On Friday 15 March, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced that the European Commission was “evaluating the possibility of introducing restrictions on the import of agricultural products from Russia to the European Union”, after talks with the Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk.
The President of the Commission discussed with Mr Tusk “new measures” aimed at remedying the situation on the cereals market and concerning the import of cereals from Russia.
During a debate in the European Parliament on Tuesday 12 March, European Commissioner Ylva Johansson reiterated that the EU’s sanctions against Russia “do not target Russia’s trade in agri-food products and fertilisers” (see EUROPE 13370/15). “Sanctions on Russia’s agri-food imports into the EU could cause more harm, notably in the form of higher prices, to importing countries in the global South, in cases where the products are transited or re-exported via the EU, than to the Russian economy”, she said.
She added that the Commission was analysing the flow of agri-food products to the EU, particularly from Russia, and assessing the impact of these flows on the EU’s agricultural markets and on global food security. “We will continue to assess the additional measures that could and should be taken if necessary”, she conceded. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)