European Commission Lifts Restrictions on Ukrainian Grain Imports

The European Commission, on September 15th, lifted the ban on the import of Ukrainian grains into Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia, provided that Ukraine adheres to specific regulations. This announcement was made by the European Commission's official website.

"Up to this point, Ukraine must implement export control measures for four groups of goods starting from September 16th to prevent any distortions in the markets of neighboring EU member states. Ukraine is expected to submit its action plan to the platform no later than the end of the working day on Monday, September 18th," stated the European Commission.

Additionally, it is known that the European Commission and Ukraine will monitor the situation surrounding grain exports. The EU emphasized that restrictions will not be imposed as long as Ukraine fully complies with the measures it has taken.

Furthermore, from September 16th to September 18th, Ukraine must take effective measures to control the export of four groups of goods to prevent their impact on the markets of neighboring EU member states.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he had negotiated with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and discussed the EU's decision regarding Ukrainian agricultural products.

"I am sincerely grateful to Ursula von der Leyen for keeping her word and upholding the principles of a free market. This is an example of true unity and trust between Ukraine and the EU. Europe always wins when rules are followed, and agreements are honored," he stated.

The European Commission and Ukraine will jointly monitor the situation, and the European Commission assured that restrictions will not be imposed as long as Ukraine's measures are fully effective.

It is worth noting that some EU countries had independently imposed restrictions on the import of Ukrainian grain in the spring. Subsequently, the European Commission decided to approve these restrictions. As a result, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Romania ceased importing Ukrainian grain.

The European Commission's decision was in effect until September 15th, and it had repeatedly promised not to extend the ban.

In turn, the Polish authorities have already decided to extend the restrictions independently. However, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that Ukraine would turn to the World Trade Organization (WTO) arbitration because of Poland's decision to continue the ban on grain imports.

As previously reported by The Gaze, a day before the EU's decision, the Bulgarian Parliament, after two hours of debates, voted in favor of lifting the ban on the import of Ukrainian agricultural products.