Has the Minister of Agriculture actually begun discussions with Ukraine to resolve the crisis affecting Polish farmers caused by the influx of Ukrainian food products? MPs Mariusz Błaszczak, Waldemar Buda, and Krzysztof Jabłoński described the situation as information and strategic chaos during a brief press briefing before today’s inspection at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Early on, Błaszczak recalled the embargo imposed on September 16, 2023 by the previous United Right government on cereal imports from Ukraine and stated that now it is necessary to take steps that will extend the embargo to other food products as well.
Actions or mere words?
The PiS Parliamentary Club submitted a resolution to the Sejm urging the government to broaden the embargo. However, the measure was referred to the Agriculture Committee and, by December 13, it was effectively shelved by the coalition majority.
– he noted. He stressed the need for direct talks with the Ukrainian side in parallel with any measures taken locally.
The idea of reintroducing limits and quotas on Ukrainian food imports has been discussed by the governing coalition. The question remains whether these are only statements or if tangible actions will follow. This is the focus of today’s inspection, which is about to begin.
– said MP Mariusz Błaszczak.
Today, a single regulation could close Poland’s borders to Ukrainian agricultural products
Currently, one rule could close Poland’s borders to Ukrainian agricultural goods. This rule was previously applied to grains and was expanded to other agrifood products in April.
– recalled MP Waldemar Buda.
“There are no details or outcomes from these talks.”
Presently, it is said that there is no need to extend the arrangement because discussions with Ukraine are underway. Public statements describe discord and exchanges of accusations, yet concrete details or agreements from negotiations have not been disclosed. The MPs stated they would seek an update on the status of talks intended to resolve the bilateral issue.
– explained the PiS member.
There is a suspicion that these conversations may amount to little progress and that the envisaged regulations might not be implemented. The inspection aims to uncover what has occurred over the past three months.
– added.
Kołodziejczak or Siekierski: will the right approach prevail?
Buda mentioned a controversial moment when Deputy Minister Kołodziejczak accused his superior, Minister Siekierski, of inaction.
Officials stated they would verify the documents created, the drafts in circulation, and the current status of negotiations with Ukraine.
– he declared
One well-timed arrangement could be enough. Courage is required. Neither the Ukrainian side nor the European Union should be feared. If talks proceed, the outcome and its trajectory in the near future will be assessed.
– he remembered.
Information and strategic chaos
The situation is described as information and strategic chaos. On one hand, the government speaks about talks, while on the other, Ukrainian authorities have made statements that are hard to endorse in Poland. This creates an impression that substantial conversations are not taking place.
Strategic chaos arises from statements by Polish officials that are hard to unite with public sentiment. When the head of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, Paweł Kowal, remarked that Ukraine is not responsible for past atrocities, such remarks are met with broad condemnation in Poland.
– explained the former deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MP Krzysztof Jabłoński, who did not exclude that officials from the current Ministry of Foreign Affairs would also examine the situation.
Relations with Ukraine should be guided by mutual respect and shared interests for the long term.
– he stated, stressing that “Poland supports Ukraine in countering Russian aggression.”
The border crisis coincides with peasant protests across Poland and Europe. Polish farmers advocate for simplifying and relaxing Green Deal requirements, reducing Ukrainian agri-food inflows, and improving the profitability of farming operations.
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twitter.com/pisorgpl / RDM