Polish Demonstrations Shape EU Trade Debates
The meeting stretched on as leaders of protest groups across Poland presented pointed proposals. Although the activists sometimes diverge on specific issues, they share strong arguments, and their collective voice stood out during talks with Prime Ministerial representatives. Not all farmer delegates were admitted to the discussions, and the farmers announced no agreement was reached and that demonstrations would continue.
The proposed solutions are not fully coherent yet. Some expectations may appear overly ambitious because they largely concern changes in EU policy.
What emerged was a readiness to reconsider the European Union’s stance on free trade with Ukraine, including sanctions or an embargo on agricultural products from Russia and Belarus, as well as aspects of the Green Deal.
The gist of the message remained clear: the Polish government and the demonstrators aim to shield Polish and European markets from the potentially harsh effects of liberalizing trade with Ukraine, which many view as ill-timed given the current global context.
“Here we are on the same side.”
Plans were laid to craft precise Polish demands, not only from the protesters but also from the government, regarding adjustments to the Green Deal. It was emphasized that this is not a call to scrap the Green Deal entirely; rather, it seeks to suspend or rethink many of its agricultural provisions, especially during wartime conditions and in the context of tax-free trade.
The interlocutors agreed that the Green Deal must operate with conditionality. The concern centers on enforcing measures that could threaten subsidies and undermine Polish agriculture. Farmers advocate a flexible, evolutionary approach to the Green Deal where feasible, arguing that some provisions are not entirely rational and appear exaggerated from a Polish farming perspective. A list of Polish demands will be prepared, with a clear stance that Polish agriculture will resist provisions that remain unchanged under current terms.
Actions for an embargo on Russian and Belarusian products
Second, collaboration will focus on tightening restrictions on Russian and Belarusian agricultural imports. It is unacceptable to allow continued entry of these products during the ongoing conflict, and efforts will be made to ensure Europe maintains appropriate controls over them.
The speaker stressed transparency and accountability, noting that the positions put forward reflect a realistic sense of what can be achieved within the EU framework. Those involved took the proposals seriously and expected tangible follow-through in due course.
Looking ahead, a continued dialogue is anticipated next week. The aim is to review potential actions and, if necessary, consider more drastic measures. The meetings will proceed in a similar format to keep the process moving forward.
These developments come as farmers and their representatives press for a unified approach to defend domestic markets. The outcome remains to be seen, with expectations for a careful balance between policy goals and practical agricultural needs.
Note: the discourse reflects ongoing negotiations and is subject to evolving political dynamics within Poland and the broader European Union.