Currency
The EU supported Ukraine, not Poland: they will not impose restrictions on the import of a range of products
The EU will not introduce quotas for certain Ukrainian products - the European Commission (EC) has refused to respond to a request from Poland. Additionally, the EC is preparing a draft decision to extend duty-free trade with Ukraine.
This information was reported by Business Insider. It is noted that Poland justified its request by claiming that the import of Ukrainian products to Europe is allegedly becoming a problem for Western European countries.
This concern was not limited to just grain. Poland specifically highlighted that France, Austria, and Germany raised concerns about a threat to their markets regarding:
- poultry
- fruit
- sugar.
"These countries are discussing the need to renew tariff quotas, which are currently suspended under EU rules. We asked the European Commission to reinstate tariff quotas for some sensitive products, but this request was rejected by the European Commission," said Polish Agriculture Minister Czeslaw Sekerski.
He also mentioned that the EC is preparing a draft decision to extend duty-free trade with Ukraine. It is anticipated that this arrangement will remain in effect at least until June 2025.
Possibility of resuming border blocking
Despite the lifting of the Polish border blockade with Ukraine, protests may resume. According to Rafał Mekler, a Polish politician from the far-right Ruch Narodowy party, the protest has been suspended until March 1.
"The protest is suspended until March 1. If we fail to find a solution, we will return to the border. We express our trust in the ministry. This is not a surrender but a strategic pause," Meckler said.
Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Zvarych commented on the signed agreement between the Polish government and the carriers. He mentioned that the suspension of the blockade is only the first stage of the dialogue.
As reported by OBOZ.UA, despite the blockade of the Ukrainian border by the Poles, the dynamics of vehicle imports at regional customs has not changed significantly. However, since the beginning of the year, clearances at some other customs offices, particularly Volyn, have increased. During the lockdown, the number of cars imported by large car carriers decreased.
Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!