Three European Union member states—Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia—have enacted unilateral bans on certain agricultural imports from Ukraine, despite the existing Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) between the EU and Ukraine. This move has raised concerns regarding compliance with EU trade regulations.
A senior EU official, speaking to a correspondent from “European Truth,” confirmed that these countries have blocked imports of specific agricultural products, contradicting directives from the European Commission. The official noted that the motivations behind these bans appear to be political rather than economic.
The DCFTA includes provisions that allow for protective measures if imports from Ukraine threaten local agricultural producers. Despite this, the EU continues to engage in discussions with Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, urging them to lift their unilateral bans and adhere to the regulatory framework established by the DCFTA.
Previously, Romania and Bulgaria had also imposed similar import restrictions on Ukrainian agricultural products. However, both countries have since transitioned to an import licensing system in agreement with Ukraine, aligning with the updated terms of the DCFTA.
Last week, Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Márki-Zay announced that Hungary would prohibit a significant portion of agricultural imports from Ukraine. On May 26, the European Commission called on Hungary and other EU member states to revoke their unilateral import bans.
The EU has been pressing Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland to remove these restrictions since October 2025, following the finalization of a new trade agreement with Ukraine aimed at ensuring balanced trade conditions.
Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia have implemented unilateral bans on Ukrainian agricultural imports, defying EU regulations. The EU is actively seeking dialogue to resolve these trade issues and restore compliance with the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement.