Romania requests EU to extend Ukraine grain import restrictions
Romania has requested that the European Commission extend restrictions on imports of grains from Ukraine until the end of this year, add two new products to the list (oil and honey), and provide 30 euros per ton support for Romanian farmers exporting grains, reported by Hotnews.ro.
The request was made by Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Florin Barbu, who said that the current restrictions, which are due to expire on September 15, are necessary to protect Romanian farmers from the impact of the war in Ukraine.
"The war in Ukraine has disrupted the global grain market, and Romanian farmers are facing increased competition from Ukrainian producers," Barbu said. "The extension of the restrictions would help to level the playing field and give Romanian farmers a chance to compete."
Barbu also said that he is considering adding two new products to the list of restricted imports: honey and oil. These products are also produced in Ukraine, and the minister believes that adding them to the list would help to protect Romanian producers.
The request from Romania is supported by four other countries affected by the war on Romania's border: Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. These countries have also signed an agreement to extend the restrictions until December 31, 2023.
The European Commission is currently considering the request from Romania. A decision is expected in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, Romanian farmers are facing increasing financial difficulties. The cost of transporting grains has increased significantly, and the price of grains on the world market has fallen. The 30 euros per ton support that Romania is requesting would help to offset these costs and make it more profitable for farmers to export grains.
If the European Commission does not extend the restrictions, Romania is considering taking unilateral action. The government is considering imposing its own import ban on grains from Ukraine. This would be a last resort, but it is something that the government is prepared to do if necessary.
The request from Romania is a sign of the growing challenges facing farmers in the region. The war in Ukraine has disrupted the global food market, and farmers are struggling to compete. The European Commission will need to carefully consider the request from Romania and make a decision that is fair to all parties involved.
