FT: The EU is preparing extraordinary restrictions on grain imports from Ukraine
20.04.2023 - 16:30
The steps currently being discussed would ban the import of agricultural products to Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, which border Ukraine, as well as Bulgaria.
Brussels is preparing extraordinary restrictions on the import of Ukrainian grain to five EU member states, succumbing to pressure from Poland and Hungary, writes the Financial Times.
Currently, they are discussing steps that will ban the import of grain products to Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, which borders Ukraine, as well as to Bulgaria. An exception will be re-export to other EU member states or other parts of the world. The ban will be in effect until June.
The European Commission said the day before that it would only take action if governments lifted their current bans, which they have yet to agree to. To do so, the commission will exercise powers and limit new measures to only a few member states, not the entire bloc. These countries will also receive 100 million euros from EU funds to compensate farmers for losses.
Read also: Reasons and consequences of the ban on imports from Ukraine.
Brussels also plans to organize convoys of trucks, trains and barges to transport grain to ports, from where it can be sent to countries that need it. It will also increase the capacity of the Danube River.
At the same time, many commercial traders refuse to pay for this transport, as it is more expensive than traditional maritime trade across the Black Sea. It remains unclear how it will be financed and organized.
As previously reported by USM, Lithuania plans to help export Ukrainian grain against the background of a temporary ban on the import of grain from Ukraine to Poland.
