Ukraine asks the EU for money and logistical support for agricultural exports, but Romania and Poland warn that infrastructure has limits

Ukraine is requesting at least €1.1 billion from the European Union, along with logistical support to transport agricultural products via alternative routes, following an escalation in Russian attacks on Black Sea ports. Kyiv warns that more than 30 million tonnes of agricultural products could remain unexported during the current season.

Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy, Taras Vysotskyi, called for support from member states at the AGRIFISH meeting in Brussels and proposed partially compensating additional transport costs. The calculation is based on an additional cost of approximately €50 per tonne, and the funding would enable the export of up to 20 million tonnes.

In September, Ukraine exported approximately 2.2–2.4 million tonnes, well below the estimated requirement of 64 million tonnes for the current season. 54% of the month’s exports were transported via the Danube, while 41% were carried by rail.

Romania and Poland warn, however, that infrastructure cannot handle unlimited volumes. Romania’s Agriculture Minister, Tánczos Barna, said that protecting Romanian farmers remains a priority, while low water levels on the Danube and pressure on the Port of Constanța are complicating transit. Poland does not intend to expand its transport capacity for Ukrainian agricultural products. The European Commission is reviewing Kyiv’s request.