Five European countries have called on the European Commission to ban grain imports from Russia and Belarus
Kyiv • UNN
Five European countries-Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland and the Czech Republic - have called on the European Commission to ban grain imports from Russia and Belarus to prevent Russia from financing the war against Ukraine.
The ministers of Agriculture of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland and the Czech Republic have appealed to the European Commission to ban grain imports from Russia and Belarus to EU countries. This is stated in a joint appeal published by the Ministry of Agriculture of Lithuania, reports UNN.
"We ask the EC to study the possibility of restricting the import of food products from Russia and Belarus to the EU," the appeal says .
As noted, while Russia is waging an illegal war against Ukraine, its grain continues to enter the EU market. It is reported that in 2023, the EU imported 1.53 million tons of Russian grain worth 437.5 million euros.
The ministers of Agriculture of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland and the Czech Republic emphasize that Russia uses the profits from grain exports to the EU to finance its war with Ukraine. These funds are used for the production of missiles, drones and other weapons that are used for the war in Ukraine.
The ministers also stressed the importance of taking measures to prevent potentially stolen grain from Ukraine from entering the EU market.
"As EU member states, we consider it necessary to fulfill our moral obligations to stop any trade activity that may strengthen the ability of Russia and Belarus, which supports it, to continue the conflict in Ukraine, especially since Russian imports may include stolen grain from the occupied Ukrainian territories," the European Commission said in a statement.
The appeal to the European Commission also requests cooperation between EU member states to ensure the implementation of the ban on grain imports from Russia and Belarus throughout the European Union.
The EU agriculture and Fisheries Council is also scheduled to discuss the issue on March 26.
