EU lifts grain export ban from Ukraine, but Poland says it will maintain restrictions
The European Commission decided against continuing the temporary measures that since May limited the free circulation of four Ukrainian agricultural products – wheat, corn, rapeseed, and sunflower – on the territory of Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary, reported the website of the European Commission.
The restrictions expire today.
As part of the agreements with the European Commission, Ukraine undertook within 30 days to introduce legal measures, including the export licensing system, to prevent a significant increase in grain supplies. By this time, as of September 16, Ukraine must implement effective measures to control the export of wheat, corn, rapeseed, and sunflower.
The European Commission and Ukraine agreed to monitor the situation in order to promptly respond to any unforeseen situations.
The EU has promised to not reintroduce restrictions until the measures implemented by Ukraine are in place.
The decision of the European Commission does not mean that Ukrainian grain will have free access to the markets of neighboring countries.
Polish Economy Minister Waldemar Buda said on Friday that he is going to introduce an indefinite embargo on Ukrainian grain if the European Commission does not listen to Poland's arguments.
This position was confirmed by the Prime Minister of Poland, Mateusz Morawiecki.
"We will continue the ban on the import of Ukrainian grain, despite the absence of the European Commission's consent," Morawiecki is quoted as saying by news agency PAP.
On September 15, the temporary embargo on the supply of four Ukrainian agricultural products (wheat, corn, rapeseed, and sunflower seeds) to five countries of the European Union: Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Romania expires.
Poland demanded to extend these restrictions, and Ukraine warned that it would complain to the World Trade Organization if Poland, contrary to the decision of the European Commission, maintains the ban.
Parliamentary elections will be held in Poland on October 15.