The firm strategy of Polish authorities on Mercosur pushed Poland into the margins of negotiations. Warsaw, exclusively for its farmers, has played nothing – writes Katarzyna Szymanska-Borginon, correspondent of RMF FM in Brussels.
In the opinion of the correspondents, representatives of the ruling coalition in Brussels had no thought of a negotiating strategy regarding a contract harmful to Polish farmers with countries of South America. The Government of Tusk could not afford anything more than a hard “no” despite being aware of the legitimate acceptance of the agreement for goestrategic reasons.
"Practically, everything that was played for farmers was played through France and in the final phase of Italy, which kept Brussels in uncertainty about the final position. France has voted against, Italy “in favour”, but both countries can boast of their own gain,” writes Szymanska-Borginon.
Moreover, Poland most frequently only supported the “on-the-spot” demands of France or Italy to increase backing for farmers in the future EU budget or safety clauses. The French yet managed to lift duties on any fertilizers and suspend the carbon taxation on imported fertilizers. Italy, by blackmailing Brussels with a threat of veto, was given the chance to usage EUR 45 billion for farmers in advance and to shift 10% of the full agricultural grant pool.
"Polish authorities did not present Mercosur initiatives. Warsaw did not negotiate, focusing on its “no”. That's why she didn't play anything," concludes Szymanska-Borgynon.
Source: rmf24.pl
PR
We were hoping for Italy's opposition to the Mercosur deal. What happened?
