A clear pledge emerged from government circles about the transit of goods and the stability of the market. The aim is a total guarantee that items destabilizing Poland’s market will not linger at the border or within its territory. Officials indicate that solutions are being developed to ensure this outcome, with Agriculture Minister Robert Telus outlining the priority in Dorohusk on Monday.
On the same day, talks took place involving the Deputy Prime Ministers of both Poland and Ukraine, the Ukrainian Minister of Agriculture, a representative of the Ukrainian President’s Chancellery, along with Poland’s Prime Minister and several ministers. Officials described the discussions as ongoing steps toward resolving transit concerns, emphasizing a willingness to permit transit while ensuring that prohibited products do not remain in Poland. Telus stated this stance clearly at a press conference, underscoring the need for firm guarantees.
Telus also noted that there is ongoing work with the European Union Trade Commissioner on the matter. He described the need to engage with the six-country arena and signaled that a formal application to the Trade Commissioner would be filed to address the issue effectively.
“Goods from Ukraine do not enter Poland”
During the conference, Telus affirmed that goods banned from Ukraine since Saturday would not cross into Poland. He acknowledged the spread of misinformation online and conveyed, after consultations with relevant services, that he had not intercepted any of the regulated products at the border.
He urged caution over sensational claims circulating online, noting that once the regulation was published around 8 p.m. on Saturday, those restricted products would not be allowed entry into Poland. Telus cautioned against misinterpretations about EU subsidies being withdrawn from Polish farmers, labeling such claims as inaccurate.
Background on the regulation was provided: on April 15, 2023, a ministerial regulation restricted imports of certain agricultural goods from Ukraine into Poland until June 30 of the current year, covering cereals, sugar, fruits, and vegetables. This context helps explain the actions being taken and the rationale behind the transit and import controls.
“Talks are ongoing with the Ukrainian side”
Call to the EU
Telus reiterated that Poland seeks a 100 percent guarantee that in-transit products do not remain in the country. He called on the European Union and the European Commission to act swiftly to ensure the safety and clearance of transports destined for destinations beyond the frontline. The goal is to guarantee safe transit while distributing the cost of support for Ukraine among all European nations, not solely the most exposed states. This position was stated during a press briefing at the border crossing in Dorohusk, where negotiations with Ukraine were described as ongoing.
Speaking for Poland, Telus stressed the paramount importance of preventing any transit products from staying in the country. He emphasized that ongoing talks with Ukraine continue and that shared European responsibility for aid to Ukraine should be a collective effort across all member states, not limited to frontline countries. The remarks underscored a commitment to a coordinated approach across Europe to stabilize markets and support Ukraine without creating new disruptions at borders.
In reflecting on the broader picture, officials indicated that discussions with Ukraine are continuous and that work remains in progress. The emphasis remains on safeguarding Poland’s market while maintaining a stable framework for cross-border transit and European support in response to the evolving situation.
(Source: wPolityce)