Ukraine files WTO lawsuits against Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia over import ban

This move comes after a dispute involving a boycott by the three European nations of the coordination platform on Ukrainian grain in Brussels due to Ukraine's threats to involve the WTO over the import measures.

The Ukrainian Economy Ministry made a statement via Telegram, stating, "Ukraine has filed lawsuits with the WTO against Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary, which banned the import of Ukrainian agricultural products."

They expressed hope that these countries would remove their restrictions in the near future.

In response, Polish Agricultural Minister Robert Telus addressed the issue during a session of the European Council on agriculture and fisheries, hinting that Ukraine's accession to the European Union would depend on specific conditions, particularly in the realm of agriculture.

"We, as Europe, as the European Union, must create mechanisms to ensure that Ukrainian agriculture does not endanger European agriculture," he asserted.

Telus also expressed Poland's reservations about the grain export control mechanisms proposed by the EU.

"We are unhappy and unsure about this decision. [The EU] must be in control [of grain exports]. The European Union rejects control and hands it over to Ukraine," he stated.

Regarding the ban on the export of Ukrainian grain to the EU, the minister mentioned that Germany is the sole country openly supporting its extension, while other nations, "even if they had any concerns, said that we had to create mechanisms for the future."

The European Commission September 15 announced its decision to lift a ban on duty-free Ukrainian grain imports to five neighboring countries of the European Union, along with a demand for Kiev to implement export controls.

However, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia unilaterally extended the ban following the announcement.