Portal Ukraine Kyiv February 26, 2024
Latvia has banned the import of Russian grains at the legislative level, and now proposes that the European Union take similar measures, whereby all these products could be replaced with grains harvested in Ukraine.
This was stated by Latvian Minister of Agriculture Armands Krauz today in Brussels on the doorstep of the European Union Agriculture and Fisheries Council.
“We still ask that Russian grain and foodstuffs be placed under sanctions. Latvia has adopted a national law regarding imports from Russia into the Republic of Latvia. This does not affect transit to third countries, including other EU countries. But since last Thursday, our Parliament has passed a ban On the import of Russian grains and foodstuffs into the Republic of Latvia.
“Everything that is imported from Russia can be imported from Ukraine. In this way, we will help Ukraine and not help Russia support its war machine.”
He noted that the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy needs clarification, as much has changed since its last review in 2021, and Europe now has a war on its doorstep. This development changes a lot in the geopolitical situation and in the market. For example, Ukraine is now unable to deliver grain to Africa to feed the most vulnerable countries.
He added, “Now we are facing difficulties on the (Polish) border. We fully support Ukraine. What is happening on the border from the point of view of the European Union is incomprehensible. We have to ensure that there is free movement of goods between member states and that we cannot close our borders. (…) We have to adapt quickly and not say ‘We will think, we will do…’ in two years. We have to act quickly», stressed the Latvian government official.
