This article was originally published in English
Hours before the gala inauguration of Poland’s presidency of the Council of the EU, Polish farmers took to the streets in Warsaw to protest against European policies affecting the agricultural sector.
ADVERTISEMENT
As Poland begins the first days of its presidency of the Council of the European Union, Many farmers took to the streets of Warsaw on Friday to protest.
On the very day of the opening gala of the Polish presidency, demonstrators marched under the slogan “5 x STOP”, in reference to the five main grievances of farmers: the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, the European Green Deal, import of Ukrainian agricultural products, the destruction of the Polish forestry and fishing sectors, and the problems of the Polish economy.
“European farmers produce arguably the best quality in the world, as we open our market and invite food from Latin America”says Jan Kazimierczak, member of the Association for the Defense of Farmers’ Rights.
“The problem is not limited to the deforestation of the Amazon, we are also exposing ourselves to toxic substances, which are introduced with food”he adds.
Anger does not subside around Mercosur
This event is part of the continuity of protests organized by farmers across Europe since December 2023.
Farmers French and Spaniards have in fact expressed their dissatisfaction with the trade agreement with Mercosur, which, according to them, will harm European breeding and agriculture and will allow products subject to less strict standards to enter the territory of the EU.
The Polish government, like those of France and Germany, has expressed official opposition to the Mercosur agreement.
Polish farmers also oppose imports of agricultural products from Ukrainewhich they consider to be disadvantageous for local producers.
The demonstration ended in front of the National Theater in Warsaw, where the opening gala of the Polish presidency of the Council of the EU is being held on Friday evening.
Belgium
