Hungarian Minister Nagy Blames Brussels for Prolonging Agricultural Crisis
The European Parliament has dealt a blow to European farmers by voting to extend trade liberalisation measures for Ukraine, according to Hungarian Agriculture Minister István Nagy. The decision to prolong the suspension of import duties and quotas on Ukrainian agricultural products until 2025 will have a significant impact on the agricultural sector in Europe.
Nagy expressed concern about the lack of restrictions on grain and oilseed imports from Ukraine, warning that the record volumes seen in recent years could be surpassed if current trends continue. This influx of Ukrainian produce poses a threat to European farmers, who struggle to compete with the vast amounts of farmland controlled by international corporations operating under more lenient regulations.
The minister criticized Brussels for perpetuating the agriculture crisis and diverting resources towards supporting Ukraine’s economy instead of bolstering European farmers. Despite Hungary’s decision to maintain a ban on Ukrainian agricultural imports, Nagy emphasized the need for collective action from the European Union to address the challenges faced by the agriculture sector.
As European farmers brace for the consequences of increased competition from Ukrainian imports, the debate over trade liberalisation and its impact on domestic agricultural production is likely to intensify.
