During the XXXIII Economic Forum in Karpacz, we participated in the discussion panel “The European Parliament in the New Term: Regulatory Priorities.” The panel was dedicated to discussing the challenges and opportunities related to the European Green Deal, with particular emphasis on its impact on Polish agriculture and food production.
The panel featured:
- Małgorzata Bojańczyk, Director of the Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Food in Poland
- Anna Borys, Senior Director of Government Relations Europe at McDonald’s
- Krzysztof Hetman, Member of the European Parliament
- Marcin Nowacki, Vice President of the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers
- Ewelina Szczech-Pietkiewicz, Head of the European Union Department at the Warsaw School of Economics.
The discussion was moderated by Karolina Zbytniewska, Editor-in-Chief of EurActiv.pl.
Source: McDonald’s Polska.
Małgorzata Bojańczyk emphasized that:
The European Green Deal, the flagship program of the European Commission, aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. For Polish agriculture and businesses, this means, among other things, the necessity of decarbonization, but it should be carried out while maintaining the competitiveness and profitability of agricultural production. An important aspect, often overlooked in the context of rural development, is social issues, particularly the role of women in the development of the agricultural sector. Therefore, alongside economic and environmental concerns, we must support diverse and inclusive workplaces for women, as well as the overall social development of rural areas. This includes elements such as promoting the mental well-being of farmers, including systemic solutions – from psychological support, through leaves of absence, access to social infrastructure such as nurseries or kindergartens, to providing care for the elderly.
In 2024, the European Commission published a detailed impact assessment on potential ways to achieve the agreed plan. Based on this assessment, a recommendation was made to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040. However, this is not a legislative proposal but rather a vision of the Commission, which analyzed scenarios for ambition levels across various sectors of the economy, including agriculture. The 2040 target will serve as the basis for a new, nationally determined target and the EU’s contribution under the Paris Agreement. This target will be included in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by 2025.
In its new political guidelines for 2024-2029, the European Commission confirmed this direction by renewing its commitment to implementing the European Green Deal, allocating resources for a just transition and more ambitious climate goals. The Green Deal will evolve into the so-called Clean Industrial Deal, where competitiveness, while maintaining sustainable development goals, is at the forefront. This also applies to agricultural and food policies. The agricultural sector is crucial for food security and the strategic autonomy of the European Union, especially in the face of climate change and geopolitical tensions. The ability to produce sufficient food is becoming increasingly important in the context of growing uncertainty in global markets. Climate change demands rapid adaptation and the adoption of sustainable practices, which are essential for the stability of agricultural production in Europe.
The importance of the agricultural sector for the stability of supply chains is also critical from a business perspective. A stable agricultural sector ensures the continuity of raw material supplies necessary for food production and other agricultural products, which is key for companies operating in the food industry. Companies that can rely on stable sources of raw materials are less exposed to the risk of supply disruptions, sudden price increases, or difficulties in accessing key products.
During the discussion, Małgorzata Bojańczyk also highlighted the critical importance of investment in research, development, innovation, digital agriculture, knowledge transfer, support for young farmers, the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, and the introduction of reciprocity in import standards, which is particularly important in the context of potential new members joining the European Union. All these actions are intended to help farmers adapt to climate change while simultaneously increasing the competitiveness of farms.
The panelists agreed that the implementation of the Green Deal requires a common-sense approach, realistic goals that take into account the diversity of agricultural systems within the EU, and a narrative that should be understandable and acceptable both to farmers and the broader public.