Shmyhal: Ukraine may ban imports from Poland and Hungary due to grain embargo
Prime Minister proposed a compromise: to introduce European Commission control over exports of four groups of agricultural products
Ukraine will ban imports of certain categories of goods from Poland and Hungary if Warsaw and Budapest do not lift unilateral restrictions on imports of Ukrainian agricultural products, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said.
"Russia attacks our ports every day, destroys infrastructure, elevators, attacks agricultural enterprises, and mines fields. Further blocking of our agricultural exports by neighboring countries will hit the Ukrainian economy, finances, tax revenues and jobs," Shmyhal wrote in his telegram channel.
In light of the situation, the Ukrainian prime minister proposed a compromise: to introduce European Commission controls over the export of four groups of agricultural products.
"Such control will help prevent any market distortions in neighboring EU member states. In particular, we plan to adopt a resolution stipulating that goods exported to 5 neighboring countries will be subject to verification and approval by the Ukrainian Ministry of Economy," explained Shmyhal.
Prior to that, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia extended the ban on imports of Ukrainian grain despite the European Commission's recommendation. They did so because of complaints from farmers, as cheaper Ukrainian products lead to lower local prices and losses for producers.
Earlier, Kyiv complained to the World Trade Organization (WTO) about the ban imposed by three EU members. The European Commission, in turn, refused to comment on local decisions.
At the same time, Poland threatened to block Ukraine's accession to the EU if the grain issue is not resolved.
"Polish agriculture will never surpass Ukrainian agriculture. There are several hundred thousand farms there. This is a completely different agriculture, that's why our position is so strict," said Polish Agriculture Minister Robert Telus.
Background. The day before, the Minister of Economy explained why Ukraine filed a lawsuit in the WTO against three countries over Ukrainian grain.
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