The Seimas of Lithuania adopted a resolution calling for a ban on the import of Russian and Belarusian grain crops at the European level.
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In it, parliamentarians appeal to the European Commission with a request to urgently develop a bill banning the import of grain of Russian and Belarusian origin into the EU, and other European institutions to support such a ban.
Separately, the resolution proposes to consider the possibility of banning the import of food products of Russian and Belarusian origin into the EU, and, if necessary, to regulate the flow of agricultural products, use Ukrainian products.
Earlier on March 8, the Sejm of Poland called for blocking the import of agricultural products from Russia and Belarus to the EU.
It is our moral responsibility to stop trade that may directly or indirectly contribute to strengthening the ability of Russia and Belarus to continue their war with Ukraine, especially since Russian imports may include grain stolen from the occupied territories of Ukraine, the resolution says.
At the same time, the Seimas notes the adoption of measures to protect “sensitive sectors” of the market from excessive imports from Ukraine.
The Seimas resolution “On the introduction of sanctions in connection with the import of Russian and Belarusian food and agricultural products into the European Union” was adopted on March 7.
RMF writes that the European Commission will propose introducing quantitative restrictions on grain imports from Russia and Belarus.
This comes amid protests from European farmers and calls from Ukraine to take this step.
The European Commission’s proposal will provide quotas for food products from Russia and Belarus. The idea is due to be presented at the EU leaders’ summit, which starts next Thursday.
The EU wants to avoid a complete embargo, fearing global price fluctuations and a negative impact on the world’s poorer countries. Transit of Russian and Belarusian agricultural products will continue to be allowed.
According to Eurostat, in 2023, more than 1.5 million tons of grain were imported from Russia to the EU, compared to 970 thousand tons in 2022.
In February, the Latvian parliament passed a ban on imports of products from Russia and Belarus until at least July 2025, and in March the Polish Sejm passed a resolution calling for sanctions on imports of Russian and Belarusian products.
Source: Racurs
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