Poland’s and Hungary’s decision to temporarily ban Ukrainian grain imports, accused of destabilizing agricultural markets, is „unacceptable”, the European Commission said, while adding that it is „considering” a second aid package for farmers in the affected countries. Meanwhile, the Slovakian government also approved the establishment of a ban on imports of some agricultural products from Ukraine. In May 2022 the EU suspended for a year the customs duties on all imports from Ukraine and allowed it to export its grain stocks after the closure of maritime routes as a result of the war launched by Russia. The neighboring European states have seen increased arrivals of corn, wheat or sunflowers from Ukraine, which led to the filling of granaries due to logistical problems and to the fall of local prices. The situation has generated protests by farmers and led to the resignation of the Polish Agriculture Minister. On March 20, Brussels offered to draw 56.3 million Euros from the EU’s agricultural crisis reserve to support affected farmers in Poland, Romania and Bulgaria. But at the end of March, five countries (Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria) requested additional aid to support farmers who have suffered losses.
Eugen Cojocariu, Radio Romania Inetrnational
