Poland and three different EU member states are to carry a ban on imports of Ukrainian foodstuffs beneath a deal reached with Brussels on Friday.
The unilateral measures had raised tensions with different member states who accused Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Bulgaria of deserting Kyiv in its hour of want because it fights Russian aggression.
The European Fee will impose momentary curbs on a extra restricted vary of merchandise, accepting {that a} glut of grain within the nations has precipitated hardship for his or her farmers.
The measures can even cowl Romania which had additionally complained about low grain costs as its warehouses full of Ukrainian imports. Nonetheless, it had not taken unilateral motion. They’re anticipated to take impact within the coming weeks.
Wheat, maize, oilseed and sunflower seed will solely be allowed into these nations if they’re in transit to different locations.
Valdis Dombrovskis, EU commerce commissioner, introduced the deal on Friday night.
“The neighbouring member states can be withdrawing their unilateral measures,” he stated. “We’ve got an answer which addresses the considerations each of farmers in neighbouring member states and of Ukraine.”
The fee can even examine whether or not the curbs needs to be prolonged to different commodities akin to eggs and meat.
Brussels acted swiftly after a few of Ukraine’s most loyal allies took the steps due to protests by farmers.
The 5 nations will obtain €100mn from EU funds to compensate farmers.
The EU dropped tariffs and quotas on foodstuffs from Ukraine, an agricultural powerhouse, to help it after the Russian invasion. Nonetheless, a lot of the Ukrainian grain coming into the bloc had remained in bordering nations due to the excessive price of transporting it to conventional markets akin to Africa.
The surprising success of a cope with Russia and Turkey to export grain by way of the Black Sea has additionally diminished demand for land routes arrange by the EU.
EU member states agreed as properly on Friday to increase the wartime commerce regime with Ukraine for one more yr, till June 2024. A revised model could have stronger provisions that enable the EU to take measures to “safeguard” its personal market extra quickly in future.
Brussels additionally promised to assist organise convoys of vehicles, trains and barges to move the grain to ports the place it may be despatched to nations in want.
