Hungary is not going to lift the ban on Ukrainian agricultural products

Over the next 9-10 months, Ukraine and the EU should define the parameters of trade for the period before accession to the EU. The most sensitive issue is agricultural products.

This was stated on Facebook by Taras Kachka, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine and Trade Representative of Ukraine, following his visit to Hungary.

“Hungary’s position will be key in this issue both because of its presidency in the EU and because it is a neighbor that maintains some restrictions on exports,” he explained.

Taras Kachka noted that he had a meaningful, constructive and solution-oriented conversation with Hungarian Minister of Agriculture Istvan Nagy.

“We also understand how much effort will be required to achieve the result,” the Deputy Minister added.

At the same time, Hungarian Agriculture Minister Istvan Nagy said that the interests of farmers come first, so his country continues to maintain a ban on imports of Ukrainian agricultural products.

At the meeting, the head of the ministry explained that it is necessary to engage in a dialog to be able to provide appropriate responses to the challenges facing agriculture.

“By learning more about each other’s views, we can make more informed decisions,” the press service of the Hungarian ministry quoted István Nagy as saying.

The minister noted that Hungary realizes the importance of agricultural exports for Ukraine, as it is one of the largest budget revenues.

“However, in the interests of Hungarian farmers, our country continues to maintain the ban on imports of Ukrainian agricultural products. At the same time, transit is still allowed, so Ukrainian products can reach the recipient markets not only by sea but also by land,” István Nagy said, adding that Hungary’s primary interest is for the European Union to consider regulations that would take into account the interests of his country.

Tags: Ukraine, agricultural products, Hungary, restrictions