Polish PM urges better protection of farmers’ interests
Ahead of European Parliament elections in June, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called for more effective measures to protect farmers’ interests within the European Union.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (right) and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola (left) meet in Warsaw on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak
Speaking at a joint news conference with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Tusk emphasized the importance of Metsola’s visit to Poland as a key aspect of the pro-turnout campaign for the upcoming elections.
The conservative Maltese politician’s tour across EU member states signifies the European Union’s focus on addressing critical issues such as food security and agricultural policies, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the short- and medium-term challenges posed by the European Green Deal.
The Green Deal aims for no net emissions of greenhouse gases in the EU by 2050, and economic growth decoupled from intensive resource use, facilitated by broad investment initiatives.
Tusk’s remarks came against the backdrop of nationwide protests by Polish farmers against the EU’s agricultural policies, including the Green Deal’s implications for agriculture.
A major protest in Wrocław, southwestern Poland, was disbanded by its organizers soon after it began, but protesters refused to observe police instructions and rallied outside local government offices, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
It said the protest saw the use of pyrotechnics and eggs thrown at the European Commission’s building.
The Polish prime minister stressed the need for EU-level solutions that are farmer-friendly and “take into account the particular situation of Polish agriculture,” given its geography and characteristics.
He described the EU legislature’s decisions under Metsola’s leadership, particularly those regarding pesticides, as “steps in the right direction,” but highlighted the ongoing discussions about the “specific challenges” facing Polish farmers.
Some three-quarters of Poland’s agricultural exports are shipped to EU markets.
The farmers’ protests reflect broader concerns over the European Green Deal’s environmental regulations, which include significant restrictions on animal farming, aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
Polish farmers have also voiced anger at the unregulated import of agricultural products from Ukraine, which has caused price drops in local markets.
These events underscore the complexities of EU politics and the need for unity and preparedness in addressing food security and agricultural interests, within both Poland and the EU as a whole, the PAP news agency reported.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP
