Brussels must act to ensure the onward delivery of Ukrainian grain

(Photo: István Fekete)

The head of the ministry informed his partner that on Wednesday he consulted with representatives of the European Commission about the import ban on Ukrainian agricultural products temporarily introduced by our country. Brussels would place four of these items: wheat, corn, sunflower seeds and rapeseed under the trade liberalization preferential clause of the Union. Regarding the Hungarian restrictions, István Nagy stated that the measures are temporary and were introduced by our country to protect Hungarian farmers and consumers. The minister also touched on the fact that Ukraine is an agricultural country with good features, it had classic shipping routes at sea, so it was able to deliver raw materials cheaply to the traditional receiving markets. As a result of the war, however, Russian aggression significantly complicates sea transport, which is why the focus shifted to more expensive land transport. Due to the increase in costs, the products do not reach the previous, traditional markets. He explained that the Solidarity Belts did not achieve their original goal, the goods imported from Ukraine did not go on to the markets in need, but got stuck in the markets of the neighboring EU member states and caused significant damage to the farmers. Therefore, in the spirit of European solidarity, István Nagy is advocating the introduction of progressive EU transit support so that Ukrainian grain can reach its former, traditional markets.

Hungary does not prevent transit

István Nagy also mentioned that Hungary does not prohibit the transit of Ukrainian agricultural products through our country, i.e. transit shipments are still allowed. However, the competent authorities will lock them at the border, monitor them with electronic devices and patrols, and will control the transit procedures of the affected products throughout the country. The minister considers it important that these shipments leave our country smoothly and quickly. The minister stated that the measures that can be a solution to the difficulties in the agricultural market are constantly being investigated. The Hungarian government always stands by Hungarian farmers.

AM