Krauze to approach EU and Polish officials over truck lines on Ukrainian-Polish border

RIGA - Agriculture Minister Armands Krauze (Greens/Farmers) is determined to approach the European Union's (EU) commissioner and Poland's agriculture minister with a request to tackle queueing on the Ukrainian-Polish border.

Asked to comment on the position of the Latvian Federation of Food Companies (LPUF) on this issue, Krauze said after Monday's coalition meeting that he has informed LPUF on the steps he is planning to take. 

Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity) indicated that Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) is also working on a solution to the problem. 

As reported, PLUF chairwoman Inara Sure told LETA on Monday that the situation on the Ukrainian-Polish border may cause at least EUR 30 million loss in export turnover for the Latvian food industry.

She explained that the blockade of the Ukrainian economy by Polish haulers has had a significant impact on the Latvian food industry. If the situation is not resolved, the Latvian food industry could lose EIUR 30 million within a month.

"Numerous transport vehicles are paralyzed and are standing at the border in Poland and Ukraine, affecting also the execution of other export contracts," said Sure. 

As reported, Polish truckers have launched a protest action, blocking the movement of freight at several border crossing points with Ukraine.