The issue is particularly sensitive in Poland, where elections take place next month.The current populist right-wing government of the Law and Justice party has strong support in farming regions.The issue of grain imports has triggered a diplomatic spat between Poland and Ukraine, with Kyiv threatening possible legal action. Dissenting countries -EU trade commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis urged member states to "refrain from unilateral measures and work along the lines of this agreement".But despite the reassurances, Poland, Hungary and then Slovakia promptly announced they would extend the bans in their countries."We do not agree with the European Commission’s decision and in the interest of Polish farmers and consumers, we are introducing national measures," Polish government spokesman Piotr Muller told state news agency PAP. And if their decisions violate EU law, Ukraine will respond in a civilized manner," he wrote on social media. "We need our neighbours to support Ukraine in times of war. The European Commission announced "existing measures will expire today" when they run out at midnight."The market distortions in the five Member States bordering Ukraine have disappeared," the EU's executive arm said.The decision had been taken after Kyiv agreed to introduce measures such as an export licensing system within 30 days to "avoid grain surges", the commission said.In the meantime, Ukraine would put in place measures to control the export of wheat, maize, rapeseed and sunflower seed to avoid upsetting markets in its EU neighbours, it added.Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the move from Brussels as "an example of true unity and trust" between Kyiv and the EU. The European Union said Friday it was ending an import ban on Ukrainian grain in five member states, but Poland, Hungary and Slovakia immediately announced they would defy the move.
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