EU to establish ‘solidarity lanes’ for Ukrainian exports
The European Union will establish “solidarity channels” to support Ukraine’s agricultural exports.
The European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, has proposed a plan to help Ukraine export its wheat and other grains to escape Russia’s blockade of Black Sea ports.
“Twenty million tonnes of grain are to leave Ukraine in less than three months using EU infrastructure,” Adina Valean, EU transport commissioner, said in a statement. “It’s a gigantic challenge, so it’s essential to coordinate and optimize supply chains, set up new routes and avoid bottlenecks as much as possible.”
Today, the EU is establishing solidarity pathways to help Ukraine export agricultural products.
Russia’s invasion and blockade of Ukrainian ports threatens the world #Food safety.
The EU will help organize alternative logistics routes using all modes of transport.#StandWithUkraine
— EU Agriculture🌱 (@EUAgri) May 12, 2022
These measures will help secure the global food supply and bring economic relief to Ukraine, as the war has driven up food and fertilizer prices.
To address transport bottlenecks, the EU will provide additional freight vehicles, increase the capacity of transport networks and transshipment terminals, and help provide more temporary storage capacity for Ukrainian exports.
Valean said these strengthened transport links will also make it easier for Ukraine to import essential goods, such as humanitarian aid, food and fuel.
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