SOFIA: Bulgaria has decided to lift the ban on Ukrainian grain imports in five eastern EU countries that is set to expire this week, western media reported on Thursday.
Russia’s conflict with Ukraine has closed all Black Sea shipping routes making the EU a main transit route and export destination for Ukrainian agricultural products.
EU imposes ban on Ukrainian grain imports
The EU in June agreed to impose a ban on Ukrainian grain imports to five member states in an attempt to protect the rights of their farmers who blamed the imports for a reduction in prices in local markets.
Poland on the other hand has decided to extend the ban on Ukraine grain imports. Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia are the five member states affected by Ukrainian grain imports.
Bulgaria’s parliament, however, voted 124-69 to end the ban, expressing solidarity with Ukraine and the need to ensure food security on a global scale.
Hungary has also stated that it could lift the ban if Brussels decides not to extend the restrictions. Romania has also hinted to follow Brussels’ decision on the matter.
Pro-EU Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov has stated that lifting the ban is essential to stimulate competition in the market.