Ukraine reported that it plans to lodge a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary.
These countries diverged from the European Union (EU) stance and prohibited Ukrainian grain imports.
They justified the bans, implemented over the weekend, as a measure to safeguard their local farmers. These farmers expressed concerns that the influx of inexpensive Ukrainian grain, coming from one of the global top exporters, was suppressing market prices.
Earlier, in an attempt to mitigate disturbances, the EU had put a temporary hold on certain Ukrainian agricultural imports, including in the aforementioned three nations. However, these countries set their own bans shortly after the EU’s restriction ended.
Ukraine criticized these bans, arguing they compromise the unity of the EU bloc and exacerbate the challenges faced by their exporters.
Economy Minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, emphasized the need to establish that individual EU members shouldn’t unilaterally ban Ukrainian imports.
She advocated for support and the safeguarding of farmer interests. Although she indicated that the complaint was already submitted, a World Trade Organization spokesperson mentioned being unaware of any such filing.
Following the Russian invasion, Ukraine’s grain exports were temporarily suspended but resumed partially last year via the Black Sea, thanks to an agreement facilitated by the United Nations (UN) and Turkey.
However, Russia withdrew from this agreement in July, highlighting the significance of land-based export routes for Ukraine.
Despite Ukraine’s appeal to the W.T.O., Poland remains firm on its decision, believing it’s essential to protect Polish farmers.
Some EU members, like Germany, criticized the bans, with Germany’s Agriculture Minister, Cem Ozdemir, referring to it as “part-time solidarity” towards Ukraine.
