The Solidarity trade union of Polish farmers is planning a general strike starting next Friday, along with a blockade of border crossings between Poland and Ukraine, in response to similar protests taking place all over Europe. Farmers in France, Belgium, Portugal, Greece, and Germany have been protesting over the impact of the EU’s efforts to address climate change and the opening of doors to cheap Ukrainian imports to support Kyiv’s war effort.
European farmers’ complaints include feeling stifled by green rules, taxes, rising costs, and unfair competition from foreign countries.
The trade union stated that “our patience has run out. Brussels’ position on the last day of January 2024 is unacceptable for our entire agricultural community.” They also mentioned, ” Additionally, the passivity of the Polish authorities and declarations of cooperation with the European Commission … regarding the import of agricultural produce and food products from Ukraine leave us with no other choice but to declare a general strike.”
On Thursday, European farmers expressed their frustration in Brussels by throwing eggs and stones at the European Parliament, starting fires, and setting off fireworks as they demanded more action from EU leaders at a summit nearby.
In addition to the blockade of crossings with Ukraine, Solidarity planned on-off blockades of roads throughout Poland between Feb. 9 and March 10. The agriculture ministry of Poland has yet to respond to a request for comment.
Previously, a different organization of Polish farmers had blocked a key border crossing with Ukraine. However, the protest was suspended on Jan. 6 after the new government agreed to its demands.
(Reporting by Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk; Editing by Nick Macfie)
