EC to impose Ukrain grain regulations on Tuesday
Restrictions on the import of Ukrainian grain and other produce into Poland and four other eastern EU states came into force on Tuesday afternoon, a spokesman for the European Commission (EC) told PAP.
Miriam Garcia Ferrer said the measures would apply immediately.
The EC's decision follows an agreement between Brussels and Poland, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary.
The states had blocked the entry of Ukrainian grain because a glut of it had led to depressed prices on domestic markets.
"The EC regulations regarding imports of agricultural produce from Ukraine meet the expectations connected with the easing of tensions on our domestic market," Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki told reporters in Vilnius later on Tuesday.
Morawiecki said that the EC's decision was the result of "very intensive negotiations with both the Ukrainian side and the EC."
Brussels had opposed the ban arguing that commercial trade policy decisions belonged exclusively to the EU.
Under the agreement the ban on imports for the domestic market remains in place but produce destined for other countries will be allowed in to transit the eastern countries.
The EU will also provide EUR 100 million in support for the countries.
EC head Ursula von der Leyen said she was convinced the present agreement will "preserve both Ukraine’s exports capacity so it continues feeding the world, and our farmers’ livelihoods."
