As for fisheries, the main topic was the new package of measures for the fishing and aquaculture sector.

Situation on agricultural markets

Based on information the European Commission and Member States conveyed, the Ministers exchanged views on the current situation in agricultural markets.

The European Commission informed that, in response to a request from 6 Member States neighbouring Ukraine, i.e. Poland, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia, it had decided to prepare a draft regulation on support for regions affected by excessive imports. Based on objective criteria such as the increase in supply, causing pressure on local prices and problems in the logistics chains, the EC proposed support for Poland, Romania and Bulgaria, using only part of the agricultural reserve. The draft regulation proposed EUR 29.5 million for Poland, EUR 16.75 million for Bulgaria and EUR 10.05 million for Romania. 

Trade-related agricultural issues

The Ministers' discussion focused on relations with key trading partners, current trade negotiations and challenges, including Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Environmental topics

The Council meeting also addressed the agricultural aspects of the draft regulation on the restoration of natural resources and the communication on the protection of pollinators. In the discussion, Deputy Minister Ryszard Bartosik stressed that implementing the proposed environmental objectives should not adversely affect food security and the competitiveness of EU agriculture. 

Fisheries  

The Ministers exchanged views on a new package of measures proposed by the European Commission to increase the sustainability and resilience of the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector.

Poland's position on the package

"The continued existence of sea fisheries is important for Poland. Therefore, all new obligations should be feasible for fishermen," said Deputy Minister Ryszard Bartosik. He also stated that Baltic fishermen's most significant challenge was accessing fishing quotas that would economically justify the sense of conducting fisheries.

The Deputy Minister said that the package of measures should be tailored to the small-scale fishing fleet, whose activities have a limited impact on resources and the marine ecosystem.

"Poland understands and, in principle, shares the need to strengthen and improve the fisheries control system using effective and modern technologies. However, the changes introduced must be proportionate and practicable," stressed the Head of the Polish delegation.

About the energy transition, the Secretary of State stressed that

"We must be aware that the full transformation of the sector will be a major challenge. Additional EU funding will be needed for this, which goes beyond the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund," said Ryszard Bartosik regarding the scope of the energy transition.

The Deputy Minister said that Poland considers it necessary to adapt the proposals in the package to the real possibilities of fishermen and Member States.