On September 17th, foreign media reported that after the European Commission decided on Friday not to extend the import ban on Ukrainian grains and oilseeds from five EU countries, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary announced on Friday that they would implement their own import ban on Ukrainian grains.
Polish Prime Minister Matush Moravitsky said at a rally in the northeastern town of Elk that despite the European Commission’s disagreement, Poland will still extend the ban because it is in the interests of Polish farmers.
Polish Development Minister Waldema Buda stated that a ban has been signed and will operate indefinitely from midnight on Friday.
Hungary not only extended its import ban, but also expanded its ban list. According to a decree issued by Hungary on Friday, Hungary will implement import bans on 24 Ukrainian agricultural products, including grains, vegetables, various meat products, and honey.
The Slovak Minister of Agriculture followed closely and announced the country’s import ban.
The import ban of the above three countries only applies to domestic imports and does not affect the transfer of Ukrainian goods to other markets.
EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovsky said on Friday that countries should avoid taking unilateral measures against Ukrainian grain imports. He stated at a press conference that all countries should work in a spirit of compromise, participate constructively, and not take unilateral measures.
On Friday, Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that if EU member states violate regulations, Ukraine will respond in a ‘civilized manner’.
Post time: Sep-20-2023