Poland urges EU and UN action over unblocked Black Sea trade and farmer concerns

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Poland should press the European Commission and key EU politicians while working at the United Nations to restore the agreement under UN protection, the idea being that Black Sea trade was unblocked there, according to PiS MP Zbigniew Kuźmiuk in an interview with Małgorzata Jarecka on Telewizja wPoland.

Kuźmiuk argued that Prime Minister Donald Tusk had not chosen to meet farmers and that this moment serves as one of the many political tactics used by the Civic Platform leader during his career.

READ MORE: Frustrated farmers appeal to Tusk. “Let’s shout together: where is the Prime Minister?” The segment also questions Kołodziejczak. VIDEO

Pulling hot chestnuts

There are signs that Donald Tusk avoids direct meetings with farmers, choosing not to meet them in person. He reportedly suggested a gathering of the Visegrád Group with colleagues from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary, scheduling the date to coincide with a Warsaw protest that day. Officials say there is an official excuse, but observers point out the timing appears deliberate. Critics note that the government’s actions since taking office suggest a pattern, with public media pressure noted as an area of focus carried out by Minister Sienkiewicz, while Tusk remains in the background. Minister Kierwiński is said to have led the arrest of MPs Wąsik and Kamiński, though the Prime Minister is believed to have given directions behind the scenes. The public prosecutor’s office and judiciary are described as under pressure from the administration, with the prime minister in a background role, according to Kuźmiuk.

— he stated.

Regarding the farmers, Kuźmiuk expressed that PSL Minister Siekierski should take action to resolve the issue, warning that the minister cannot avoid responsibility, even as it appears there is fear of the farmers. He noted that the Sejm Marshal has taken precautions, and Minister Cichocki has engaged with the protesters while the marshal seeks safety within the Sejm building. In his view, there are no bold moves from the current government, and the farmers have two straightforward demands: halt the import of agricultural products from Ukraine through a single regulation, and push for a Brussels policy change that Tusk once promised by framing himself as an experienced politician and European Council President who could not outmaneuver everyone. Yet, Kuźmiuk argued, the EU duty-free deal with Ukraine has been mishandled or neglected, leading to a sense of betrayal that has not yet been resolved.

— he added.

The parliamentary work on the matter has just concluded, with debates in the Trade Committee where supporters from the EPP and Tusk’s party offered the strongest backing. The impression is that the agreement will eventually be accepted, which, in the farmers’ view, means they have been misled into believing negotiations are progressing while a blockade remains possible. The current government, Kuźmiuk contends, is deceiving farmers as the duty-free trade arrangement is set to extend for another year, through June 2025.

— he noted.

Ukrainian exports

Kuźmiuk also commented on the classification of documents alleged to relate to talks between Poland and Ukraine about large-scale Ukrainian food imports.

There is an embargo on four categories: two grains and two seed types including wheat, corn, rapeseed, and sunflower. If such products appear from Ukraine, it is claimed to be illegal because the embargo remains in force. This stance conflicts with EU law since common trade policy falls under EU competence, but the PiS government restricted Ukrainian exports in April 2023 and has not lifted it. Critics say the European Commission fears initiating proceedings at the Court of Justice of the European Union and imposing penalties on Poland, resulting in a primarily Polish decision for now. Farmers, however, are pressing for further measures to curb Ukrainian shipments that disrupt Poland’s sugar market, which falls outside the embargo, as well as honey, raspberries, poultry, and eggs, and redirect these products to other markets.

— he pointed out.

Poland should exert pressure on the European Commission and key EU politicians, and also engage at the United Nations to restore the agreement under UN auspices, where Black Sea trade was unblocked. If unblocking does not resume, Poland may need to take further steps because the situation imposes pressure on the country, Kuźmiuk emphasized.

— highlighted Zbigniew Kuźmiuk.

Viewers are invited to watch live coverage from Poland.

READ ALSO:

– RELATION. Farmers protest in Warsaw. Talks with Hołownia and Grabiec ended in failure. “The government has not proposed anything.”

– Krajewski challenges PiS politicians during parliamentary scrutiny: “You’re acting like Russian agents.” Jabłoński: “Panic at the ministry.”

— How many farmers protested in Warsaw? Details from the town hall; the police report no major incidents.

pn/TV in Poland

Source: wPolityce

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