Coceral stands in solidarity with Ukraine on the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine – press release

Brussels, Belgium – February 24th marks the one year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As the war still rages, it has been a year of devastation for the people living there. We wish to express our sympathy on this anniversary and stand in solidarity with those who are still suffering. Despite the ongoing crisis, the farming community and actors in the agri trade supply chain have been working hard to continue agricultural activities and trade. The grain trade community represented in COCERAL expresses its continued support to them and commends their resilience and determination.

We also thank the EU Commission for its support, which has been instrumental in addressing border issues, and in particular all Commission officials who worked hand in hand with COCERAL members to find alternatives to the access by sea, thus building the solidarity lanes to improve access by land.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative agreement was one of those diplomatic positive notes. However, exports of grain from Ukraine are still hindered by extremely long waiting times in the Bosphorus passage, and we call on the UN and Turkey to see that this agreement be improved when it is renewed next month so that waiting time be reduced, in particular for the smaller vessels that serve those countries most in need for grains.