Five countries have asked the European Commission to expand the list of prohibited imports from Ukraine.

The letter was written by the agriculture ministers from Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary. They believe transit-only imports should cover a broader range of products than wheat, corn, canola, and sunflower seeds. They think sunflower oil, flour, honey, sugar, soft fruits, eggs, meat, milk, and dairy products should be included.

The ministers ask for the extension of these measures after the end of the abolition of customs duties on Ukrainian goods, which will take place in June 2023. The ministers believe the cancellation of these measures can be considered only after the restoration of market balance in the bordering or neighboring member states.

Officials also asked for the preparation of another support package for affected farmers as soon as possible and to introduce a mechanism for automatic support in future similar situations.