Farmers in Poland Protest Against EU Regulations and Ukrainian Imports
Farmers in Poland and other European Union countries have been protesting against EU environmental regulations and cheap food imports from Ukraine. The protests stem from the waiver of customs duties on agricultural imports from Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Protests in Poland
Polish farmers blocked roads with tractors and flares in escalating protests against the EU regulations and Ukrainian imports. Placards at the protests depicted concerns about the impact of the “Green Deal” on Polish agriculture.
Demands of the Farmers
The farmers are demanding the withdrawal of the ‘Green Deal’ and ‘Fit for 55’ EU climate plan, citing concerns about emissions limits and bans. They argue that Ukrainian imports are flooding the European market with cheap products, making it difficult for local farmers to compete.
Quota Controversy
The EU recently agreed to extend tariff-free access for Ukrainian food producers until June 2025, with new limits on grain imports. However, Polish protest leaders are unhappy with the deal, calling for quotas based on pre-war import levels from 2000 rather than recent years.
Protests Across the EU
Polish police reported over 580 planned protests with an estimated 70,000 participants. In the Czech Republic, farmers also held protests, driving tractors and agricultural machinery onto the streets to voice their concerns.