Zelenskyy says he is waiting for the EU to lift restrictions on the export of Ukrainian agricultural products
Volodymyr Zelensky says he expects the European Union to lift all restrictions on the export of Ukrainian agricultural products.
“We discussed the situation with the export of our agricultural products… Measures from our neighbours cannot but disappoint. Any restrictions on our exports are absolutely unacceptable now… We propose to set up an advisory group to monitor the relevant problematic issues and refrain from any decisions regarding trade without consultation with Ukraine,” Zelensky said at a news conference after the meeting with EC Head Ursula von der Leyen in Kiev.
He said he was waiting for the European Union to “remove all restrictions if there is political will.” “And our talks today show that there is such a will and we will be able to find optimal strong solutions that will protect the interests of Ukraine and Europe,” Zelensky added.
In late March, the prime ministers of several EU countries asked von der Leyen to intervene in the crisis caused by an influx of grain from Ukraine. The letter from the prime ministers of Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Slovakia said that “the problems are related to a significant increase in supplies of Ukrainian products to the markets of the EU member states, especially those bordering on or close to Ukraine”, in particular “there was an unprecedented increase in imports of cereals, oilseeds, eggs, poultry, sugar, apple juice, berries, apples, flour, honey and pasta”.
The European Commission reported that it has taken measures on imports of certain grains from Ukraine. The measures aim to address logistical difficulties associated with these products in Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. They came into force on 2 May and will last until 5 June. During this period, wheat, maize, rapeseed and sunflower seeds of Ukrainian origin can still be transferred for free circulation in all but these five member states. In parallel, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia pledged to lift their unilateral measures against wheat, maize, rapeseed, sunflower seeds and any other products coming from Ukraine.
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