June 8, 2006

EU steps in to aid Poland in resolving meat ban

The European Union has stepped in to help Poland resolve Russia's ban on Polish food exports, after Poland threatened to impose restrictions on Western exports going through Poland to Russia.

The European Commission has proposed three-way talks between Poland, Russia and the European Union to resolve the issue. Russia imposed the ban on beef, pork, poultry and vegetables from Poland in November 2005.

Russian authorities alleged that Polish exporters have exported meat using fake health and hygiene certificates, among other fraudulent practices.

Polish authorities countered that the restrictions were politically motivated and has threatened to impose restrictions on western European food exports transported through Poland if the EU does actively participate in resolving the problem.

In return, Poland has been advised by the EU to refrain from retaliatory restrictions on Russia. European Union Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson said EU's member states and Poland would stand in solidarity to resolve the issue.

Mandelson has also called on both Poland and Russia to find a mutually acceptable solution to the issue.