Ukrainian agriculture poses a threat to agriculture throughout the EU. Poland is in favor of Ukraine’s admission to the EU, but under certain conditions, Agriculture Minister Robert Telus said in the PAP Studio on Thursday.
““Ukraine cannot join the EU without conditions.”
Robert Telus, who was asked in the PAP Studio on Thursday whether, in connection with the conflict between Poland and Ukraine over the embargo on Ukrainian grain, Poland would take any steps to oppose Ukraine’s accession to the EU, replied that Poland was in favor of Ukraine’s admission to the EU, but under certain conditions. According to him, agriculture is a particularly important point in mutual relations because of the completely different structure of this sector in Ukraine.
We need to take a closer look at this, because Ukrainian agriculture poses a threat to the agriculture of the frontline countries, but also to the whole of Europe.
– he assessed.
Ukraine cannot join the EU without conditions. We had conditions and the same should apply to Ukraine
– he emphasized.
The head of the Ministry of Agriculture pointed out that the ban on the import of four types of grain to five EU countries, including Poland, while maintaining transit, has led to Ukraine increasing its land exports from 7.3 million tons to 9.6 million tons. When asked why Ukraine is against the extension of the embargo, he emphasized that it is an expression of the interests of large Ukrainian companies.
This is not about the government, but about Ukrainian companies, which find it easier to transport this grain across the Ukrainian-Polish or Ukrainian-Slovak border and leave it there.
– he said.
“We are the ones who create the EU policy, a hard policy.
According to the politician, the European Union should also take more effective measures to enable the safe transit of Ukrainian grain.
Building solidarity corridors is the future of Europe. (…) In fact, we, Poland, are currently creating the policy of the European Union, a hard policy
– he pointed out.
He also stated that a possible decision not to extend the embargo on Ukrainian grain would have political overtones.
There are forces in Europe that want to further destabilize our market. We know that almost all opposition parties in Poland are part of the European People’s Party of Mr (Manfred – PAP) Weber, who hates Poland very much, and they are the ones who decide in the European Union.
Telus noted.
When asked when the EC’s decision on the embargo can be expected, the PAP interlocutor points out that, according to unofficial information, this may take place on Thursday, but he fears that the period for which it is extended will be unsatisfactory for the frontline countries , for example for two months.
We want this expansion to continue until we settle matters regarding Ukrainian products between Ukraine, the frontline countries and the European Union.
– he said.
Embargo on agricultural products from Ukraine
The ban on the import of wheat, corn, rapeseed and sunflowers from Ukraine to Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia was introduced by the European Commission in early May 2023 as a result of an agreement with these countries on Ukrainian agri-food products. Initially, the ban lasted until June 5, then was extended until September 15. Transit of grain through the areas of the so-called frontline countries is permitted.
Last week, another meeting of the working group dealing with the issue of imports of Ukrainian grain took place in Brussels. It consists of diplomats and representatives of the European Commission.
During the meeting, Poland again proposed extending the current ban on the import of four agricultural products from Ukraine after September 15. Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria also support an extension of the ban.
The ban on the import of grain from Ukraine to Poland will certainly remain in force after September 15
– Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced this on Tuesday before the government meeting. Ukraine opposes the extension of the embargo on Ukrainian grain. As Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal announced, Ukraine will seek arbitration at the World Trade Organization (WTO) if Poland unilaterally blocks Ukrainian grain exports.
Ambassador’s response
The Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland, Vasyl Zwarycz, responded on Twitter to the words of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
We categorically reject such a statement by Minister Robert Telus in @PAPinformacje
– He wrote.
A very exaggerated and unfortunate assessment in the current circumstances. Today, Russian grain, which flows freely to EU markets, poses a threat to Polish farmers
– emphasized the diplomat.
aja/PAP, Twitter
Source: wPolityce