Polish trade with Ukraine under scrutiny
In a recent interview, EU Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski commented that those who opposed extending the free trade regime with Ukraine in the European Parliament were voting against Polish farmers. He suggested this opposition stemmed from ill will or ignorance, and he asserted that Polish farmers received what they campaigned for: reduced excessive Ukrainian food imports. The commissioner emphasized that the European Commission had already taken comprehensive steps in this area and argued that the EU cannot single out Ukraine for trade restrictions when Ukraine faces impediments from multiple sides in the region. He dismissed suggestions that the EU should seal off Ukraine from the fourth border simply through actions by the Polish Commissioner.
Polish trade with Ukraine
The commissioner noted that the Polish economy gains considerably from the free-trade relationship with Ukraine. Poland stands as the EU’s largest exporter to Ukraine, with exports nearly reaching 10 billion euros in 2022. Germany ranked second with about 4 billion euros. Poland exported more than two and a half times as much as Germany, and Polish goods accounted for roughly a third of EU exports to Ukraine. The trade balance with Ukraine showed a surplus of around 4 billion euros in this exchange.
While Poland shows a negative trade balance in agricultural products, authorities decided to provide targeted help to farmers affected by the war. With the European Commission’s approval, the total aid for the year reached 1.62 billion euros, more than seven billion zlotys. This level of government support was unprecedented in such a short period and aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by farmers amid the ongoing conflict. The commissioner highlighted this as a crucial measure for the agricultural sector.
“Either ill-will or ignorance”
Wojciechowski also expressed surprise that several Members of the European Parliament did not back the decision to extend the abolition of import duties on Ukrainian goods. He argued that voting against extending free trade would hurt Polish farmers. The measure in question would extend the suspension of duties on four Ukrainian products: wheat, maize, rapeseed and sunflower seed, and it included a safeguard clause to enforce the import ban if needed. Without this arrangement, the free import of many Ukrainian grains without duties could have begun in June, which he warned would be damaging for Polish farmers.
The extension was described as advantageous for the Polish economy, which benefits from the maintained trade framework. The commissioner pointed out that Russia uses food as a weapon to destabilize markets worldwide. He noted Russia’s growing exports, aided by sanctions-free foods, and its push to reclaim traditional markets from Ukraine. He framed this as part of the broader wartime objective to subjugate Ukraine. He concluded that Polish farmers achieved their aim of limiting excessive Ukrainian imports, a result that was resolved at the European level and exceeded initial expectations.
In the European Parliament, the vote approved the extension of import duty suspensions, anti-dumping duties and safeguard measures for Ukrainian exports to the union for another year amid Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. The tariff suspension applies to fruit and vegetables under the entry price system, as well as agricultural and processed agricultural products subject to tariff quotas. In the vote, Party representatives backed the suspension of EU import duties on Ukrainian agricultural products for another year to support Ukraine’s economy. One MEP later stated that they had miscast their vote and requested a correction immediately after the tally. Other MEPs within the Party were divided, with some voting against the measure while others supported it, and a few abstained.
The flow of the discussion and votes showed a clear split within political groups as they debated the best path to support Ukraine while protecting Polish farmers. This dynamic underscores the broader tension between sustaining open trade relations and shielding domestic agricultural interests during a period of geopolitical tension. The decision, taken at the European level, was presented as a significant step in maintaining economic stability for Poland and its farming sector during a turbulent time. The tally and subsequent remarks reflect the ongoing debate over how best to balance regional economic needs with broader international strategies.
Source coverage indicates that the matter was assessed by several parliamentary groups and that key members from different factions articulated their positions and adjustments after the vote. The discussion and its outcomes are cited in European press briefings and parliamentary records as part of the ongoing response to Russia’s war and its impact on European markets. The event illustrates how policy decisions in Brussels can have immediate and tangible effects on farmers, exporters, and consumers across Europe.
The broader context in this topic includes the complex relationship between trade policy, security concerns, and agricultural livelihoods. It demonstrates how legislative bodies weigh immediate economic pressures against longer-term strategic goals. The outcome signals a commitment to maintaining a stable supply chain and supporting farmers during a time of political strain, while continuing to engage with Ukraine’s export needs amid the war. As the situation evolves, analysts will monitor how European trade rules adapt to changing sanctions regimes, market dynamics, and the evolving security environment in the region.
kk/PAP
Source: wPolityce