Ukraine is ready to sue Poland in the WTO over blocking grain exports

Ukraine will file a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) if certain European Union countries impose unilateral restrictions on the export of Ukrainian agricultural products after September 15. This was stated by Taras Kachka, Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade Representative of Ukraine.

“Poland believes that there is no other tool than a ban, although we do not think so… Our response to Poland will go to the WTO, because we have to show the whole world that we do not want to tolerate such restrictions,” said the Ukrainian trade representative.

Kachka clarified that Ukraine also has the opportunity to challenge such actions of Poland in the EU, as they would violate the Association Agreement and the free trade zone. However, a complaint to the WTO will be more effective, the trade representative added.

As reported, the Polish government has repeatedly threatened to unilaterally extend the ban on grain imports from Ukraine after August 15, despite the rules established in the EU.

The EU ban on exports of wheat, corn, rapeseed and sunflower from Ukraine to five neighboring countries came into effect on May 2 and was extended until September 15, replacing unilateral decisions imposed by Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary and Slovakia in violation of the Association Agreement and EU internal regulations on April 28.

Ukraine insists that the EU should lift the unilateral restrictions on Ukrainian exports and believes that Brussels should reach an agreement with Poland.

Tags: Ukraine, grain, EU, Poland, restrictions