe, resulting in farmers in Poland, Hungary, and other nations seeing their incomes plummet.
Bulgaria is also said to be considering a similar measure. The EU is concerned over a continued domino effect of individual nations implementing their own policies, given Moscow’s recent doubts over its participation in the UN grain deal, which is monitored from Turkey and is only weeks away from expiring. A spokesperson for the European Commission stated that such a trade policy was a matter of “E.U. exclusive competence,” meaning that only the bloc could adopt legally binding decisions.
RELATED ARTICLES
- Russia Fires Barrage of North Korean Missiles at Kyiv After US Visit
- Ex-Wagner fighters Join Free Russia Army's Battle to Liberate Russia from Putin Occupation
- Hungary Becomes First EU Country to Congratulate Putin for Winning the 'Elections'
- UN says 70% of Gaza's population faces Catastrophic Hunger
- Putin says NATO Troops are already in Ukraine But Russia is Still Winning
Loading ...
