Poland’s Prime Minister, Mateusz Morawiecki has declared that his government will not lift its restriction on imports of Ukrainian grain because it would have adverse effects on Polish farmers and the sale of their produce.
In a post on the X social media platform, Morawiecki asserted, “Poland won’t let itself be inundated by Ukrainian grain.”
“Regardless of what will be the decision of Brussels officials, we won’t open our borders,” he added.
In a video message attached to the post, Morawiecki noted, “When it was necessary to help our neighbours, we opened our hearts and homes. That’s the way Polish people are.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that “when it is necessary to fight for the Polish national interest, only the Law and Justice [PiS] government guarantees that the interests of our farmers will be protected.”
“We say no to the destabilisation and harming of the Polish agricultural market, the consumers and the producers. It was our tough stance that ensured the import of Ukrainian grain to the EU’s single market has been stopped.”
Mateusz Morawiecki
Morawiecki posted his comments shortly before the Cabinet was to discuss the matter.
The European Parliament also is to debate the issue.
Some leaders of Polish farm groups were to attend the EU Parliament debate, including Michal Kolodziejczak, who is an opposition candidate in the Oct. 15 elections.
In May 2023, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia, in agreement with the European Union, imposed an embargo on Ukrainian farm produce wheat, corn, rapeseed, and sunflower to prevent a glut in their home markets that would hurt their farmers.
Only transit of sealed goods is allowed in an effort to help Ukraine send its produce overseas as Russia blocks its usual export routes
The embargo was initially effective until June 5. On June 5, the ban was extended until September 15, 2023. These countries want to extend the import ban until the end of the year and expand it to some other products.
The Ukrainian authorities insist that if the European Commission extends the ban on imports of Ukrainian grain after September 15, Ukraine may consider mirror measures.
Government To Adopt Decree Extending Grain Import Ban
Polish government spokesman, Piotr Müller told a news agency that the government will adopt a decree calling on the European Commission to extend the ban on imports of grain from Ukraine to five EU countries.
The document will contain a warning that if this does not happen, Warsaw will make a corresponding decision at the national level based on the security clause.
In the same vein, Polish Agriculture Minister, Robert Telus disclosed that his ministry recommends that the Polish government adopt a decree confirming that Ukrainian grain will not enter the Polish market after September 15, 2023.
He also assured that Warsaw supports the transit of Ukrainian grain through the territory of Poland to get it to the markets of third countries, in particular to Africa.
EU Agriculture Commissioner, Janusz Wojciechowski also said that he is making efforts to have the embargo extended. Wojciechowski is Poland’s former Agriculture Minister.
Poland has been supporting neighboring Ukraine with military and humanitarian assistance as it fights Russia’s invasion.
However, following farmer protests, Warsaw has been adamant in banning imports of Ukrainian agriculture products.
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