The Prime Minister of Poland threatened to close the border with Ukraine for the transit of goods
The Polish authorities may consider closing the border with Ukraine to its goods if the European Union does not limit duty-free import of Ukrainian agricultural products. This was stated by the Prime Minister of the Republic Donald Tusk following negotiations with the leaders of the protesting farmers.
“We must take into account this possibility if our demands are not heard in Brussels, as well as by our Ukrainian partners,” the prime minister said at a press conference when asked about closing the border to Ukrainian goods. However, according to him, such a measure would also be painful for Polish producers due to Ukraine’s mirror response.
Due to the duty-free import of Ukrainian agricultural products, protesting Polish farmers have repeatedly demanded to temporarily close the border with Ukraine. The Polish authorities are proposing less radical measures, in particular the introduction of firm quotas on its import.
The day before, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Taras Kachka said that Kyiv is ready to limit food exports to the European Union in order to alleviate the concerns of Polish farmers. However, he added that monitoring and licensing could be used to stabilize the sharp increase in supplies.
Read more in the publication “Kommersant” “Ukrainian grain is moving towards a compromise”.