Poland and EU butt heads over agricultural trade liberalization chapter

Prospects look dim for swiftly closing the chapter between Poland and the European Union on liberalizing trade of processed agricultural goods, say Polish government officials and entrepreneurs, in light of disagreements over customs fees and quotas on products and the use of subsidies to produce certain agricultural goods. According to Izabella Lewandowska, deputy director of the European integration department at the Agriculture Ministry, EU countries not only export but also subsidize milk, wheat, and confectionary goods production, which automatically increases the competitiveness of their products. The EU for its part voices objection to Poland's high duties on certain imports, including alcohol. (Puls biznesu, p.3) M.T.