Poland considers temporarily blocking goods from Ukraine amid tensions over grain 0
(Dan Tri) – Prime Minister Donald Tusk revealed that the Polish government is considering `temporarily` stopping border trade of Ukrainian goods, amid tensions between the two countries over cheap Ukrainian grain.
Ukrainian corn spilled onto the ground near train cars in the village of Kotomierz, Kuyavian-Pomeranian region, Poland on February 25 (Photo: AFP).
`We are talking with the Ukrainian side about temporarily closing the border and stopping commercial activities in general,` Mr. Tusk told reporters on February 28.
`I am ready to make tough decisions on the border issue with Ukraine, always consulting with Kiev so that there will not be any unnecessary tensions between Warsaw and Kiev,` Mr. Tusk said, emphasizing the need for `
Mr. Tusk remains optimistic that the two neighboring countries can find a solution to remove the border.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Taras Kachka said that the measure to close border trade `was not mentioned during the 4-hour` meeting with Polish Ministers on February 28.
Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov confirmed that `no one from the Ukrainian side is negotiating about closing the border with Poland`.
Recently, Polish farmers have blocked border crossings with Ukraine and other highways to protest what they see as unfair competition from Ukrainian goods, arguing that Kiev does not have to comply.
To support Kiev’s economy after Russia launched a `special military campaign`, the European Union decided in 2022 to reduce tariffs on Ukrainian goods transported through the 27-nation bloc by road.
But due to logistical problems, much of Ukraine’s exported grain has been left in Poland, dragging down prices for local producers.
Earlier this week, European Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski announced that the EU agricultural sector would lose $20.6 billion in 2022 and 2023 due to trade liberalization with Ukraine.
Poland’s relationship with Ukraine has become increasingly tense due to border blockades and grain disputes.
Kiev called on Warsaw to stop tolerating `acts of sabotage` and demanded compensation from Polish farmers for about 180 tons of grain spilled, RBK Ukraine quoted First Deputy Minister of Agriculture Taras Visotsky.
`Due to protests by Polish farmers on the border with Ukraine, about 160 to 180 tons of Ukrainian grain were spilled from freight cars on their way to Morocco. Those who caused the damage must pay compensation`
