Polish farmers have intensified their blockade of the border with Ukraine, causing significant disruptions to transportation and trade. The Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine reported yesterday that the farmers, without providing any justification, have begun detaining passenger buses traveling to and from Ukraine.
The situation has escalated, with bus passengers, including women with children, pensioners, individuals with disabilities, and military personnel, now being held hostage by the protesters. Ukraine has called upon Polish authorities to intervene, denouncing the blockade as unacceptable in the civilized world. However, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Poland denies allegations of obstructing bus movements and detainment.
Meanwhile, the blockade, initially scheduled to conclude on March 10, has been extended for an additional two months until April 30, as announced by the Municipal Administration of Lyubich-Royal Commune. Polish farmers demand restrictions on the import of agricultural products, including those from Ukraine, and oppose the EU’s “Green” strategy aimed at reducing harmful emissions.
T. Kachka, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine and trade representative, condemned the blockade, stating that it violates EU and WTO norms and rights. He highlighted that the European Commission has warned against meeting the farmers’ demands and has initiated correspondence with the governments of Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. If the situation persists, the European Commission is prepared to initiate infringement procedures against these countries. Additionally, Ukraine has lodged a complaint with the WTO.
Kachka cautioned that permanent subsidies for Polish farmers could lead to oversubsidization of their grain exports, sparking backlash from other WTO members and potentially disrupting trade agreements. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach to agricultural subsidies within the EU framework.