Polish Farmers Partially Unblocking Ukraine Border Crossing
Increased Truck Allowance at Dorohusk Border Crossing
Polish farmers have decided to partially unblock the Dorohusk border crossing with Ukraine. Initially, they pledged to allow all trucks stuck at the border to pass through, but now they have increased the number to five per hour instead of fully unblocking it, according to state news agency PAP.
Protests for Agricultural Changes
Farmers in Poland and the EU are protesting against restrictions imposed by the EU’s Green Deal plan and calling for the re-imposition of customs duties on Ukrainian agricultural imports. The demand for changes stems from the need to tackle climate change and address agricultural market shifts following Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Border Crossing Blockades
Polish farmers are planning to block the border crossing with Slovakia at Chyzne and will only allow one truck to pass through per hour until the end of March. Additionally, a protest is ongoing at the Barwinek crossing on the Polish-Slovakian border, where farmers are inspecting truck contents, causing traffic disruptions.
Concerns Over Agricultural Imports
Farmers expressed concerns over Ukrainian and Russian agricultural products entering Poland via Slovakia, an EU state. These discoveries have prompted intensified border checks and protests to safeguard local agricultural interests.
Government Response and Continued Protests
Prime Minister Donald Tusk has promised to address the grain surplus in the domestic market, but union leaders remain committed to their protests. Despite government assurances, farmers continue to push for concrete actions to support the agricultural sector.
