According to an EU source who spoke to PAP, the European Commission has decided to prolong the ban on the importation of wheat, corn, rapeseed, and sunflower seeds from Ukraine until mid-September. This extension comes after the initial ban, which went into effect on May 2, replaced individual restrictions imposed by neighboring countries, including Poland.
On April 28, the European Commission reached an agreement with Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia regarding the importation of Ukrainian agri-food products. Subsequently, on May 2, the Commission announced the implementation of temporary preventive measures specifically targeting the importation of wheat, corn, rapeseed, and sunflower seeds from Ukraine.
Following the European Commission’s decision, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia committed to lifting their respective unilateral measures against these products, as well as all other goods originating in Ukraine. Poland promptly repealed its regulations on the same day.
The current EU ban, which restricts the free trade of Ukrainian wheat, corn, rapeseed, and sunflower seeds in Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia, is set to expire on June 5. However, it is important to note that these grains can still be transported through these countries’ territories for transit purposes.
Polish Agriculture Minister Robert Telus confirmed on Twitter that he has received a draft regulation from the European Commission, which proposes an extension of the ban. Telus stated, “We have received a draft of a new regulation from the EC regarding the import ban on these four products in the five countries. The draft specifies September 15 of this year as the effective date. Although it is still a draft, I am hopeful that it will come into force starting tomorrow.”
Farmers in Poland expressed their discontent through protests as they faced significant challenges due to the influx of Ukrainian grain in the domestic market. The surplus supply led to a decrease in prices, making it exceedingly difficult for Polish farmers to sell their own produce.