Polish-German relations

During a press conference summarising today’s talks, Minister Czesław Siekierski stressed that Poland and Germany were neighbours and strategic partners in the European Union. Our countries have very well-developed relations, not only political, but also social, economic, cultural and scientific.

– The current trade relations between our countries, and, first of all, the very large export of Polish agri-food products to Germany, are an important element of development for the Polish economy – said Minister Siekierski. The head of the Polish Ministry of Agriculture also mentioned the support Germany had provided to Poland 21 years earlier, during preparations for acceding the European Union.

– Our countries are interested in returning to the talks under the Weimar Triangle, in which we participate together with France. I think that this is a very valuable format, which can make a significant contribution to the discussions held in the EU forum – added Minister Siekierski.

Minister Alois Rainer thanked for the warm welcome, friendly atmosphere and fruitful discussions. – We have many common agricultural issues in our countries and similar challenges that we can address only when working together – said Minister Rainer.

The future of the CAP

Minister Czesław Siekierski informed that today’s talks with Minister Alois Rainer had concerned, among others, the shape of the CAP post-2027. He said that our countries opted for maintaining two pillars of the CAP and a separate budget, which would provide funds for the implementation of challenges, goals and tasks. The head of the Polish Ministry of Agriculture also reminded about the achievements and long, 63-year tradition of the CAP in guaranteeing food security in Europe.

– We agree on many aspects. We have a similar position when it comes to issues related to reducing bureaucracy and improving the competitiveness of agriculture in the EU – said the head of the Polish Ministry of Agriculture and stressed that both Poland and Germany were set on working on solutions with regard to protecting the interests of European farmers.

– The amendments to the CAP should be evolutionary, not revolutionary – stressed Minister Siekierski.

Agricultural trade with third countries

Today’s talks of between the Ministers of Agriculture of Poland and Germany also concerned the issue of international trade in agricultural goods with third countries, particularly the shape of the EU-Mercosur agreement and the liberalisation of trade with Ukraine.

As the Ministers informed, the Polish and German parties had partially differing views on those issues, although they agreed on the need to maintain the EU production standards and protect EU markets.

The head of the Polish Ministry handed on Poland’s reservations as to the EU-Mercosur agreement in its current form. – Poland states clearly, we do not accept such a trade agreement. We expect it to be hedged about with such provisions and conditions that will protect the interests of European farmers and ensure the maintenance of high food production standards applicable in the EU – emphasised Czesław Siekierski.

– The talks have not yet ended. We want this agreement to ultimately be a success for all parties – said Minister Rainer.

Minister Siekierski presented the Polish position on trade with Ukraine. The trade agreement between the European Union and Ukraine must be supplemented by a bilateral safeguard clause allowing to take protective measures in trade with all agricultural goods. Moreover, in compliance with the principle of reciprocity, the agreement should provide for improving access to the Ukrainian market for the EU export. It is also necessary to align the Ukrainian legislation with the EU standards and requirements regarding food safety and sustainable development.

– On the other hand, we opt for supporting the export of agri-food goods from Ukraine to those places in the world that need this food in particular – added the head of the Polish Ministry of Agriculture.