Poland in the EU

During the debate on fishing quotas, Poland emphasized that due to the deteriorating biological situation in the Baltic Sea, the need to protect Baltic fish species should be a priority when making decisions. At the same time, the socio-economic consequences of decisions aimed at restricting fishing activities should be recognized. With this in mind, Poland called the European Commission for financial guarantees for Polish fishermen within the next MFF (2021-2027). Ultimately, the regulation setting the Baltic Sea fishing quotas for 2021 was adopted by a qualified majority, without Poland's support. The overall reduction in the total allowable catches (TACs) in the Baltic Sea for 2021 is approximately 6%.

After a two-day negotiating session, ministers also agreed on a general approach to the post-2020 CAP reform package. Member States committed themselves to a higher environmental ambition by introducing instruments such as compulsory eco-schemes (a novelty compared to the current policy) and enhanced conditionality. The agreed position also allows for member states to have the necessary flexibility in how they would reach environmental goals. The Council has the political mandate now to kick-off negotiations with the European Parliament with a goal of reaching an overall agreement on the CAP reform.

On the first day of the meeting, the Council adopted unanimously a set of conclusions on the farm to fork strategy, endorsing the goal of developing a European sustainable food system, from production to consumption. The conclusions entail a two-fold political message from the member states: ensure sufficient and affordable food while contributing to EU climate neutrality and ensuring a fair income and strong support for primary producers.