The Polish Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Czesław Siekierski, stated today that he plans to discuss with the agriculture ministers of Lithuania and Germany several issues, including agricultural protests. He expressed concern that farmers have faced financial losses due to Green Deal requirements and called for partial compensation from the European Union. The minister emphasized the need to address the economic impact of the Green Deal as well as the consequences of opening trade with Ukraine.
The head of Poland’s Ministry of Agriculture announced an agenda for a meeting today with his Lithuanian and German counterparts. The discussions are expected to cover a range of challenges affecting farmers, including cross-border trade and policy responses to recent developments in the EU’s agricultural framework.
In Warsaw, it was noted that the Minister of Agriculture of Lithuania, Kestutis Navickas, and the German Minister of Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, are involved in these conversations. The Polish side highlighted that German farmers have been on strike for several days, underscoring the global nature of farming stress and the interconnectedness of EU member states. The aim remains to secure partial compensation from the EU for losses tied to the Green Deal and for disruptions linked to Ukraine trade policies.
The discussions reflect a broader concern among Polish policymakers about the financial strain on farmers and the perceived imbalances created by EU trade liberalization with Ukraine. Siekierski noted that Polish farmers have shown a strong willingness to work toward a resolution that stabilizes the sector while balancing national interests with EU-wide goals.
Farmers have stressed the need to resolve issues arising from relations with Ukraine and the EU, as well as to examine how trade policies affect domestic agricultural markets. The minister pointed out that some observers believe the European Commission’s liberalization of Ukrainian trade created unintended consequences for neighboring countries, including Poland, and that the EU should consider adjustments to ease pressure on farmers while maintaining support for Ukraine’s economic resilience.
According to Siekierski, the EU’s approach to liberalizing trade with Ukraine has faced criticism. He argued that while the goal was to help Ukraine, the approach may have added stress to EU agricultural sectors and raised questions about protective measures within border regions. He suggested that a balanced policy mix is required to support farmers without undermining the broader aims of the European internal market.
One of the central points raised was the influence of large corporate actors within Ukraine and how foreign capital affects EU-Ukraine relations. There is concern about the impact of these dynamics on the flow of goods and on the level of competition within EU markets. Polish representatives spoke about the need for vigilance against market distortions and for safeguards that protect local producers while maintaining fair access to EU markets for Ukrainian products.
The People’s Party member highlighted the importance of compensating losses suffered by Polish farmers as a result of the crisis and European Commission decisions. He outlined a plan that would include targeted actions to mitigate financing losses tied to Green Deal requirements and to losses associated with Ukraine trade openings. The aim is to deliver tangible relief while pursuing reforms that improve resilience in Polish agriculture.
Protest at the border with Lithuania
Farmers from northeastern Poland announced plans for a protest at the Polish-Lithuanian border in Budzisko, beginning March 1 and continuing through March 7. The action aims to monitor and restrict the movement of Ukrainian grain into Lithuania and back into Poland. Protest organizers expect Lithuania to consider measures similar to those in Poland, including a ban on Ukrainian grain imports and the establishment of grain transit rules that reflect local policy contexts.
Yesterday’s Agriculture Summit in Warsaw brought together leaders and farmers, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk underscoring the government’s commitment to protecting Polish agriculture. He signaled that Brussels should consider suspending or withdrawing certain Green Deal provisions in the agricultural sector while the government pursues embargo measures on agricultural products from Russia and Belarus. A follow-up meeting was announced to continue advancing these discussions.
Peasant protests across the European Union have persisted for several days. Polish farmers are calling for the withdrawal of Green Deal provisions, tighter borders for agri-food imports from outside the EU, and stronger support for livestock farming within Poland. The debate centers on balancing national interests, EU goals, and the livelihoods of those who work the land.
In related coverage, readers may encounter discussions about future plans for Polish farmers, ongoing parliamentary oversight of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and calls to limit Green Deal measures that farmers find unacceptable. The conversation continues as policymakers weigh options for a sustainable path forward that protects agricultural communities while aligning with EU objectives. [citation: wPolityce]
Source discussions and summaries of the day’s events reflect a broader context in which EU policies, bilateral relations, and domestic agricultural realities intersect. Polish officials and farmers alike are navigating a complex landscape where economic pressures, trade considerations, and political commitments converge. [citation: wPolityce]