Bulgarian Parliament Supports Lift of Ban on Ukrainian Agro-Imports

The Bulgarian Parliament has voted in favor of lifting the ban on the import of Ukrainian agricultural products after two hours of debate. This decision was reported by BNT News.

During the parliamentary session, Bulgarian Minister of Agriculture Kiril Vatev addressed the assembly. He confirmed that the proposal to lift the ban had not been discussed with him previously. However, after evaluating the risks, he acknowledged that allowing the import of Ukrainian products would not harm the country's economy.

The Bulgarian Minister emphasized that strict control over the import of Ukrainian products would be enforced since they do not meet EU standards.

It's worth noting that, as of now, today's decision holds no legal weight, as the ban was originally imposed at the EU level. Therefore, a decision from Brussels is now awaited.

The Bulgarian opposition has already labeled the parliament's decision as "betrayal."

"This is pure national betrayal, not because we are against a free market but because we cannot put our grain producers in a situation where they will be uncompetitive," said Deyan Nikolov from the "Revival" party.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the decision of the Bulgarian parliament. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov and Bulgarian parliamentarians.

"Bulgaria is demonstrating an example of real solidarity," the head of state noted.

Recall that the European Union allowed five countries to impose a ban on the sale of Ukrainian wheat, corn, rapeseed, and sunflower seed on the domestic market, while allowing transit. The term of this ban expires on September 15.

Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary have called on the EU to extend the ban on Ukrainian grain imports.

However, Bulgaria has taken an unexpected step. 

As reported by The Gaze, the Committee on Economic Policy and Innovation of the Bulgarian Parliament approved a proposal that the country does not want to continue the ban on the import of Ukrainian goods.

During the vote, 10 committee members voted in favor of lifting the embargo, four voted against, and two abstained.

The proposal to lift the embargo on Ukrainian agricultural products sparked lively debates in Bulgaria. Some representatives of the local agribusiness expressed their objections, stating that they were "shocked" by such a decision, which, in their opinion, poses a threat to the country's agricultural sector.