The agreement reached between the EU Commission and several Eastern European countries on grain imports from Ukraine has met with approval in the country. Blocking Ukrainian imports would not only harm Ukraine but also cause great suffering to the Middle East and Africa, Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko said at a meeting of EU finance ministers in Stockholm today.
The EU Commission had reached an agreement in the dispute over agricultural imports from Ukraine: According to the Brussels authorities, Poland, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Hungary will lift their countermeasures. In return, there will be “extraordinary protective measures” for wheat, corn, rapeseed and sunflower seeds.
Ukraine important grain producer
The four countries had restricted agricultural imports from Ukraine, arguing that cheap grain from the war-torn country is causing prices to fall. Romania also complained. Ukraine is one of the most important grain producers, but can only use its Black Sea ports to a limited extent because of the war.
Today’s meeting should also deal with further EU financial aid for Ukraine. Marchenko said that in his opinion Ukraine will need at least 18 billion euros in the coming year. At the moment, half of the budget goes to military spending.
Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrowskis said it was too early to talk about exact amounts as it was still in the first half of the year. It is also unclear how the war will develop. This year Ukraine will receive 18 billion euros from the EU.
