The European Commission may sue Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia over the ban on Ukrainian grain.

The European Commission is considering legal action against Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia, which continue to unilaterally restrict imports of Ukrainian grain and other agricultural products.

Politico reports this, citing a statement from the European Commission’s deputy representative, Olof Gill.

He stressed that such bans violate the EU’s single market rules, which do not allow member countries to independently introduce trade barriers.

“We see no reason to maintain these national measures,” Gill stressed.

When asked by journalists about possible legal proceedings against the three states, a Commission representative replied that “all options remain open.”

At the same time, Brussels acknowledges that the situation has a political dimension.
A possible lawsuit against Poland could complicate relations with Donald Tusk’s government, while actions regarding Hungary and Slovakia could appear to imply double standards.

Representatives of three countries have already stated that they do not plan to lift restrictions:

• Poland’s Ministry of Agriculture said the government’s decision remains in force;

• Hungarian Agriculture Minister Istvan Nagy accused Brussels of “giving priority to Ukraine’s interests”;

• His Slovak counterpart, Richard Takac, called the new EU agreement “not strong enough” to protect local farmers.

Reference:
On October 13, the EU approved an updated trade agreement with Ukraine, which replaces the temporary liberalization in 2022.
The document provides for more stable conditions for Ukrainian exports and protection mechanisms for EU farmers.

As previously reported, Poland will introduce rules limiting the influx of Ukrainian grain into the country to prevent these imports from destabilizing the situation on its market.

In addition, Bulgaria may refuse to import Ukrainian grain.

In addition , Hungary has expanded the list of agricultural products banned from import from Ukraine.