Spanish ports overflowing with grain from Ukraine, says EU Agriculture Committee
The flow of agricultural exports from Ukraine to EU markets is not foreseen to significantly disrupt European trade, according to discussions at a meeting of the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, news agency Ukrinform reports.
"The Commission is working on the development of 'solidarity lanes' and reducing transit costs, as it wants Ukraine to continue to contribute to global food security and to be able to continue exporting its products to the EU, as well as beyond its borders," said the rapporteur of the European Parliament Pierre Bascu.
At the same time, there is the need to minimize the negative impact on European farmers, say MEPs. In their opinion, the surge in exports to the EU, which is so important for the Ukrainian economy, "had a certain unforeseen effect on some regional markets in the front-line member states, and also caused pressure in certain sectors in the EU."
Mazaly Aguilar, vice chair of the Agriculture Committee, said that Spanish ports are overflowing with grain not only from Ukraine, but also from Russia.
"With such import pressure, they cannot continue to work. It is obvious that we must show our solidarity with Ukraine, but not at the expense of our grain producers," she said, calling on the commission to take measures so that European grain producers do not go bankrupt.
At the same time, Spain, where this year's grain production fell by more than 40% due to unfavorable weather conditions, is now in dire need of grain. Ukraine remains an important grain supplier for EU countries. The largest consumer is currently Spain, which from May 2022 to September 2023 exported almost 9 million tons, mainly of corn.
On November 21, 2023, the Minister of Agriculture of Poland stated that Ukraine's accession to the EU will be a challenge for the Polish agricultural sector.