Parliament votes to lift ban on grain imports from Ukraine

published on 9/14/23 1:36 PM

Photo: Reuters

Bulgarian Parliament has voted to lift the ban on grain imports from Ukraine after 15 September. The decision was taken with 124 votes in favour by the MPs from the majority and the MRF party.

There were 69 votes against and 8 abstentions. The BSP, Vazrazhdane and There is Such a People parties voted against, accusing the importers of hiding behind the parliament's decisions.

Iskren Mitev from We Continue the Change said the ban on imports wasn't working anyway. "Ukrainian grain is all over Europe, what we need to do is provide a transit corridor," the MP said.

Agriculture Minister Kiril Vatev explained that the macroeconomic indicators show that Bulgaria has no concerns about the lifting of the ban on Ukrainian grain, as the government is able to support Bulgarian farmers and will strengthen the control over herbicides, pesticides and heavy metals in imports from Ukraine. Grain growers have announced that they will organise protests against the decision.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky extended his gratitude to Bulgaria for waving the restrictions on Ukrainian grain exports after September 15 this year. "Bulgaria sets an example of true solidarity," he tweeted, mentioning Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov and his team, as well as Bulgarian lawmakers.

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Parliament votes to lift ban on grain imports from Ukraine

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