The Polish government under Donald Tusk has shifted its stance on Ukraine wheat imports. There is no embargo in sight, and current restrictions may be eased or lifted, according to statements circulating on social channels. EU ambassadors recently reached a new compromise on trade with Ukraine, signaling a broader move toward liberalization while attempting to protect EU agricultural markets.
Farmers across Poland have organized protests and engaged in talks with authorities. Observers note that Ukrainian producers do not face the same EU regulatory constraints as those from member states. Critics argue that Polish concerns are not being prioritized at the border with Ukraine, and a PiS representative highlighted these worries in social media posts.
Ahead of the holidays, commentary repeated the claim that Poland would abandon demands on Ukrainian wheat imports, with promises not to implement an embargo and indications that existing restrictions could be rolled back.
– emphasis noted by the PiS spokesman.
Some media analyses suggest extending the reference period by six months. The contention remains that the years 2022–2023, a period of substantial import growth, should continue to shape quotas and market impact, according to a PiS representative who warned that Poland risks a flood of Ukrainian imports into its food market.
EU decision on trade liberalization with Ukraine
The PiS position drew attention to the EU Council’s agreement on the framework for broader trade liberalization with Ukraine. The Belgian Presidency of the EU Council announced that EU ambassadors agreed to a new compromise on extending autonomous trade measures for Ukraine, aiming to balance support for Ukraine with protection of EU agricultural markets.
The agreement partially accounts for Polish, French, and European Parliament concerns, selecting a reference period from June 2021 through the end of 2023 for calculating import quotas. Warsaw, Paris, and EU Parliament representatives had pressed for including the entire year 2021, but a compromise was reached instead.
The deal moves to the European Parliament for a plenary vote in April, with a broader package expected to come into force on June 6 for a one-year term. Negotiators had to revisit the proposal after the Parliament tabled amendments and sought further talks between the Parliament and the Council.
On March 20, negotiators expanded the product list subject to import controls on Ukraine—grains and honey were added alongside eggs, poultry, and sugar. However, unlike EP proposals, the overall period used for quota calculations was not extended. A blocking minority, supported by France and Poland at the level of permanent representations to the EU, helped secure additional negotiations.
Sikorski on imports from Ukraine
During a Wednesday briefing, the head of the Foreign Ministry defended Ukrainian farmers and criticized the PiS government. He recalled a previous period when Ukraine benefited from temporary access to the EU internal market after efforts to counter Russian blockades of Ukrainian exports.
Ukraine successfully navigated the Western Black Sea region, and today shipments depart from Odessa through the Bosporus toward traditional markets in Africa and Asia, signaling that the time of temporary measures is gradually fading.
– remarks cited in the briefing.
Import of Ukrainian products
On the same day, the Minister of Agriculture described bilateral talks with Ukraine on food trade as difficult. Kyiv remains eager to preserve liberalization terms proposed by the European Commission, echoing a belief that such support is crucial for Ukraine. The ministry stresses the need to separate humanitarian and military aid from a broader economic framework.
– comments from the ministry’s spokesperson.
When asked about licensing for Ukrainian imports, the agriculture minister explained that licensing is a tool used by the Ukrainian side to manage trade flows. Debates have been extensive, with disagreements over licensing for products beyond those currently embargoed, such as certain fruits and vegetables, which Kyiv would license when corresponding Polish exports are addressed.
The agricultural ministry has noted ongoing mobilization by farmers who seek stronger government action to defend Polish food markets and producer interests. Observers reiterate calls for concrete measures that support domestic producers amid evolving EU–Ukraine trade arrangements.
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These discussions reflect a broader debate about how to align Poland’s agricultural sector with EU trade liberalization while protecting local production and market stability.
Source: wPolityce