During the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, a debate took place on the need to impose sanctions on imports of Russian and Belarusian food and agricultural products into the EU, as well as on ensuring the stability of agricultural production in the EU. PiS MEPs Anna Fotyga and Dominik Tarczyński spoke during the discussion.
Anna Fotyga recalled that a month ago, the European Parliament adopted an amendment she authored calling for sanctions on Russian agricultural products. “By waging an aggressive war against Ukraine in two sectors, the Russian Federation is striking Ukraine just as hard as it is striking the countries of the collective West. These sectors are energy and agricultural products,” said the former head of Polish diplomacy. She emphasized that exceptional solidarity is needed to address this challenge. Speaking about Ukrainian products, the Polish politician noted that “we need a global—not just European—version of the Ramstein mechanism, in which there will be agreement on the final recipients of the products, and not just on assistance with the flow channels.” The MEP expressed satisfaction with the resolution of the situation in the Black Sea and stressed that EU support is needed to ensure that this situation becomes stable and sustainable. “A much broader approach is needed, including sanctions against Russia, which is trying to drive Ukrainian agricultural products—as well as those of other countries—out of global markets, including European ones,” she urged.
“It has been two years since Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, and we have been calling for sanctions against Russia from the very beginning,” Dominik Tarczyński recalled. He added that the EPP Group had opposed this, and that Germany had been against sanctions on Russian oil and gas. “Now you’re asking for a debate on sanctions regarding food from Russia. And this should have been done on the very first day Putin attacked,” he noted. The Polish politician pointed out that only a debate had been requested, not a resolution. “So what’s the point? Do you just want to talk?” he asked those gathered in the chamber. He also addressed MEP Halicki, asking him whether he merely wanted to give the appearance of taking action or to actually take action.
Dominik Tarczyński also addressed the people of Europe: “Dear citizens of Europe, do not be misled by this debate, because when we called for sanctions from the very first day of the invasion—including sanctions on Russian diamonds—the Germans from the EPP said ‘no.’ When we asked for sanctions on Russian oil and gas, Austria said ‘no.’ When we again proposed sanctions on diamonds, Belgium refused, arguing that Antwerp would suffer and businesses would flee.”
In this context, the MEP stated that action is needed, not just talk. “We need a resolution, and we won’t be fooled. This debate is just a pretense that we’ll block Russia because we have a problem with grain from Ukraine. We are opposed to flooding the European and Polish markets with Ukrainian grain,” the PiS politician made clear. “Where have you been for the past two years, you hypocrites? Where were you when we were discussing Russian diamonds?” Tarczyński asked. He added that this is an attempt to deceive European citizens, “because all we see here are efforts to look out for one’s own business interests.”
