During a radio interview on Radio Zet, Grzegorz Schetyna, a prominent Civic Platform senator, faced a listener’s question that led to his signature, easy smile. The moment sparked a brief but pointed exchange about distant topics and direct accountability, with Schetyna asking the audience to consider how political statements are interpreted in real time.
Schetyna: Farmers should view Tusk as an ally in shaping EU policy
In a candid discussion, Schetyna argued that farmers must recognize that Donald Tusk can be a reliable partner in steering agricultural and environmental policy at the European level. He noted that Tusk, in coordination with leaders from other member states, has the capacity to influence EU policy directions in a way that aligns with national interests while balancing the broader priorities of the bloc. This perspective was offered in the context of ongoing debates about how the European Commission and member governments address climate-related reforms and rural livelihoods.
The lawmaker suggested that the European Commission may need to reassess several Green Deal assumptions in light of practical realities faced by farmers. He asserted that relaxation of certain targets or timelines could be a reasonable response if such adjustments protect farm incomes and livelihoods without derailing the overall environmental objectives. The objective, according to Schetyna, is to reach a policy balance that preserves competitiveness for Polish agriculture while still pushing for meaningful ecological improvements.
According to Schetyna, protests about environmental policy are not confined to Poland; similar demonstrations have occurred across the European Union. He acknowledged that ecological changes carry importance, yet he questioned the speed of their rollout and the absence of safeguards that would cushion the sector from abrupt economic disruption. In his view, a measured approach—one that considers transitional supports and practical mitigation measures—could help the bloc advance its environmental agenda while reducing the risk of harm to farmers. He emphasized the need for negotiations and concrete instruments from Brussels that would minimize negative consequences for rural communities.
A listener’s query and the well-known smile
During the interview, a journalist invited listeners to submit questions, including one about the climate crisis. The host pressed for specifics, asking for research, analyses, and credible sources that substantiate the claim of a climate emergency, complete with details, titles, and accessible references. The exchange unfolded with Schetyna replying in his characteristic, upbeat manner, letting his smile speak to the moment as a counterpoint to the serious undertones of the discussion.
Rather than dwelling on the assertion itself, Schetyna shifted the focus toward a broader debate about the evidence base and how policymakers should respond. He described his position by referring to the spectrum of expert opinions and the need for transparent, evidence-based policymaking. When pressed to name particular researchers or documents, he highlighted the importance of clear, verifiable data while maintaining that the ultimate question concerns how policy choices translate into tangible outcomes for communities and the environment.
Journalists continued with follow-up questions about who counts as an expert and which sources should guide policy decisions. The exchange reflected the ongoing tension between scientific discourse and political feasibility, especially when decisions affect farmers who operate under tight margins and uncertain market conditions. The discussion underscored the complexity of reconciling environmental ambitions with economic realities and the necessity of approaching reforms through dialogue, compromise, and well-structured policy tools that protect livelihoods while advancing ecological objectives.
In summary, the dialogue captured a moment of political maneuvering where alliance-building, pragmatic policy adjustments, and a demand for credible evidence intersect with the lived experience of rural communities across Europe. The dialogue also highlighted a broader political dynamic: the pursuit of feasible, balanced reforms that command broad support without sacrificing the principles of sustainability and resilience for farmers and society at large.