Deputy Prime Minister Henryk Kowalczyk pointed out in his introduction that Ukraine must continue to be supported and assisted in exporting agricultural products to third countries, especially those with food shortages and the threat of hunger and malnutrition. However, he noted, in recent months, Polish agriculture has started to suffer from the effects of excessive imports of products from Ukraine. That has caused disruptions in our agricultural markets and unrest among farmers.

Position on imports of products from Ukraine

Deputy Prime Minister Kowalczyk thanked the participants of the meeting for discussing the problem of increasing agricultural imports from Ukraine and for presenting the situation in their countries. He noted that the statements of the Ministers of Agriculture show that we have similar problems, and together we should try to present them in the EU.

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Romania and Hungary also stressed that they support Ukraine and want to help it export its agricultural products to food security-threatened third countries as much as possible. All countries pointed to the urgent need for the European Commission to take concrete action.

The countries stressed that it is imperative to seal solidarity corridors so that Ukrainian agricultural products transit through EU countries and reach their destination markets without disrupting our countries' markets.

"I believe that our region's cooperation is in our common interest and is very important. We want the voice of the Central and Eastern European countries to be better heard in the EU forum," Deputy Prime Minister Kowalczyk pointed out.

Poland's motion at the AGRIFISH Council

Deputy Prime Minister Kowalczyk announced the submission of a proposal on this issue to the AGRIFISH Council on 30 January 2023.

"I hope that the European Commission, as part of its work, will consider our demands and take measures to stabilise agricultural markets. We are ready to work out with the EC such support mechanisms for Ukraine that would not cause difficulties for the agricultural sector in our countries. That could be financial support, further assistance in transit or adjustment to EU requirements," said the head of the Polish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Finally, the Polish Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development expressed the hope that together, we would be able to convince our EU and EC partners how significant that problem was for our countries and our farmers.

"I strongly count on your support and voice at the next Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels," said Deputy Prime Minister Kowalczyk, thanking the Agriculture Ministers for their participation in the meeting and discussion.