Read also: Ukraine demands response from Poland as protesters block buses at border
Among the steps proposed by Ukraine are an agreement with the European Commission to limit Ukraine's agricultural exports; a screening by the European Commission of Ukrainian agricultural goods crossing into Poland; a joint appeal by Poland and Ukraine calling for a ban on importing Russian grain into the EU; and the establishment of a trilateral body to oversee the process with representatives from Ukraine, Poland, and the European Commission.
Shmyhal noted that the first step includes Ukraine's agreement to restrict exports of poultry meat, eggs, and sugar. Also, without Poland's consent, grain, corn, sunflower, and rapeseed from Ukraine will not enter their market.
“Ukraine agrees to export these goods to the EU without quotas and duties in volumes that do not exceed the averages for 2022 and 2023,” said Shmyhal.
“If exports exceed [those volumes], then restrictions will return.”
Read also: Polish protesters block trucks with humanitarian aid along with other Ukrainian freight vehicles
The next step involves an appeal to the European Commission for an "emergency screening" to verify Ukraine's compliance with the rules on agricultural policy and transportation. As Shmyhal highlighted, this is necessary to "once and for all remove manipulations concerning the quality of our agricultural products" and to clarify whether Poland supporting their farmers is in line with WTO standards on fair trade and competition.
“The fundamental stance of Ukraine is a full liberalization of trade with the EU,” the PM adds.
“The issue of trade between Ukraine and the EU will be resolved with the EU itself, not on the level of individual countries," he added.
Shmyhal stated that if the situation at the Polish border is not resolved by March 28 (when a joint meeting of the governments of Ukraine and Poland is supposed to take place), Ukraine "reserves the right to apply reciprocal measures at border crossings."
The PM said that the plan is a fair proposal that accounts for Poland’s interests.
“Ukraine is making certain painful compromises for us [in this document],” Shmyhal concludes.
“However, we want to be partners for the EU, for all our western neighbors. We are open to constructive dialogue.”
Read also: Ukraine to launch maritime export routes bypassing Poland
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Section: Nation
Author: Alla Shcherbak
