Poland on the road to regaining the rule of law

Restoring the rule of law in Poland is one of the priorities of Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government. The steps taken by Poland were positively assessed by the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

We are impressed by your efforts and the efforts of Poles to restore the rule of law as the backbone of society. A society where everyone sticks to the rules. A society in which people, companies, businesses trust institutions and are able to hold the authorities accountable. Together, we will protect the rule of law across Europe," said the President of the European Commission.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed that the real heroes of change in our country are Poles who chose democracy and the rule of law on 15 October.

This is the day when I have a deep feeling, also as a Pole, that we are restoring historical justice towards the country, the nation, which has done more for the rule of law and democracy than anyone else in the world in the last few decades, stressed the head of the Polish government.

The EU will unlock gigantic funds for Polish

The consequence of the positive changes that are taking place in our country is the unblocking of European funds – it is nearly EUR 137 billion. This amounts to approx. PLN 600 billion.

It is also a very important signal, which I hope will be well received everywhere, in every corner of Europe and in the world, that as my friend Władysław Bartoszewski once said – 'it is worth being decent'. I will modestly add to this: "and it pays to be decent" – said the Polish Prime Minister.

The protest of Polish farmers is not directed against the fighting Ukraine

An important topic of the talks was the needs of Polish farmers. Prime Minister Donald Tusk pointed out that the farmers' protest has its deep justification. The head of the Polish government recalled the long process of adapting Polish to European
standards in agriculture.

Thank you for these words about Polish farmers, who are shouting loudly today about only one issue – we want to compete on an equal footing. We cannot, while helping Ukraine, sacrifice the vital, fundamental interests of large groups of people in Europe, especially here, in Poland, said Prime Minister D. Tusk.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk unequivocally stressed that the protesting farmers in Poland do not undermine the need to help our neighbours. These are very often the same people who actively helped refugees from Ukraine after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.

Nowhere in Europe is there such a unified public opinion when it comes to supporting Ukraine in its war effort. But please understand me well – from the point of view of not only a Polish farmer, the European Union is there to effectively help Ukraine in its war with Russia. And we still have a lot of work to do here," said Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

EU action to support farmers

The head of the European Commission informed that Europe is already supporting Polish farmers by offering m.in 22 billion euros through the common agricultural policy

The first payment under the next fund is €1.4 billion, which will be available directly to Polish farmers to help them modernise their production and enter new markets, said President von der Leyen.

The head of the European Commission also spoke about the actions that the EU is taking to make life easier for farmers across Europe.

From derogations on fallow land, to proposals to cut red tape and prepare the future of agriculture in Europe together through strategic dialogue. When it comes to the specific situation in Poland on the border with Ukraine, we are listening and acting – for example, the road transport agreement, which we will update. We have fully taken into account your concerns," said the head of the European Commission.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk thanked for the first steps taken. At the same time, he stressed that further action is needed – even more ambitious.

We need to find a solution – the steps you have taken are in the right direction. Some facilitations regarding the "green deal" when it comes to agriculture – these are also steps in the right direction, but they are not sufficient from the point of view of many farmers and agricultural producers. I will be in Brussels, Warsaw, everywhere I will look for solutions and arguments so as to convince all our partners in Europe that even more ambitious steps are needed," said Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Working together for Ukraine

On Saturday, February 24, it will be two years since Russia's brutal aggression against Ukraine. The President of the European Commission assured that the EU will support Polish's eastern neighbour.

Ukrainians are fighting for the rule of law, they are fighting for democracy, they are fighting for freedom against tyranny, they are fighting for our values, for our security. And that is why we will support them for as long as it is necessary," said the head of the European Commission.

Prime Minister Alexander De Croo also assured of his support. The head of the Belgian government announced the approval of the 13th package of sanctions against Russia. He also thanked Poland for the help and solidarity shown to Ukraine so far.

We, as Belgium, will now provide the Presidency and support this process, the process of ensuring that Ukraine is on the path to victory. We will stick to our commitments. We have just approved the 13th package of sanctions against Russia, and we have unanimously approved it. At the moment, about two thousand individuals or individuals are on this sanctions list. This is a huge achievement and shows the unity of the 27 Member States. We will continue to support Ukraine when it comes to supplying ammunition. It is a coalition of 16 countries, Belgium is part of it. And here, in fact, we have committed ourselves to providing this military aid until 2025," the Belgian Prime Minister informed.