Bulgaria has imposed a temporary ban on Ukrainian grain imports, except for those for transit, Bulgarian Radio reported on its website today, citing acting Prime Minister Galab Donev.
“Over the past year, a significant amount of food remained in the country and disrupted food chains,” Donov said, according to the same source.
“We were forced to adopt this national measure because the European authorities are still considering a sufficiently appropriate measure,” he said.
Hungary: Government extends ban on agri-food imports from Ukraine
Hungary, which has already announced a ban on Ukrainian grain imports that it says is destabilizing the domestic market, will also apply the measure to dozens of agri-food products from today.
According to a decree published overnight in the Government Gazette, flour, honey, wine, bread, meat and vegetables originating from Kiev. These restrictions will apply until June 30.
The government of nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban decided on Saturday to ban grain imports, following Poland, in order to protect its farmers.
This decision was described as “unacceptable” by the European Commission.
Slovakia also took a similar measure, while Bulgaria is expected to make an announcement today.
The European Union suspended in May 2022 for a year tariffs on all goods imported from Ukraine and was organized to allow it to export its grain stocks after the closure of sea lanes through the Black Sea due to the Russian invasion.
But instead of a simple transit, neighboring European countries have seen corn, wheat or sunflower oil from Ukraine piling up on their soil due to logistical problems, causing domestic prices to fall.
“In fact, a significant percentage of the products do not reach third countries, but are sold at reduced prices within the EU,” the Hungarian decree underlines, estimating that “this competitive advantage (…) causes serious disturbances in the internal market.”
Hungary continues to allow transit of Ukrainian grain, but very strict border procedures will be implemented to ensure that it is electronically tracked as it passes through Hungarian territory.
In case of violation, fines may be imposed, which may reach the total value of the cargo.
Poland, for its part, had initially banned the transit of the goods, but yesterday, Tuesday, reached an agreement with Ukraine to repeat it in the coming days.
