The European Commission has decided not to extend the ban on Ukrainian grain exports to the EU, which was due to expire on September 15. It will be replaced by several restrictions that will help to keep the volume of products exported from Ukraine under strict control. It is up to Ukraine to develop such measures for itself.

This was reported by the press service of the European Commission. It is emphasized that the purpose of the new restrictions is to prevent "distortion of the situation" in the EU markets.

"After analyzing data on the impact of exports of 4 categories of agricultural products on the EU market, the European Commission concluded that market distortions in 5 member states bordering Ukraine have disappeared due to the temporary measures introduced on May 2, 2023. As a result, it was decided that the current measures will expire today," the statement said.

The EU allowed 5 countries bordering Ukraine to impose a ban on the sale of Ukrainian wheat, corn, rapeseed and sunflower seeds on their domestic markets in May. They argued that Ukrainian grain creates a problem for farmers.

Ukraine is ready to respond to its neighbors' violations of the EU decision

At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the European Commission's decision is an example of the fulfillment of a promise made earlier. He also emphasized that if Ukraine's neighbors violate EU law, Ukraine will respond.

"I am sincerely grateful to [European Commission President] Ursula von der Leyen for keeping her word and the rules of the free market. Europe always wins when the rules work and the agreements are implemented. Now it is important that European unity also works at the bilateral level. We need our neighbors to support Ukraine during the war. And if their decisions violate EU law, Ukraine will respond in a civilized manner," the President said.

What Ukraine agreed to

As explained by the European Commission, Ukraine has agreed to impose restrictive measures on the export of its agricultural products to the EU, including export licensing. Their purpose is to prevent a surge in prices at local markets.

These measures must be implemented within 30 days. Ukraine has to submit a list of them on September 18.

These measures will be monitored jointly by Ukraine and the European Commission, with the latter "refraining from imposing any restrictions as long as the effective measures taken by Ukraine are in force and fully operational."

Poland will extend the ban unilaterally

At the same time, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that the European Commission's decision would not affect the country's intention to impose its unilateral ban on Ukrainian grain exports, PAP reports.

"The ban (by the European Commission - Ed.) has been lifted. We will continue the ban on imports of Ukrainian grain, despite the lack of EU approval," the Polish Prime Minister emphasized.

Poland banned imports of grain and other agricultural products from Ukraine on April 15.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL reported that Ukraine had launched an alternative route for maritime exports from the Black Sea ports. The ships enter the territorial waters of Romania and Bulgaria right away and then move to their destination.

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