Polish farmers blocked two major border crossings with Germany to protest agricultural imports from outside the EU and the bloc's environmental regulations.
Local police spokesman Marcin Maludy said on February 18 that Polish farmers had blocked the Swiecko and Gubinek border gates and this situation could last until the evening of March 2. Farmers deployed tractors on the A20 highway, blocking both directions of traffic.
Polish farmers last month also blocked the Slubice border crossing with Germany. This border gate has reopened, but is congested because drivers from other places are redirecting.
Polish farmers blocked the A2 highway near the border with Germany in Swiecko on February 25. Image: Reuters
The European Union (EU) recently proposed changes to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), including proposals to reform the bloc's subsidy program, to appease the anger of 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 under 10 hectares from being inspected and fined for CAP standards. Another change is that farmers are not required to leave part of their land uncultivated.
Polish farmers also previously blocked all border crossings with Ukraine, accusing that cheap agricultural products from Kiev reduced the profits of domestic agricultural products. Polish farmers also dumped 160 tons of Ukrainian corn onto the railway tracks to protest.
Poland's Agriculture Minister said he would open new negotiations with the dissatisfied farmer group on March 19.
Two border gates Swiecko and Gubinek. Graphics: Google Maps
Ngoc Anh (Follow AFP)
