WARSAW: The Poland’s government has declared its intention to extend the ban on Ukrainian grain imports, even if the existing European Union (EU) restrictions are set to expire on September 15, according to a statement released on Tuesday.
In the statement, the Polish government made it clear that it would maintain the ban on Ukrainian grain imports, irrespective of the European Commission’s future decision on the matter. The government stated, “Irrespective of the European Commission’s further decision, we will not open the border to Ukraine’s grain after that date.”
While the government continues to seek an extension of the ban at the EU level, it affirmed its commitment to implementing the restrictions independently if Brussels does not extend the embargo. The statement emphasized that the interests of Polish agriculture were of paramount importance, saying, “The interests of the Polish countryside are most important to us.”
The conflict in Ukraine, coupled with issues related to Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea, has resulted in the European Union becoming a major transit route and export destination for Ukrainian grain.
In June, the EU had agreed to limit grain imports from Ukraine to five member states, citing the need to protect their own farmers who attributed the influx of Ukrainian imports to declining prices in local markets. These five member states included Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia, all of whom have now requested an extension of the restrictions set to expire this Friday.
The matter is particularly sensitive in Poland, as the country is preparing for elections next month, and the current populist right-wing government, led by the Law and Justice party, enjoys strong support in farming regions. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki reassured farmers and said that he wants to assure all farmers, the entire Poland, that the government will defend the interests of the Polish farmer.”
Poland’s Support for Ukraine
Deputy Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski emphasized Poland’s desire to assist Ukraine while also considering the welfare of its own citizens. The government passed a resolution urging the EU to extend the ban on wheat, corn, rapeseed, and sunflower seed imports, with the statement noting that Poland’s ban would remain in effect until a comprehensive agreement on agricultural relations between Poland and Ukraine was reached.
Poland, a significant provider of military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, is also home to approximately one million Ukrainian refugees. The issue of grain imports has led to diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal responded to Poland’s decision by suggesting the possibility of legal action, stating, “We have no intention of harming Polish farmers… But in case of violation of trade law in the interest of political populism before the elections, Ukraine will be forced to turn to WTO arbitration to obtain compensation for violation of GATT norms,” referring to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
