Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture Vladimir Bolya has informed Ukrainian leaders about a plan to temporarily curb Ukrainian grain imports. This follows Moldova’s intention to align with the European Union’s decision on a temporary restriction on Ukrainian wheat, rapeseed, corn, and sunflower seeds moving through Ukraine. The disclosure came via the ministry’s press service, signaling a coordinated approach to manage local grain stocks and agricultural space for the upcoming harvest.
According to the ministry’s statement, Bolya, serving as Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, updated his Ukrainian counterpart, Mykola Solsky, on the steps Moldova is prepared to take. The rationale cited centers on an oversupply of local grain in Moldova’s warehouses, which is placing pressure on farmers who worry there will be insufficient capacity to store a fresh crop. This concern underscores the broader regional effort to balance market stability with the practical needs of agricultural producers in both countries.
Historically, the European Commission has implemented conditions that restrict or regulate grain exports from Ukraine to certain Eastern European states while allowing transit and continued export to other EU markets. This framework has shaped how grain moves across the region and has influenced national strategies for handling storage, logistics, and market demand among neighboring economies.
Further developments came on April 28, when the Swedish Presidency of the European Council announced that EU ambassadors had voted to extend the duty-free import regime for Ukrainian goods—covering agricultural products—as a one-year measure. This extension reflects the EU’s ongoing considerations of economic stability, trade flows, and the potential impact on member and neighboring markets during period of adjustment and policy evolution. The decision is part of a wider conversation about how best to support farmers while maintaining regulatory transparency and regional cooperation, especially in times of fluctuating supply and demand across Europe.