WARSAW: The Polish government has decided to block imports of grain and other commodities from Ukraine in order to defend the Polish agricultural industry, according to Jaroslaw Kaczyski, the leader of the ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS).
Due to logistical constraints, large amounts of Ukrainian grains, which are cheaper than those produced in the European Union, have ended up remaining in Central European states, lowering prices and sales for local farmers.
In an election year, this has created a political headache for the PiS.
“Today, the government has decided on a regulation that prohibits the entry, importation of grain into Poland, but also dozens of other types of food (from Ukraine),” Kaczyski stated at the PiS party convention.
The government legislation would include a list of these goods, which range “from grain to honey products, very, very many things,” he added.
“We are and will continue to be Ukraine’s friends and allies.” We will support her, and we will support her. “However, it is the duty of every state, every authority, in any case good authority, to protect the interests of its citizens,” Kaczyski stated.
Poland, according to Kaczyski, is ready to begin talks with Ukraine to resolve the grain issue, and the Ukrainian side has already been informed of the Polish government’s decisions.
