– It is not enough to introduce an embargo on four or five products (from Ukraine – editor’s note), as it is now. We need to introduce a deposit system – and this is our first promise – a deposit system for all agri-food products whose quality and origin are unknown – assured the president of PSL, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, before last year’s parliamentary elections. – Deposits for goods from Ukraine are not possible – says Czesław Siekierski, Minister of Agriculture appointed by PSL today.
President Kosiniak-Kamysz promised to introduce a deposit in the transit of agricultural products from Ukraine on October 8 last year:
– It is not enough to introduce an embargo on four or five products (from Ukraine – editor’s note), as it is now. We need to introduce a deposit system – and this is our first promise – a deposit system for all agri-food products whose quality and origin are unknown – said Kosiniak-Kamysz then. – Deposit PLN 1,000. PLN per tonne of grain and apples makes it impossible to sell it in Poland because it is simply unprofitable – he said.
A little earlier, in September 2023, he reminded that the bill on the deposit system authored by PSL has been pending in the Sejm since 2022.
Empty passwords
– In the opinion of the Ministry of Finance it is not possible to introduce legal solutions or other actions that would allow the implementation of the demand of agricultural communities regarding the introduction of a deposit in the transit of Ukrainian goods through the territory of Poland – in response to a parliamentary interpellation: will a deposit be introduced in the transit of Ukrainian articles? agri-food Czesław Siekierski, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, as we know from PSL, just replied.
As the minister emphasizes, implementing the above-mentioned demand would constitute a violation of European treaties (including the TFEU).
– Moreover, the proposed introduction of a “temporary deposit” is not and cannot be a security provided on the basis of customs regulations to cover existing or potential customs debts. Security provided under customs regulations is provided against customs duties payable on imported goods. The deposit does not have this nature, adds Czesław Siekierski.
Discovery of America
He has repeatedly drawn attention to the fact that introducing a deposit is legally impossible, including: Janusz Wojciechowski, EU Commissioner for Agriculture:
But then he was attacked by the then opposition (which included PSL) for his lack of understanding and effectiveness in acting on behalf of Polish farmers.
Poland is still in conflict with EU law
In the interpellation, MPs also asked whether Donald Tusk’s government supports the continued application of the regulation of the Minister of Development of September 15, 2023 on the ban on imports of agricultural products from Ukraine and whether, in line with its election promise, the current government will introduce an extension of the embargo by further articles. agri-food products from Ukraine such as: soft fruits (raspberries), honey, apple concentrate, fresh eggs, poultry meat, spirit, sugar?
– The Regulation of the Minister of Development and Technology of September 15, 2023 on the ban on the import of agricultural products from Ukraine raises reservations both in Ukraine and the European Commission. The objections concern inconsistency with EU treaties, the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, as well as with the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Therefore, Poland is at risk of implementation of the infringement procedure by the EC, the possibility of court proceedings, as well as the application of retaliation by Ukraine in the form of restricting imports from Poland. – wrote Minister Siekierski in response.
But he added:
– To find a solution that would not raise the above-mentioned concerns. reservations, further talks are planned with the Ukrainian side and the European Commission in order to find a solution that will protect the Polish market against excessive imports of agri-food products from Ukraine. Until such a solution is developed, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will support maintaining the above-mentioned provisions in force. regulation of September 15, 2023
Does the government plan to submit an application for the application of the safeguard clause for Poland from the Regulation (EU) of the European Parliament and of the Council on temporary trade liberalization measures in addition to trade concessions applicable to Ukrainian products under the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, on the one hand, and Ukraine, on the other? – MPs also asked.
The Minister recalled that under the currently applicable Regulation (EU) 2023/1077 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 on temporary trade liberalization measures (ATM), an application for the application of the safeguard clause may be accepted by the EC when excessive imports of goods originating from from Ukraine causes disruptions (has a negative impact) throughout the EU.
– Therefore, Poland’s current applications for the application of the protective clause in the import of wheat, wheat flour, poultry meat and eggs have been rejected by the EC. According to the EC’s announcements, in the next project of extending ATM for Ukraine, a mechanism is planned to introduce a protective measure when imports from Ukraine cause disruptions not only on the market of the entire EU, but also on the market of one or several Member States. Therefore, after the entry into force of the new regulation, it will be possible to return to the topic of submitting an application for the application of the safeguard clause involving the withdrawal of temporary preferences. – added Czesław Siekierski.
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