Tariffs on Ukrainian agricultural imports may need to be reintroduced if an influx of products that is pushing down prices in EU markets cannot be stopped by other means, the prime ministers of five Eastern European states said on Friday.
In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen published on a Polish government website, the prime ministers of Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Slovakia said that the scale of the increase of products including grain, oilseed, eggs, poultry and sugar had been "unprecedented".
The EU set up a mechanism to assist Ukrainian grain exports after Russia invaded the country in February last year. This has enabled Kyiv to export 25 million tonnes by land using “solidarity lanes”.
But logistical bottlenecks mean large quantities of Ukrainian grains, which are cheaper than those produced in the EU, have ended up in eastern and central European states, hitting prices and sales of local farmers.
While most EU countries strongly support to Ukraine’s war effort, issues such as this — affecting countries already hit by high inflation — highlight the continent’s struggle to adjust to the war’s fallout.
In the letter, the prime ministers called for a variety of measures to limit market distortions caused by Ukrainian imports, but said that if these were not successful tariffs and tariff quotas should be reintroduced.
"Let's support Ukraine, but let's do it wisely and, above all, let's put the interest of the country and Polish farmers in the first place," Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Twitter.
The EU Commission on Thursday unlocked €56.3 million ($61.2 million) in compensation for Bulgarian, Polish and Romanian farmers.
But Friday's letter made it clear that Ukraine's neighbours believe that the reinstatement of protectionist measures may also be necessary.
Among the measures proposed in the letter was a joint solution between the EU and the World Food Programme to ensure Ukrainian grain does not end up in EU markets.
The prime ministers reiterated calls for more funds to help farmers and for faster development of transport infrastructure to help with the transport of goods from Ukraine.
They also called for changes to laws on agricultural imports that would help regulate the volume and direction of the inflow of agricultural products.
The influx of Ukrainian goods has caused protests in neighbouring countries and worry among political leaders that farmers will express their discontent in the ballot box.
Angry farmers are demanding the resignation of Poland's Agriculture Minister Henryk Kowalczyk, fuelling fears among the ruling Law and Justice Party that the issue will affect support in parliamentary elections later this year.
The nationalist party's conservative voter base mainly lives in rural areas and small towns.
In Bulgaria, grain producers have demanded that their country be excluded from the extension of the EU regulation waiving import duties for farm products originating in Ukraine, Dimitar Yaprakov, spokesperson for Bulgaria’s representation to the EU, told The National.
A Romanian farmer told the Financial Times this week that farmers cannot sell this year’s harvest because of Ukrainian grain flooding the local market.
One problem is that Ukrainian grain that is supposed to transit through neighbouring countries is bought and sold locally by companies trying to make a profit from its relatively cheaper price, sources said.
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Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
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Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
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What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
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Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
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PROVISIONAL FIXTURE LIST
Premier League
Wednesday, June 17 (Kick-offs uae times) Aston Villa v Sheffield United 9pm; Manchester City v Arsenal 11pm
Friday, June 19 Norwich v Southampton 9pm; Tottenham v Manchester United 11pm
Saturday, June 20 Watford v Leicester 3.30pm; Brighton v Arsenal 6pm; West Ham v Wolves 8.30pm; Bournemouth v Crystal Palace 10.45pm
Sunday, June 21 Newcastle v Sheffield United 2pm; Aston Villa v Chelsea 7.30pm; Everton v Liverpool 10pm
Monday, June 22 Manchester City v Burnley 11pm (Sky)
Tuesday, June 23 Southampton v Arsenal 9pm; Tottenham v West Ham 11.15pm
Wednesday, June 24 Manchester United v Sheffield United 9pm; Newcastle v Aston Villa 9pm; Norwich v Everton 9pm; Liverpool v Crystal Palace 11.15pm
Thursday, June 25 Burnley v Watford 9pm; Leicester v Brighton 9pm; Chelsea v Manchester City 11.15pm; Wolves v Bournemouth 11.15pm
Sunday June 28 Aston Villa vs Wolves 3pm; Watford vs Southampton 7.30pm
Monday June 29 Crystal Palace vs Burnley 11pm
Tuesday June 30 Brighton vs Manchester United 9pm; Sheffield United vs Tottenham 11.15pm
Wednesday July 1 Bournemouth vs Newcastle 9pm; Everton vs Leicester 9pm; West Ham vs Chelsea 11.15pm
Thursday July 2 Arsenal vs Norwich 9pm; Manchester City vs Liverpool 11.15pm
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Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
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Live: BeIN Sports HD
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ULTRA PROCESSED FOODS
- Carbonated drinks, sweet or savoury packaged snacks, confectionery, mass-produced packaged breads and buns
- margarines and spreads; cookies, biscuits, pastries, cakes, and cake mixes, breakfast cereals, cereal and energy bars;
- energy drinks, milk drinks, fruit yoghurts and fruit drinks, cocoa drinks, meat and chicken extracts and instant sauces
- infant formulas and follow-on milks, health and slimming products such as powdered or fortified meal and dish substitutes,
- many ready-to-heat products including pre-prepared pies and pasta and pizza dishes, poultry and fish nuggets and sticks, sausages, burgers, hot dogs, and other reconstituted meat products, powdered and packaged instant soups, noodles and desserts.
The five pillars of Islam
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2.
3.
4.
5.
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