Speaker of the Slovak Parliament demands extension of the ban on imports of Ukrainian grain

Slovak parliament speaker Boris Kollar has called on the government to extend the ban on imports of agricultural products from Ukraine after September 15, in cooperation with Poland and Hungary.

The official noted that the ban on grain imports from Ukraine expires on September 15, and, according to him, there is information that Poland and Hungary will unilaterally close their borders to Ukrainian products. However, there is no talk of a ban on transit.

He appealed to Prime Minister Ludovic Odor to impose a ban on imports of Ukrainian grain starting September 16. Boris Kollar emphasized that the absence of such a ban could lead to the collapse of many farms and warned of a possible wave of unrest in the countryside that could spread to cities.

The speaker noted that support for Ukraine, which is defending itself against Russia, is decreasing in Slovakia, and the lack of decisions on grain could lead to opposition to further assistance. He warned that “people in the countryside will start to rebel, will draw others to their side,” and added that he “will be on their side.”

He also noted that while he is a big supporter of helping Ukraine, “wise decisions can also help.”

Jaroslav Karaguta, chairman of the parliamentary committee on agriculture, said that Slovakia is “in the calm before the storm that will break on the morning of September 16, after the EU embargo ends.” He added that the country’s granaries are full, and the arrival of new grain from Ukraine will have a negative impact on prices.

Tags: restrictions, Ukraine, grain, Slovakia