Polish farmers block border crossing with Germany

Polish farmers have blocked two major border crossings with Germany to protest against non-EU agricultural imports and the bloc's environmental regulations.

Local police spokesman Marcin Maludy said on February 18 that Polish farmers had blocked the two border crossings, Swiecko and Gubinek, and the situation could last until the evening of March 20. The farmers lined up tractors on the A2 highway, blocking both directions of traffic.

Polish farmers also blocked the Slubice border crossing with Germany last month. The crossing has since reopened, but is jammed with drivers diverted from elsewhere.

Polish farmers block the A2 motorway near the border with Germany in Swiecko on February 25. Photo: Reuters

The European Union (EU) has recently proposed changes to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), including proposals to reform the bloc’s subsidy program, in an attempt to appease farmers in the region. However, these changes still need to be negotiated between EU member states and the European Parliament.

The proposed change would exempt small farms of less than 10 hectares from inspection and penalties for meeting CAP standards. Another change would remove the need for farmers to leave part of their land uncultivated.

Polish farmers had previously blocked all border crossings with Ukraine, claiming that cheap agricultural products from Kiev were reducing the profitability of domestic crops. Polish farmers also dumped 160 tons of Ukrainian corn onto the railway tracks in protest.

Poland's agriculture minister said he would open new talks with a group of disgruntled farmers on March 19.

The two border crossings Swiecko and Gubinek. Graphics: Google Maps

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP )

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