EU yields to Hungary’s demands
European Union Extends Restrictions on Ukrainian Grain Imports Until September
The European Union (EU) has extended restrictions on imports of wheat, corn, rapeseed and sunflower seeds from Ukraine until September 15, according to an announcement by the European Commission on Monday. The commission restricted imports of those products in April after receiving a request to do so from Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Romania in order to offset the fallout from the glut of Ukrainian grain in those countries, resulting from customs easements to support the war-torn country.
Under the extension, the five countries have been permitted to block imports of Ukrainian agricultural products, as long as they ensured the transit of the goods through their territory. The initial decision was due to expire on June 5.
On the same day, the European Commission also announced the extension of the trade preferences granted to Ukraine for another year. This means that the suspension of import duties, quotas and trade defence measures on Ukrainian exports to the EU will remain in place for another year.
The EU clarified that by extending these preferences, it is supporting Ukraine’s economy and helping to alleviate the difficult situation for Ukrainian manufacturers and exporters that has been caused by Russia’s “unprovoked and unjustified” military aggression.
