The decision was announced this weekend. Poland and Hungary veto grain import and other agricultural products from Ukraine until 30 June European Commission To remind the governments of these countries that trade policy is the exclusive competence of the EU and there is no room for “unilateral measures” announced by Warsaw and Budapest. price effect Those with surpluses in grain and other products in countries bordering Ukraine. “Trade policy is the exclusive competence of the European Union and decisions are taken at the European level. Unilateral actions are unacceptable. In such difficult times, it is very important to coordinate and harmonize all decisions within the EU,” said the trade spokesperson. , Miriam Garcia Ferrer.
Despite this warning, the European Commission refrained from adding fuel to the fire and confined itself to explaining that it is in contact with the authorities of both countries to understand the scope of the measures announced. They also exclude mention of possible sanctions. President Ursula von’s spokesperson Eric Mamer said: “Countries like Poland and others that have a border (with Ukraine) have done everything they can. It’s not about sanctions, it’s about finding solutions based on European legislation in the interest of Ukrainians and Europeans.” der Leyen, regarding the possible consequences of violating European legislation.
Ukrainian agricultural products have enjoyed the quota and tariff exemption since June last year, which the European Commission has proposed to extend for another year until June 2024. The proposal, discussed at a technical level this week, is part of support measures for Kiev following Russia’s decision to block, according to European sources. Black Sea ports and It caused discomfort in neighboring countries, which saw a decrease in prices.
This situation PolandOne of Ukraine’s main supporters in the EU, and from Hungary but also Bulgaria, Romania and Slovakia The heads of agriculture requested by letter to the Commission to reinstate the tariffs and announced their intention to encourage measures similar to those in Warsaw and Budapest. “Slovakia has temporarily suspended imports of grain and other selected products from Ukraine,” the Prime Minister said on Monday. Edward Heger. If
European aid to the affected
To address the grievances, the Community Manager last March approved an aid package that will help affected countries deal with Ukraine’s agricultural import surplus in just ten days. Distributed between 56.3 million euros in total Poland (29.5 million), Bulgaria (16.75 million) and Romania (10.05 million) To compensate farmers affected by economic losses caused by grain and oilseed imports. “Business disruptions caused by Russia’s aggression should not happen at the expense of farmers in neighboring countries,” the Community Manager said at the time.
As confirmed by the European Commission’s spokesperson, currently working on a new second aid package although no progress has been made on the criteria by which aid will be distributed and the possible amounts. “The important point to emphasize is that we have taken into account the impact of the increase in imports on the countries at the front and we are grateful that these countries have helped us by supporting Ukraine in removing the products from Ukraine due to the blockade. from other ports of departure due to the war,” the same sources also made the statement.