The European Union is taking concrete steps to facilitate Ukraine's agricultural exports and support the Ukrainian agricultural sector in 2022. In this respect, the European Commission is working closely with Member States, Ukrainian authorities and operators to accelerate the work on the “Solidarity Lanes” to facilitate food exports from Ukraine through different EU land routes and ports. In order to find pragmatic solutions, the Commission has made available, through the Enterprise Europe Network, a networking tool between businesses in the EU and Ukraine.

Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean said: “Millions of tonnes of cereals are blocked in Ukraine and we need to join forces across sectors and borders to move them: companies looking for ways to support Ukrainian exports, companies offering transport or storage solutions, and Ukrainian grain traders looking for logistical partners — our matchmaking platform will help create new partnerships. I look forward to seeing them in action — every tonne of cereals counts!"

The Platform supports the implementation of the Action Plan on EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes, which aims to ensure that Ukraine can export cereals and import the goods it needs. Many actions have already been completed: specialised National Contact Points (NCPs) now act as one-stop-shops for requests concerning their country, for solving logistical problems and for determining storage capacity. Member States are working to speed up procedures at border crossing points and the Commission is preparing the conclusion of road transport agreements with Ukraine and Moldova in order to remove further bottlenecks. In parallel with the extension of the TEN-T corridors in Ukraine, enhanced connectivity between the EU and Ukraine will prepare the ground for Ukraine's reconstruction and help bring Ukraine closer to the EU. More information on the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Corridors can be found here.