Polish minister identifies culprit in border blockade: neither Poland, Ukraine, nor Putin
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Czesław Siekierski, Polish Minister of Agriculture said that the EC is responsible for the uncontrolled inflow of agricultural products from Ukraine to Poland and the European market, as well as for the provisions of the Green Deal that have led to farmers’ protests across Europe,Polish ministry reported in press release on Feb. 25.
The minister emphasized the necessity of revising the provisions of the Green Deal to offer support to farmers.
“We must comprehend the concerns of farmers, and I will advocate for this at the EU Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels,” stated Siekierski.
The Polish minister firmly believes that the European Union requires a fresh approach to collaborating with Ukraine, specifically emphasizing the immediate need to moderate the extensive liberalization of trade with Ukraine.
He clarified that the terms outlined in the Green Deal are met with resistance among farmers and even encroach upon their professional integrity. They prefer adherence to agricultural legislation over directives issued by Brussels officials.
Siekierski also stated that at the EU Council of Ministers meeting, he will push for restricting certain aspects of the Green Deal and delaying the enactment of several of its provisions.
Additionally, the Minister of Agriculture anticipates that discussions with European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen in Warsaw and Kyiv will enhance her comprehension of the challenges confronting farmers.
He emphasized ongoing dialogues with agriculture ministers from various nations, including recent discussions with counterparts from Ukraine, France, and Belgium. Furthermore, on March 1, the German Minister of Agriculture is scheduled to visit Warsaw for discussions.
Read also: Ukraine demands response from Poland as protesters block buses at border
After engaging with protesting farmers at the border, Siekierski emphasized the peril of politicizing these demonstrations.
“This is detrimental to farmers. I urge them to conduct public protests to minimize disruption, as prolonged disruptions may diminish public support for agricultural protests,” stated the minister.
Additionally, Siekierski mentioned that on Feb. 29, the Ministry of Agriculture will continue discussions with farmers.
Earlier reports indicated that following a nationwide strike declared by Polish farmers on Feb. 11, 2024, near the Dorohusk checkpoint on the border with Ukraine, Polish individuals damaged Ukrainian trucks and spilled grain from them.
Read also: Kyiv officials renew strong rebuke of Polish border obstructions, appeal to Polish government to act
On Feb. 19, Polish farmers blocked a passenger train from Ukraine.
On Feb. 20, Poland asked Ukraine to cancel the electronic queue for three checkpoints.
On the same day, Polish protesters blocked the railroad near the Medyka-Shehyni checkpoint and dumped grain.
Ukrainians began protests at three checkpoints on the Polish border at once in repel.
On Feb. 20, 2024, a banner calling on Putin to “deal with Ukraine and Brussels” was spotted at a rally of Polish farmers. The police launched an investigation.
Read also: Vandals in Poland spill Ukrainian grain; fourth incident in recent days
On Feb. 20, Polish protesting farmers blocked the railway near the Medyka checkpoint on the border with Ukraine and spilled grain from a freight wagon onto the tracks.
On Feb. 23, at the Polish railway station Dorohusk, unknown persons spilled rapeseed from three grain wagons heading through Poland to Germany.
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