Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Parliament votes to lift ban on grain imports from Ukraine

Photo: Reuters

Bulgarian Parliament has voted to lift the ban on grain imports from Ukraine after 15 September. The decision was taken with 124 votes in favour by the MPs from the majority and the MRF party. 

There were 69 votes against and 8 abstentions. The BSP, Vazrazhdane and There is Such a People parties voted against, accusing the importers of hiding behind the parliament's decisions.

Iskren Mitev from We Continue the Change said the ban on imports wasn't working anyway. "Ukrainian grain is all over Europe, what we need to do is provide a transit corridor," the MP said. 

Agriculture Minister Kiril Vatev explained that the macroeconomic indicators show that Bulgaria has no concerns about the lifting of the ban on Ukrainian grain, as the government is able to support Bulgarian farmers and will strengthen the control over herbicides, pesticides and heavy metals in imports from Ukraine. Grain growers have announced that they will organise protests against the decision.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky extended his gratitude to Bulgaria for waving the restrictions on Ukrainian grain exports after September 15 this year. "Bulgaria sets an example of true solidarity," he tweeted, mentioning Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov and his team, as well as Bulgarian lawmakers.


Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

EC closes the infringement procedure against Bulgaria related to the flood risk management plans

The European Commission has decided to close the infringement procedure against Bulgaria for the non-implementation of its obligations to review and update the Second Flood Risk Management Plans and the Third River Basin Management Plans.  A statement..

published on 2/17/25 5:40 PM
Acad. Ivan Todorov

One of the brightest Bulgarian minds passed away - physicist Ivan Todorov

Physicist Acad. Ivan Todorov passed away at the age of 91, the press center of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences announced. Acad. Todorov was a scientist with outstanding achievements and world recognition in the field of modern..

published on 2/17/25 4:13 PM

Sofia Airport operates normally in winter conditions

Sofia Airport operates normally in winter conditions, BTA has reported. The runways for take off and landing have been cleaned. The aircraft are being treated against icing. Passengers are advised to arrive at the terminals at..

published on 2/17/25 2:44 PM