European Commission surprised at Ukraine’s WTO lawsuit over the export ban on agricultural products

The European Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, expressed surprise at Ukraine’s decision to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against Poland, Slovakia and Hungary.

These countries had unilaterally partially restricted the export of Ukrainian agricultural products in defiance of the European Union’s decision.

Wojciechowski made these remarks at a press conference in Brussels following the meeting of the EU Council on Agriculture. He believes that Ukraine will not be able to prove damages and he suggests that a resolution can be found through dialogue.

“I very much hope that we will resolve these issues through dialogue and mutual agreement. After analyzing all the technical aspects of what Ukraine is proposing, I remain optimistic and still hope for this dialogue,” the European Commissioner stated.

Wojciechowski assured that the EU is fully aware of Ukraine’s difficult situation in the face of Russia’s severe aggression and is ready to provide assistance but in a way that protects European farmers.

He also believes that Ukraine has not suffered in terms of export volumes and has been able to increase transit through four neighboring countries during the embargo from May to mid-September this year.

According to him, in the 2023-2024 marketing year, Ukraine has around 56 million tons of grain available for export, which is approximately 4.7 million tons per month. The reopening of the Black Sea by Russia remains uncertain but the export of such volumes is still possible by land. For instance, in November 2022, it was possible to export 4.2 million tons by land in a month.

Meanwhile, the Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Luis Planas Puchades, stated that it is the European Commission that should react and assess the situation regarding the three countries that have taken unilateral measures.

“We must remember what the main goal is and not lose sight of it. Our goal is to show solidarity with Ukraine. Grain exports are now very important for Ukraine’s income. It is also crucial for food security,” he emphasized.

According to him, a solution must be found where the EU can continue to support the export of grains from Ukraine while not compromising unity within the EU.