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Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was "deeply disappointed" with Hungary's decision. / bne IntelliNews
European Commission slams bans imposed by Hungary, Poland and Slovakia on Ukrainian grain exports
bne IntelliNews
The European Commission has criticised unilateral bans imposed on Ukrainian grain imports by Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.
"It is important to underline that trade policy is of EU exclusive competence and, therefore, unilateral actions are not acceptable," a Commission spokesman told Reuters on April 16. "In such challenging times, it is crucial to coordinate and align all decisions within the EU," the statement added.
Hungary joined Poland and Slovakia in introducing a temporary ban on the imports of cheap Ukrainian grain on April 15, after a growing glut pushed down prices and hurt local farmers.
Hungarian Agriculture Minister Istvan Nagy said in a written statement that the government has decided to “temporarily prohibit imports of grain, oil-bearing crops and some other agricultural products from Ukraine". Nagy said that the ban
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was imposed as the food products were not being produced “to European standards”.
In response, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was "deeply disappointed" with Hungary's decision and that the ban “contradicts the principles of free trade and friendly relations between the two countries”. The ministry also urged Hungary to reconsider its decision and warned of "consequences" if it does not.
Hungary joins Poland and Slovakia, which have both also imposed temporary bans on the import of Ukraine’s grain in recent days for similar reasons. Bulgaria's Agriculture Minister Yavor Gechev has said the country was also considering a ban on Ukrainian grain imports, local agency BTA reported on April 16.
Slovak authorities seized some imported wheat from Ukraine, making similar allegations as Hungary, saying “the