Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki stated on Friday in Dołhobyczów (Lubelskie Voivodeship) that there is an unequivocal refusal to allow Ukrainian oligarchs to destabilize the Polish agricultural market. He affirmed that Poland would keep the grain import ban from Ukraine intact, regardless of the European Commission’s forthcoming decision.
“The interests of Polish farmers come first”
Morawiecki reiterated a firm stance against any Ukrainian oligarchs seeking to disrupt Poland’s agricultural sector. He noted that exports through Poland have grown in recent months, while expressing a clear preference for safeguarding domestic markets.
– he outlined at a press briefing at the border checkpoint with Ukraine in Dołhobyczów. The government is “absolutely” against any disturbance to Poland’s agricultural market, he added.
The prime minister confirmed that Poland would maintain the prohibition on importing four Ukrainian grains after September 15, independent of the European Commission’s decision, even if the commission does not extend the ban.
He underscored that the welfare of Polish farmers is of utmost importance. A new cap on cereal imports may be approved by the Commission on Wednesday, or Poland may extend the ban autonomously, he stated.
He argued that during a period of uncontrolled grain inflows, action from the European Commission was demanded. He said that at meetings with the European Council and the Commission’s President, he warned that if no steps were taken, Poland would implement its own measures to halt Ukraine-origin grain and agricultural products.
According to him, these imports destabilized Polish agricultural markets. He recalled that when there was no timely response in March and April, Poland moved unilaterally in April to restrict the import of Ukrainian agricultural products, especially grains.
Morawiecki criticized political opponents, suggesting they suddenly awakened while Polish farmers faced critical months. He asserted that when action was taken, it was effective, and promises to act decisively after September 15 remain in place.
Addressing the war in Ukraine, the prime minister said that Poland acted out of necessity. He emphasized that aid was extended to all women and children fleeing Ukraine, while maintaining a clear stance against attempts to destabilize the Polish agricultural market.
He clarified that the government supports export and transit through Polish territory. This ongoing arrangement has contributed to rising exports in recent months, and maintaining it benefits the national economy and farmers alike, he argued.
“We stand ready to assist with transportation”
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Robert Telus stated at the Dołhobyczów conference that the government would stand with Polish farmers. After September 15, grain from Ukraine would no longer enter Poland, he noted, adding that public transport support remains available, a commitment voiced from the outset.
In February, 114,000 people crossed the Polish border, with more than 260,000 admissions recorded in June, illustrating significant movement through the region. The six-month period also saw Poland exporting over 7 million tons of grain, Telus highlighted.
Telus affirmed that defending the Polish market serves the interests of Polish farmers, the country, and the broader economy. He also suggested that some political groups in Poland were harming farmers, not only domestically but within the European Union as well.
He referenced a recent budget debate, noting that amendments related to social benefits and stimulus payments had been revised and that certain proposals were withdrawn by a Senate committee. The minister also pointed out that no European Parliament opposition member participated in a recent debate over extending the grain import ban from Ukraine.
Telus criticized some public figures, describing them as hypocritical and exposing their positions in light of current policy choices. He expressed concern about those who positioned themselves as countryside defenders while pursuing broader political goals.
The European Commission’s temporary ban on Ukraine-origin wheat, maize, rapeseed, and sunflowers was enacted to support border countries including Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia. The ban was originally set through June and later extended through September 15, with transit through border areas allowed. In July, Morawiecki announced that Poland would close its border to these goods if the EC did not extend the ban beyond September 15. At that time, Telus indicated that frontline countries preferred keeping the measure in place at least through year-end.
In summary, the policy focus remains: protect the Polish agricultural sector, support farmers, and manage grain flows through Poland in a way that sustains both the domestic market and regional stability.