Hungary, which has already announced a ban on the import of Ukrainian grain on the grounds that it destabilizes the national market, will extend this measure to dozens of agri-food products from Wednesday, AFP and Agerpres report.
According to the decree published on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday in the Official Journal, it will not be possible to sell flour, honey, wine, bread, meat and vegetables from Ukraine on the territory of Hungary, except for grain and oil products.
These restrictions will be in effect until June 30.
The government of nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban decided on Saturday to ban the import of Ukrainian grain, following the example of Poland, in order to protect its farmers. The European Commission recognized this decision as “unacceptable”.
Slovakia has also taken a similar step, and Bulgaria is expected to make a statement on Wednesday.
Hungary blames low prices for Ukrainian products
In May 2022, the European Union suspended for one year tariffs on all products imported from Ukraine and arranged to allow it to export its grain stocks after the closure of sea routes through the Black Sea due to the Russian invasion.
But instead of simple transit, neighboring European countries discovered that corn, wheat and sunflowers from Ukraine are accumulating on their territory due to certain logistical problems, which led to a drop in prices for local products, AFP notes.
“Actually, a significant part of the products do not end up in third countries, but are sold at low prices within the European Union,” the Hungarian decree emphasizes, assessing that “this competitive advantage causes serious disturbances in the domestic market.”
Hungary still allows the transit of Ukrainian grain, but very strict procedures will be implemented at the border posts so that electronic control can be ensured when crossing the territory.
If a crime is committed, fines can be imposed, which can reach the value of the entire cargo.
Poland initially banned the movement of Ukrainian goods, but on Tuesday concluded an agreement with Ukraine to resume this transit in the coming days.
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Source: Hot News
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