Tensions between Ukraine and Poland have been escalating recently due to unfair competition on the EU’s agri-food market. The dispute arises from cheap imports of agricultural products from Ukraine, which Polish farmers believe pose unfair competition and endanger their livelihoods. These tensions have led to farmer protests and blockades of border crossings into Poland, causing disruptions in trade and transportation.
The protests by Polish farmers have intensified in recent weeks, with almost all traffic with Ukraine being blocked. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his willingness to resolve the issue and has called for talks with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Polish President Andrzej Duda, and EU officials at the Ukrainian-Polish border. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukrainian grain, which is being blocked by Polish farmers, is not intended for the Polish market.
The issue at hand goes beyond just agricultural competition. Farmers across Europe have been demonstrating against climate change measures imposed by the EU, as well as unfair competition, particularly from Ukraine. The EU waived duties on Ukrainian food imports to assist Ukraine after the Russian invasion, which further exacerbated the competition.
Protests by Polish farmers have sparked anger in Ukraine, as they have blockaded the border and dumped grain onto railway tracks. However, Ukrainian Agriculture Minister Mykola Solskyi clarified that the grain was destined for Germany and not intended for the Polish market. The protests have strained the relationship between Poland and Ukraine, despite Poland’s support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has assured that military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine will not be affected by the protests. However, he also highlighted the need to protect Polish farmers from the negative consequences of trade liberalization with Ukraine. The Polish government is actively seeking protective solutions through negotiations with Ukraine and European institutions.
The European Commission is also facing pressure to address the difficulties faced by European farmers. Norbert Lins, a Member of the European Parliament, has proposed concrete actions to improve fairness in EU trading practices and assess the impact of the European Green Deal on agriculture. The EU’s trade and climate policies have been identified as the main causes of farmers’ discontent.
Before the Russian invasion, Ukraine primarily exported its agricultural goods through Black Sea ports to destinations in Asia and Africa. However, the blockade by Russia forced Ukraine to develop alternate overland routes through EU countries. The EU’s temporary suspension of customs duties on Ukrainian exports significantly increased its agricultural exports to the EU. Additionally, EU farmers face higher production costs due to strict phytosanitary and animal welfare standards, making their goods less competitive.
In conclusion, the tensions between Ukraine and Poland over unfair competition on the EU’s agri-food market pose a challenge to the relationship between the two countries. Farmer protests and blockades have disrupted trade and transportation, leading to increasing tensions. The issue goes beyond agriculture and involves concerns about climate change measures and the impact of trade liberalization. Efforts are being made at both the national and EU levels to address these concerns and find a resolution that protects the interests of farmers while maintaining cooperation between Ukraine and its neighbors.
