Poland and three different EU member states are to elevate a ban on imports of Ukrainian foodstuffs underneath 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 Commission will impose non permanent curbs on a extra restricted vary of merchandise, accepting {that a} glut of grain within the international locations has triggered hardship for his or her farmers.
The measures may also cowl Romania which had additionally complained about low grain costs as its warehouses crammed with Ukrainian imports. However, it had not taken unilateral motion. They are anticipated to take impact within the coming weeks.
Wheat, maize, oilseed and sunflower seed will solely be allowed into these international locations if they’re in transit to different locations.
Valdis Dombrovskis, EU commerce commissioner, introduced the deal on Friday night.
“The neighbouring member states will be withdrawing their unilateral measures,” he stated. “We have a solution which addresses the concerns both of farmers in neighbouring member states and of Ukraine.”
The fee may also examine whether or not the curbs must be prolonged to different commodities comparable 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 international locations 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. However, a lot of the Ukrainian grain coming into the bloc had remained in bordering international locations due to the excessive value of transporting it to conventional markets comparable to Africa.
The surprising success of a cope with Russia and Turkey to export grain via the Black Sea has additionally diminished demand for land routes arrange by the EU.
EU member states agreed as nicely on Friday to increase the wartime commerce regime with Ukraine for an additional 12 months, till June 2024. A revised model could have stronger provisions that permit 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 international locations in want.
