Marek Belka hailed the success of negotiations in the EU regarding trade with Ukraine. “The facts are as follows: the favorable reference period for Poland rejected! A trimmed list of products! Not even the EPP managed to secure its own amendments proposed by Halicki! What a great success…” commented Belka’s post, according to Dominik Tarczyński. Politico also pointed out that Polish pressure for changes had been rejected.
As stated in a press release from the European Parliament, the preliminary agreement extends the tariff exemption granted to Ukraine until 2022, but with “protective mechanisms” aimed at certain sensitive products.
“The temporary suspension of import duties and quotas on Ukrainian exports of agricultural products to the EU will be extended for another year, until June 5, 2025, to support Ukraine in the face of the ongoing aggressive war waged by Russia. The Commission may take rapid action and impose any measures it deems necessary in case of significant disruptions to the EU market or to the markets of one or more EU countries caused by imports from Ukraine. The regulation also provides for an emergency brake for particularly sensitive agricultural products, such as poultry, eggs, and sugar. Members ensured the extension of this list to include oats, maize, cereals, and honey. They also obtained a clear commitment from the Commission to take action in the event of a sharp increase in Ukrainian wheat imports. The reference period for triggering the emergency brake will be 2022 and 2023,” the statement reads.
The results of the negotiations are expected to be discussed by the ambassadors of the member states on Wednesday. The European Parliament is set to vote on the changes in April.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Czesław Siekierski, referring to this information, said, “This list of sensitive products was expanded during the parliamentary debate.”
But at the same time, we do not know what the discussion will be like, the course of the trilateral discussion, in which representatives not only of the parliament but also of the European Commission, and above all the member states, will participate (…). There are divided opinions regarding participation and the expansion of this list,” said the head of MRiRW.
As he pointed out, “The EU and the member states have very different approaches and expectations regarding the form of support or possibilities (…), when it comes to the European side obtaining certain requirements from Ukraine.”
Marek Belka, a Member of the European Parliament and Vice-Chair of the Socialists and Democrats, boasted about the results of the night negotiations on social media.
The most important provisions, including those concerning farmers, coming soon… stay tuned – wrote Belka.
Belka’s “success” was quickly questioned by Dominik Tarczyński and also… Politico.
I think we were in different negotiations. I was in the room and this is a failure! Whose success is it? Certainly not Polish farmers! The facts are as follows: the favorable reference period for Poland rejected! A trimmed list of products! Not even EPP managed to secure its own amendments proposed by Halicki! What a great success… – wrote Tarczyński.