BRATISLAVA: The government of Slovakia has approved a ban on imports of Ukrainian food products, and grain following similar moves by Hungary and Poland.
Grain exports of Ukraine have been transiting through the European Union to other countries since Russia’s invasion blocked the nation’s traditional Black Sea routes.
Slovakia has joined Poland and Hungary in banning the import of Ukrainian grain and other food products due to logistical issues that caused the grain to pile up and drive down prices, leading to protests from local farmers.
Agriculture Minister Samuel Vlcan stated that the ban, effective on Wednesday, aims to safeguard the local farming sector and consumer health by prohibiting various products, including sugar, grain, fruits and vegetables, wine, and honey, but not Ukrainian products in transit to third markets.
The decision followed last week’s announcement by the Slovakian Ministry of Agriculture that it had found “the presence of a pesticide, which is not authorized in the EU and has a negative impact on human health” in a sample of Ukrainian grain.
Ukraine to discuss bans with Slovakia and Hungary
Ukraine’s agricultural ministry said on Monday that it would meet with Slovakian and Hungarian officials to discuss the bans. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling the ban “unfounded and discriminatory,” adding that it was “inconsistent with the principles of free trade enshrined in the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union.”
The move by Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary has been criticized by Ukraine and the European Union, which has called for dialogue to resolve the issue. The ban could have an impact on Ukraine’s agricultural exports and its struggling economy.
