EU spox says there is intl consensus on need to reinstate Black Sea grain export deal

According to an Ukrinform correspondent, EU Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano said this at a briefing in Brussels on Thursday, August 10.

"The efforts being made by the international community, the UN, with the support of Turkey, are ongoing. I believe that there is indeed an international consensus in the sense that we need to go back to the Black Sea [Grain] Initiative, because it is very important not just for Ukraine, but also for the food markets in general, and global food prices as well. So this is an ongoing effort," he said.

Stano expressed hope that "it will be possible to revive this initiative sooner or later, because it is very important for everyone, particularly for the affected population in terms of price rises" due to Russia's actions.

He recalled that EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell had earlier sent a letter to the foreign ministers of the member states with arguments for the restoration of the Black Sea grain export deal and increased pressure on Russia for this purpose.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative was signed in July 2022. Two separate documents were signed, one between the UN, Turkey and Ukraine and another between the UN, Turkey and Russia.

The deal was extended several times.

On July 17, Moscow announced its withdrawal from the grain agreement.

Photo: N1