Common Agricultural Policy

During the meeting, the European Commission (EC) presented three draft regulations concerning the CAP post-2027:

• laying down the conditions for the implementation of Union support under the CAP;
• concerning the common market organisation;
• on an EU School Scheme.

Minister Krajewski stressed that the Common Agricultural Policy post-2027 should maintain its independence not only in substantive but also financial terms.

– A strong, separate CAP with an adequate, stable budget is the cornerstone of the Union’s food security. I am afraid that the proposal to include the CAP in a single fund and a single plan will create a risk of competition between rural and urban areas and will limit the effectiveness of implementing the CAP objectives – said Minister Stefan Krajewski. He also added that it was essential not only to ensure the stability of financing incentives for farmers, particularly when implementing the environmental requirements, but also to maintain a minimum level of support for rural development and to apply the “rural proofing” principle.

The head of the Polish Ministry of Agriculture also noted that Poland would expect a discussion on the proposed amounts and clarity on the methodology of allocating funds among the Member States, as proposed by the Commission.

Let us remind that Poland supports maintaining a separate, two-pillar model of the CAP. Thanks to this, the support for the agri-food sector in the coming financial perspective will be stable, predictable and effective.

Trade relations

The Ministers of Agriculture discussed trade issues in the agricultural sector based on the information presented by the European Commission.

EU-US

The Polish Minister of Agriculture pointed out that the analysis of the existing arrangements with the United States showed that the European Union was paying unilateral concessions in access to its markets for a number of agricultural products, including sensitive ones, in exchange for stabilising the conditions of access to the American market for industrial products.

– The implementation of this agreement must not lead to distortions in the agricultural market and reducing the EU safety requirements for imported food – said the Minister.

EU-Mercosur Agreement

Poland maintains its opposition as regards the agreement with Mercosur in its current form. The Minister welcomed the Commission’s intention to adapt the bilateral safeguard clause to the specific nature of the agricultural sector. At the same time, he expressed concern that if it was not formally included in the agreement, Mercosur countries would be able to effectively challenge the compliance of the clause with the agreement.

Trade relations with Ukraine

The Slovak delegation presented a note on trade relations with Ukraine in the light of the amended Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) agreement.

Minister Krajewski supported the request of the Slovak delegation in relation to the demand to create a fund allowing to compensate farmers for losses in the case of excessive import from Ukraine.

– Trade relations with Ukraine are very important for Poland, but we must remember that the scenario of excessive import of sensitive agricultural products from this country is highly probable, and the so-called frontline countries, including Poland and Slovakia, are the most exposed to possible losses – said the chair of the Polish delegation.

Assessing the agreement with Ukraine, the head of the Ministry of Agriculture stressed that the proposed increase in some tariff quotas was indeed significant and higher than originally assumed. In particular, this applies to sugar.

– We hope that, if necessary, the European Commission will be ready to immediately apply the safeguard clause contained in the agreement, also in regional terms – said Minister Krajewski.

Support for the Common Fisheries Policy

The Ministers also discussed the draft regulation proposed by the European Commission on EU support for the Common Fisheries Policy, the European Ocean Pact and the EU Maritime and Aquaculture Policy for the years 2028–2034.

– At this stage, we need better understanding and communication when it comes to the new fund architecture as part of the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028 – said the head of the Polish Ministry of Agriculture and stressed that it was impossible to agree to the proposed reduction, by nearly 70%, of funds guaranteed for the fisheries sector.

– This approach will reduce the position of fishermen applying for EU funds in the future. Taking into account the Commission’s announcements, which indicate an increase in ambition with regard to the implementation of environmental and climate goals, we should rather expect an increase in funds for pursuing the common fisheries policy – reminded Minister Stefan Krajewski.

He also emphasised that a serious limitation was the lack of unambiguous regulations governing the rules for granting support and the dependence of the amount of funds transferred to the fisheries sector on other investment priorities identified at the level of the National and Regional Partnership Plan. – This may result in a significant weakening of the position of fisheries sector entities in competing for EU funds – explained the Minister.

Fishing opportunities for 2026

The EU Ministers exchanged views on the annual consultation regarding fishing opportunities for 2026 between the EU and third countries, i.e. the United Kingdom, Norway and coastal states.

With respect to negotiations with Norway, Minister Stefan Krajewski stressed that the issue of access to Norwegian waters in the context of fishing for Atlanto-Scandian herring would be of importance for Poland.

He also pointed out that in May 2025 the Commission had agreed EU access to the United Kingdom waters by 2038.

Meetings on the sidelines of the Council meeting

On the sidelines of the AGRIFISH Council, Minister Krajewski met with the Ministers of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, Spain, France and Slovakia. The main topics of the talks were: The Common Agricultural Policy and the future Multiannual Financial Framework, including the CAP budget. The Ministers agreed that the anticipated level of financing for agriculture was insufficient and did not respond to the current and future challenges facing European agriculture.

During the meetings with the representatives of Spain, France and Slovakia, the head of the Polish delegation also discussed the amended Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area Agreement with Ukraine and the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement. The Ministers of Slovakia and France expressed their position in line with the Polish one.

Minister Stefan Krajewski also met with the EU Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration Piotr Serafin to present the demands important for Poland and related to the future Common Agricultural Policy and the corresponding budget.