The way Brussels decided on the issue of Ukrainian grain is unacceptable

By: STA Date: 2023. 09. 19. 09:30

It is outrageous, unacceptable and not transparent how Brussels decided not to extend the ban on the import of Ukrainian agricultural products in the five EU member states bordering Ukraine – Minister of Agriculture István Nagy stated in Brussels on Monday.

(Photo: AM)

István Nagy, who participated in the meeting of the agriculture ministers of the EU member states, said at a press conference for the Hungarian public media that the fact that the European Commission did not extend the temporary import ban causes serious problems, but it raises separate political questions that Ursula von der Leyen, the chairman of the board did not discuss the matter with the leaders of the EU member states, but with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi. “The leaders of the EU were elected by the member states. They are accountable to them, they should support them, but instead, the interests of a completely outside third country are much more important to them than those of the EU member states,” István Nagy pointed out.

According to the Minister of Agriculture, the EU has given Ukraine the possibility of solving the import of Ukrainian grain

He did so by saying that Kiev would undertake an obligation regarding import control, “which is a laughing matter in itself”. He drew attention to the fact that the ban on the import of Ukrainian grain means six billion euros projected for the five member countries. “Brussels doesn’t want to understand this, which is why brave, tough and unilateral national measures must be taken. Because if we don’t protect our borders, we will be flooded with Ukrainian grain before harvest, which we won’t be able to do with,” he emphasized.

István Nagy emphasized: the grain import ban must be reinstated, and if any country wants to soften this or request an exception, they can do so

He added that the solution is to transport the large amount of grain through the solidarity corridors, not to European markets, but to third countries. “To support land transport, so that the grain reaches seaports and then its traditional market, Africa. We also warned the committee that if the Ukrainian grain does not arrive there, Russian grain can take its place,” reminded the Minister of Agriculture.

MTI