In fresh days, the subject of the trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur countries has sparked turbulent discussions in Polish politics. president of Warsaw and candidate of the Civic Coalition for president of the Republic of Poland, Rafał Trzaskowski, clearly expressed his opposition to the planned agreement, arguing the request to defend the interests of Polish farmers.
Trzaskowski: “Enough political hypocrisy”
"The interest of Polish farmers must be effectively protected. adequate political hypocrisy and unequal marketplace opportunities. I say a hard 'no' agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur countries," said Trzaskowski in a recording published on the X platform.
In his speech, Trzaskowski stressed that EU standards for food production are highly demanding, while products imported from Mercosur countries do not meet these standards. "It's not fair! It's just unfair competition. This is weakening our agriculture," said the president of Warsaw.
Trzaskowski pointed out the strategical importance of native agriculture. "Food safety is the basis and only strong home farming will supply it. The fight for the interests of Polish farmers and blocking harmful trade agreements is simply a Polish state's right" – he added.
Answer by Anna Bryłka
The Euro MP of the Confederation, Anna Bryłka, referred to the position of Mr Trzaskowski. In her comment on the X platform, she asked questions about the applicable actions of the Civic Coalition on the EU-Mercosur agreement and the problems with food imports from Ukraine.
"First, will we ask for information on how is the construction of the blocking number for the EU-MERCOSUR agreement going? Mr @smukowski_ is yet a candidate for Prime Minister @donaldtusk for President, he should know that. Secondly, unfair competition in the import of agri-food products from Ukraine lasts for 2.5 years. Why didn’t you do anything about it?”
First, will we ask for information on how is the construction of a blocking number for the EU-MERCOSUR agreement going? Pan @Smack_ is yet the Prime Minister's candidate @donaldtusk He should know that for the president. Secondly, unfair competition in the import of art.... https://t.co/lSXWE0XLnp
— Anna Bryłka (@annabrylka) January 3, 2025
Background of the dispute
The agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, a group of countries in South America (including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay), has been controversial for years. Supporters item the economical benefits of tariff reductions and access to fresh markets, while opponents point to threats to local producers and imbalances in compliance with environmental and sanitary standards.
In Poland, this subject is peculiarly crucial due to strong agricultural lobby and concerns about the flood of the European marketplace with cheaper but lower quality food. These arguments are shared by many politicians regardless of political options.
Policy Perspectives
The dispute around the EU-Mercosur agreement has become another field of competition between the civilian Coalition and the Confederation. Rafał Trzaskowski, as a presidential candidate, uses this subject to item his commitment to agriculture and the Polish economy, while the Confederate accuses his political camp of deficiency of consistent action in this matter.
Summary
The debate around the EU-Mercosur agreement shows that the future of Polish agriculture is an crucial subject in national policy. The statements by Rafał Trzaskowski and Anna Bryłka point to large discrepancies in the approach to this issue, but besides the request for a sound discussion based on specifics. Will Poland's opposition to this agreement find support in the European Union? The answer to this question can decide the direction of EU trade policy and the future of Polish agriculture.
Read more:
Trzaskowski says hard 'no' to the EU-Mercosur agreement. A part reminds him of uncomfortable facts
