Call to extend the ban
Poland has shown strong support for its farmers by proposing that the European Union extend the embargo on Ukrainian grain beyond the current deadline. The government says that if the European Commission does not renew the ban after September 15, Poland will implement its own restrictions at the national level, preventing the entry of Ukrainian grain into Poland while allowing transit to continue when necessary. This stance was communicated by the Prime Minister and echoed by senior ministers who emphasize safeguarding Polish agriculture and food security.
The Ministry of Agriculture underlined that in the absence of a timely EC decision, Poland will act to protect its agricultural sector. The government views the proposed extension as a measure that benefits farmers, supports the broader Polish economy, and aligns with European solidarity, all while ensuring food security not only for Poland but for neighboring markets as well.
Officials stressed that there are no substantive reasons to resist extending the embargo; rather, political considerations have influenced the discussion. The government also recalled ongoing cooperation with neighboring countries to defend farmers’ interests before the European Commission, which has already placed a hold on Ukrainian grain imports until September 15.
EU action
Upcoming discussions in Brussels and Strasbourg will address the future of the embargo on Ukrainian grain affecting Poland and four other EU members, with a deadline that coincides with next month’s date. Regional sources indicate that a senior EU agricultural official is expected to participate in a debate in the European Parliament on Ukrainian grain policy.
Diplomats from Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Hungary are planning to meet in Brussels to review the embargo situation and the stability of agricultural markets. At the same time, the College of EU Commissioners will convene in Strasbourg to revisit the topic within the EU executive, and the final decision on extending the embargo will rest with the European Commission.
These developments come as part of a broader effort to balance trade with Ukraine against the needs of domestic producers, with several EU partners seeking coordinated action to avoid market disruption while supporting regional food security.
Poland has repeatedly asserted that it will prioritize the interests of its farmers and the resilience of its agricultural sector, even as it continues to cooperate with Ukraine in other areas of mutual concern.