Ukraine will sue the EU if import restrictions are extended

Ukraine can file a lawsuit against Brussels and EU member states at the World Trade Organization. The reason for the lawsuit will be restrictions on the import of Ukrainian agricultural products to five EU countries.

“With full respect and gratitude to Poland, in the event of the introduction of any bans after September 15, Ukraine will file a lawsuit against Poland and the EU at the World Trade Organization,” Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Taras Kachka said.

The Trade Representative of Ukraine claims that the restrictions violate the 2014 free trade agreement between Ukraine and the EU.

Kachka’s comments echoed a warning this week from Igor Zhovka, a senior aide to President Volodymyr Zelenskyi. If Brussels does not act against the countries that violate the trade agreement, Kyiv “leaves to itself the choice of legal mechanisms on how to react,” Zhovka told the Interfax-Ukraine agency.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reported that Kyiv reserves the right to initiate arbitration proceedings in accordance with the association agreement with the EU or to apply to the WTO.

“We do not intend to react immediately, given the spirit of friendship and solidarity between Ukraine and the EU,” explained Taras Kachka.

But, he added, the systemic threat to Ukrainian interests “forces us to bring this matter to the WTO.”