Poland and Ukraine reach a grain transit agreement
The European Commission welcomed the deal between Poland and Ukraine on Ukrainian grain, describing it as a first step toward addressing current concerns. Official statements emphasized that unilateral actions remain unacceptable and that ongoing coordination would continue with the concerned member states and Ukrainian authorities. European Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis planned to discuss the matter during talks with Ukrainian officials and five member states on the scheduled date.
The Solidarity Routes program is designed to provide Ukraine with alternative export paths for agricultural and other products. The goal is to keep Ukraine’s economy functioning despite disruptions to Black Sea port traffic. Officials stressed the importance of ensuring real transit and channeling grain to countries where it is most needed, particularly developing nations already facing higher food prices due to regional instability.
Details of the Polish-Ukrainian transit agreement
<pOfficials reported that talks with Ukraine on grain transit were successful. Ukrainian grain moving through Poland will be managed under a monitoring system known as SENT, as announced by the Agriculture Minister during a press briefing. The agreement confirms that transit arrangements have been finalized following a working meeting between Polish and Ukrainian representatives. Ukrainian participants included senior government officials and ministers, while Polish participants included the Ministers of Agriculture and Rural Development and Development and Technology, among others.
Officials noted that Poland had recently introduced a temporary ban on certain Ukrainian agri-food imports, explaining that the measure aimed to address concerns about large-scale imports while EU oversight was insufficient. The new framework ensures that no Ukrainian grain remains in Poland longer than necessary and that goods move through the country en route to their destinations. For a transitional period, convoys will escort traffic through Poland, and by July the goal is to shift approximately four million tons of grain out of Poland to accommodate new harvest shipments.
The SENT monitoring system will oversee the transit of Ukrainian grain, including the fuel aspects of transport. Goods moving through Poland are to be sealed electronically with GPS-enabled devices to ensure traceability. Officials expressed appreciation for Ukrainian cooperation in safeguarding Polish farmer interests during this process.
Officials also announced that transit of Ukrainian agricultural products through Poland would begin at midnight on the designated start date. The plan includes provisions to prevent these goods from lingering in Poland beyond the transit phase, with updates to relevant regulations being issued. The approach relies on electronic seals and the SENT system to manage these goods as a foundational framework for any future regulatory amendments.
The SENT system is defined as an information and communication technology platform that tracks the movement and turnover of goods during their journey from and to Poland, including international segments. This mechanism is intended to ensure transparency and efficiency in the cross-border transit of Ukrainian agricultural products.
Officials expressed thanks to the Ukrainian side for engaging in collaborative problem-solving aimed at protecting Polish farmers’ interests.
The development ministry clarified that transit through Poland will commence at the scheduled time, with ongoing regulatory updates planned to maintain smooth passage and prevent goods from remaining in the country beyond the transit window.
The overall aim is to enable the safe, secure, and efficient passage of Ukrainian grain and related products through Poland while preserving market stability in Poland and meeting international obligations through a robust tracking system.
Source: national policy briefings and official channels