EC’s preparations for negotiations with Ukraine

Minister Siekierski referred to the European Commission’s preparations for negotiations with Ukraine regarding new trade conditions between the European Union and Ukraine, which would come into force after the expiry of the EU’s autonomous trade measures (ATM). He stressed the necessity to include in the negotiations effective safeguard mechanisms preventing the excessive agricultural import and its negative market effects. He also demanded that the agreement be related to the process of adapting the Ukrainian legislation to the agricultural production standards applicable in the EU. He stressed that any liberalisation of trade conditions should be mutual and gradual.

Minister Czesław Siekierski expressed the opinion that the talks with Ukraine should be conducted in connection with other trade agreements – both those already in force and those planned (e.g. with Mexico or Mercosur). He invoked the demand submitted by the Polish Presidency in the AGRIFISH Council that the European Commission should prepare a list of all granted and planned tariff preferences in access to the EU market under trade agreements with third countries. He stressed the necessity to maintain agricultural production in the EU and the need to introduce mechanisms enhancing the competitiveness of agricultural products produced in the territory of the EU in competition with agricultural products from outside the EU.

Searching for solutions

Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič informed about the measures already taken and planned as regards the negotiations with Ukraine. The Commission must find solutions that take into account the interests of both all EU Member States and Ukraine. The EC’s negotiating position is not ready yet, and Polish demands will be taken into consideration. In the Commissioner’s opinion, the media image of the EU trade policy and its negative effects on the agricultural sector contains many simplifications and often does not correspond to reality. He stressed that the European Commission was trying to include in trade negotiations the provisions aimed at protecting sensitive agricultural sectors. He also stressed the necessity to comply with the EU food safety legislation in importing agri-food commodities. The Commission is ready to discuss with experts and representatives of the agricultural communities so as to provide them with details of the negotiated solutions, as well as those aimed at improving the competitiveness of EU agricultural production. The Commissioner also announced the presentation of benefits that the economies of EU Member States, including the agricultural sector, could be reaped from the agreements being concluded.

Announcement of further cooperation

Minister Czesław Siekierski and Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič announced further cooperation with regard to the current issues from the EU trade agenda that were relevant for the agricultural sector.