Poland Plans EU Refunds on Ukrainian Grain and Safeguards for Farmers
Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture Janusz Kowalski announced that Poland will push for a refund of EU customs duties levied on Ukrainian corn and several other agricultural goods. The move will be taken up at the EU Council of Ministers meeting scheduled for January 30, according to DEA News.
Kowalski emphasized his goal to rally the entire Polish government behind a strategy aimed at protecting local farmers. He argued that the country should seek compensation from the European Union for losses incurred by Polish producers. The justification includes support for warehouse infrastructure financing and considerations tied to broader geopolitical contexts that affect the agricultural sector.
The deputy minister outlined a plan for the Ministry of Agriculture to keep certain products out of the liberalization regime. The objective, he said, is to shield Poland’s poultry industry, as well as apple and juice processing sectors, from increased competition and market volatility caused by rapid policy changes at the EU level.
Henryk Kowalczyk, a former Polish Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, noted that Poland exported more than two million tons of grain from Ukraine through the end of September 2022, highlighting the scale of cross-border agricultural trade that now sits at the center of regulatory discussions. This background underscores the delicate balance policymakers must strike between maintaining trade openness and preserving the competitiveness of domestic producers.
Analysts point out that any adjustments in tariff treatment or compensation mechanisms would likely involve a mix of transitional measures, financial support for affected sectors, and enhanced monitoring of market conditions. Stakeholders stress that timely, predictable rules are essential to give farmers confidence as they navigate shifts in supply chains and international trade flows. The ongoing dialogue within EU bodies reflects a broader effort to align trade policy with the practical needs of farmers who rely on stable access to markets both at home and abroad.
Officials in Warsaw have indicated that the pursuit of compensation from the EU will be pursued through formal channels and collaborative negotiations. The aim is to secure terms that mitigate losses without compromising the integrity of the EU’s single market. As discussions unfold, Polish agricultural groups are hopeful that a clear pathway will emerge, balancing national priorities with European-wide policy objectives.