EU Commissioner Advocates Extending Ukrainian Grain Ban to Year-End, Sparking Controversy

Janusz Wojciechowski, the European Commissioner for agriculture, proposed extending the temporary bans on tariff-free Ukrainian cereals until the end of 2023, contradicting the official stance of the European Commission. Since May 2nd, these bans have affected five EU members bordering Ukraine – Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria – due to concerns that Ukrainian grain depresses local prices. Wojciechowski suggests providing financial aid to support transit costs, aiming for a €600 million EU budget program to assist in shipping 20 million tonnes by year-end. This has prompted internal disagreements within the Commission, as several EU countries, including frontline states, have requested a prolonged ban. The topic has political implications, particularly for Poland, with its upcoming general election and Wojciechowski’s affiliation with the ruling PiS party. Ukraine opposes any extension beyond September 15, asserting it breaches their association agreement with the EU.