Together we can fight for the future of Europe
22.06.2023
“Today we have made arrangements which are good for farmers in our countries and for Europe as a whole,” Mr. Robert Telus, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, informed after today’s talks with Mr. István Nagy, Minister of Agriculture of Hungary. In their statements after the meeting at the seat of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministers Agriculture of Poland and Hungary announced joint efforts to facilitate the transport of agri-food products from Ukraine through the Black Sea and to improve the land route.
A common voice
“The European Commission began to listen to use only when we started to act together as five frontline states. I am grateful to the Minister for taking the lead of the Five and now playing the role of the leader of our informal coalition,” Mr. István Nagy, Minister of Agriculture of Hungary, stressed.
The Minister of Agriculture of Hungary also pointed out that the countries of the Five agreed that the preventive measures introduced by the EC should be in effect longer than until 15 September 2023 only.
Arrangements to facilitate the transport of Ukrainian products
Minister Nagy informed that he had asked Minister Robert Telus for support in the negotiations with Türkiye on the expansion of the Black Sea route for products from Ukraine.
“At present, only about 15% of products from Ukraine reach their destination by sea. The greater opening up of this route would ease the pressures in our countries,” the Hungarian Minister of Agriculture stressed.
Minister Robert Telus concurred that it was important to further open up the sea route for agri-food products from Ukraine. He noted that we would also take efforts to ensure that tools are built to improve the transport of these products by land.
“We plan to hold a meeting on this issue, with the participation of Mr. Mykola Solskyi, Minister of Agriculture of Ukraine. We will look for solutions together,” the head of the Polish Ministry of Agriculture announced.
Minister Robert Telus informed that during today’s meeting he and Minister Nagy had made joint arrangements in the interest of our farmers, as well as farmers of Europe as a whole.
“These are real actions rather than pledges only and they build European solidarity,” the Polish Minister stressed.
European cooperation and solidarity
The Ministers of Agriculture of Poland and Hungary informed that they planned to expand the cooperation for the protection of farmers and agriculture in Europe with more countries.
“Together we can fight for causes of importance for both agriculture in our countries and Europe as a whole,” Minister Robert Telus noted.
The head of the Polish Ministry of Agriculture stressed that all these actions were “for” rather than “against” – for farmers, for the European Union and also for Ukraine, rather than against them.
Minister Robert Telus pointed out that Ukrainian products would stay in Europe for longer; especially as the process of Ukraine’s accession to the European Union had begun.
