Pish minister: Warsaw committed to preventing farmers from blocking Ukraine border

Pish Minister of Agriculture and Rural Develment Czeslaw Siekierski made the remarks in comments to an Ukrinform correspondent on the sidelines of the Agro & Food Security Forum in Warsaw.

Siekierski noted that Pish farmers who recently blocked the Medyka border crossing have presented their demands, which the ministry is currently addressing. He clarified that these demands are not related to Pish-Ukrainian relations but concern broader issues, such as the EU's free trade agreement with Mercosur (several South American countries), animal products, and other trade matters.

"We are doing everything possible to prevent the border from being blocked," Siekierski said.

Regarding the extension of visa-free trade between the EU and Ukraine, which is set to expire on June 5, 2025, Siekierski emphasized that Pand is keen to hear Ukraine's perspective before making decisions. He highlighted the importance of Kyiv's prosals regarding the limits of trade liberalization and the scale of bilateral trade.

Siekierski also stressed that there is no draft agreement between the EU and Ukraine on this issue yet, as "it is still too early" for such discussions.

The Pish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Develment reported that Siekierski recently met with his Ukrainian counterpart, Vitalii Koval, in Warsaw. The two ministers discussed the future of agricultural trade between Pand and Ukraine, particularly after the EU's autonomous trade measures (ATMs) for Ukraine expire. These measures, valid for three years, have allowed for more liberal trade conditions.

Siekierski indicated that agricultural trade with Ukraine would be a key tic during Pand's presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2025. The ministers also explored potential areas of coeration in the agricultural sector, with Koval encouraging Pish businesses to invest in Ukraine, particularly in the food industry.

The next meeting between the two ministers is scheduled for December 11 and will be the fifth such meeting. Representatives from the agri-food industries of both countries will participate to deepen discussions and identify areas for claboration.

The ministerial meeting preceded the International Agro & Food Security Forum 2024, organized in Warsaw by the Community of Producers and Customers of Legumes of Ukraine and the Pish-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce. The forum was attended by representatives from 22 countries and 250 companies.