The European Commission has decided not to extend the embargo on imports of Ukrainian grain

The European Commission has decided not to extend restrictions on imports of Ukrainian agricultural products after September 15. This was reported by the press service of the European Commission.

“The European Commission, after analyzing data on the impact of exports of 4 categories of agricultural products on the EU market, concluded that due to the temporary measures introduced on May 2, 2023, market distortions in 5 member states bordering Ukraine have disappeared,” the statement said.

Accordingly, an agreement was reached that all measures to restrict imports of Ukrainian agricultural products will cease to be effective today.

In addition, Ukraine has agreed to introduce any legal measures (including, for example, an export licensing system) within 30 days to avoid a surge in grain prices.

The European Commission emphasizes that starting from 16.09.2023, Ukraine must also introduce effective export controls for 4 groups of goods to prevent any market distortions in neighboring Member States.

“Ukraine must submit an action plan to the platform no later than the close of business on Monday, September 18, 2023. The EU and Ukraine will monitor the situation through the platform to be able to respond to any unforeseen situations,” the European Commission emphasizes.

The European Commission will also refrain from imposing any restrictions until the effective measures taken by Ukraine are fully operational.

To recap:

Earlier it was reported that if the European Commission does not extend the ban on imports of Ukrainian grain, Poland will make a decision on its own.

In April 2023, the EU agreed with five countries to restrict imports of Ukrainian agricultural products. For two months, wheat, corn, rapeseed, and sunflower seeds from Ukraine could not circulate freely in these countries.

Then the agreement was extended until September 15. The restrictions were imposed due to protests by farmers who complained about a sharp drop in grain purchase prices because Ukrainian products were not exported.

Tags: Ukraine, grain, EU, restrictions