Bartosz Brzeziński
@thisisbartosz.bsky.social
Reporter @politico.eu | Mostly writing about the politics of food and agriculture
Reposted by Bartosz Brzeziński
Poland, Hungary and Slovakia are openly defying efforts to reset trade relations as a revised trade deal with Kyiv kicks in.
The bans, covering Ukrainian grain and other farm products, breach EU single market rules that prohibit national trade barriers.
The bans, covering Ukrainian grain and other farm products, breach EU single market rules that prohibit national trade barriers.
Poland, Hungary and Slovakia defy Brussels as Ukraine trade deal takes effect
The Commission wouldn’t rule out taking the countries to court for banning Ukrainian imports just as the EU’s updated deal with Kyiv takes effect.
www.politico.eu
October 31, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Poland, Hungary and Slovakia are openly defying efforts to reset trade relations as a revised trade deal with Kyiv kicks in.
The bans, covering Ukrainian grain and other farm products, breach EU single market rules that prohibit national trade barriers.
The bans, covering Ukrainian grain and other farm products, breach EU single market rules that prohibit national trade barriers.
Reposted by Bartosz Brzeziński
The European Commission’s 2023 plan to ease the suffering of farm animals on the move started out as the ultimate feel-good proposal.
Now, its ambitions are stuck. But Denmark is trying to revive the efforts.
Now, its ambitions are stuck. But Denmark is trying to revive the efforts.
Europe lost its drive for humane animal transport. Denmark hasn’t.
Europe’s animal welfare overhaul is on life support. Denmark’s farm minister thinks he can still revive it — one compromise at a time.
www.politico.eu
October 27, 2025 at 8:40 AM
The European Commission’s 2023 plan to ease the suffering of farm animals on the move started out as the ultimate feel-good proposal.
Now, its ambitions are stuck. But Denmark is trying to revive the efforts.
Now, its ambitions are stuck. But Denmark is trying to revive the efforts.
Reposted by Bartosz Brzeziński
A Slovak liberal quietly steered one of the last surviving environmental files to the finish line.
How to pass a green law in an anti-green age in 6 easy steps
A Slovak liberal quietly steered one of the last surviving environmental files to the finish line.
www.politico.eu
October 25, 2025 at 10:41 AM
A Slovak liberal quietly steered one of the last surviving environmental files to the finish line.
Poland’s lower house has just voted to phase out fur farming by 2033, with compensation for those who quit early. Rabbits remain exempt. The bill now goes to the Senate and President Nawrocki for final approval.
Zakaz hodowli zwierząt futerkowych trafi do Senatu i na biurko prezydenta
Sejm zdecydowaną większością głosów przyjął zakaz hodowli zwierząt na futra. Projekt trafi teraz do Senatu, a następnie - na biurko prezydenta Karola Nawrockieg
www.rp.pl
October 17, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Poland’s lower house has just voted to phase out fur farming by 2033, with compensation for those who quit early. Rabbits remain exempt. The bill now goes to the Senate and President Nawrocki for final approval.
Reposted by Bartosz Brzeziński
Under Russian drones, Ukrainians wonder if Europe still cares www.politico.eu/article/russ... by @thisisbartosz.bsky.social
Under Russian drones, Ukrainians wonder if Europe still cares
More than three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s capital endures constant Russian attacks while watching European solidarity fray.
www.politico.eu
October 14, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Under Russian drones, Ukrainians wonder if Europe still cares www.politico.eu/article/russ... by @thisisbartosz.bsky.social
Reposted by Bartosz Brzeziński
Ukrainians are feeling a deep unease that the rest of Europe is tired, turning its attention away from the war and viewing it as something that should simply end, no matter the cost.
Under Russian drones, Ukrainians wonder if Europe still cares
More than three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s capital endures constant Russian attacks while watching European solidarity fray.
ow.ly
October 14, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Ukrainians are feeling a deep unease that the rest of Europe is tired, turning its attention away from the war and viewing it as something that should simply end, no matter the cost.
Reposted by Bartosz Brzeziński
The European Parliament voted today to ban plant-based and lab-grown products from having meat-related names such as “burger,” “sausage” or “steak” on their labels.
EU lawmakers back ‘veggie burger’ ban
The European Parliament slips prohibition of plant-based “burgers” into wider farm reform, sparking NGO outrage and political splits.
www.politico.eu
October 8, 2025 at 5:23 PM
The European Parliament voted today to ban plant-based and lab-grown products from having meat-related names such as “burger,” “sausage” or “steak” on their labels.
When your ban on veggie burger names and lab-grown steaks passes in the European Parliament — French MEP Céline Imart.
October 8, 2025 at 11:35 AM
When your ban on veggie burger names and lab-grown steaks passes in the European Parliament — French MEP Céline Imart.
Reposted by Bartosz Brzeziński
Even if the world stopped burning coal, oil and gas tomorrow, what we eat would still be enough to heat the climate beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius, warns the EAT-Lancet Commission.
Food is wrecking the planet. And Europe has lost its appetite for change.
A landmark study says food systems are breaching Earth’s limits. Europe once promised to lead the way, but the revolution fizzled.
www.politico.eu
October 3, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Even if the world stopped burning coal, oil and gas tomorrow, what we eat would still be enough to heat the climate beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius, warns the EAT-Lancet Commission.
Reposted by Bartosz Brzeziński
The European Commission has proposed delaying the EU's flagship anti-deforestation law for the second year in a row as it continues its war on red tape.
EU delays anti-deforestation rules, again
The EU executive has increasingly put industrial competitiveness ahead of environmental concerns.
ow.ly
September 23, 2025 at 12:31 PM
The European Commission has proposed delaying the EU's flagship anti-deforestation law for the second year in a row as it continues its war on red tape.
Reposted by Bartosz Brzeziński
More than a decade ago, as the EU’s first climate commissioner, Connie Hedegaard helped turn carbon policy into a pillar of Brussels’ power and a point of pride for the bloc.
But now, she worries the tide is turning — with dire ramifications.
But now, she worries the tide is turning — with dire ramifications.
‘They should be ashamed’: Green backsliding is wrecking Europe, EU’s first climate chief warns
From wildfires to far-right gains, Connie Hedegaard says Europe can’t afford to go soft on climate while China races ahead and companies like BP backtrack.
ow.ly
August 21, 2025 at 6:48 AM
More than a decade ago, as the EU’s first climate commissioner, Connie Hedegaard helped turn carbon policy into a pillar of Brussels’ power and a point of pride for the bloc.
But now, she worries the tide is turning — with dire ramifications.
But now, she worries the tide is turning — with dire ramifications.
Reposted by Bartosz Brzeziński
Poland today halted all further payments under an EU-funded program after a transparency push exposed grants for yachts, vodka bars and a business registered at the same address as a sex club.
Poland freezes Covid cash payouts after swingers’ club and yacht storm
Donald Tusk’s government vowed that “every złoty will be checked,” blaming the former Law and Justice administration for forcing a rushed rollout.
ow.ly
August 12, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Poland today halted all further payments under an EU-funded program after a transparency push exposed grants for yachts, vodka bars and a business registered at the same address as a sex club.
Reposted by Bartosz Brzeziński
Swingers' clubs and vodka bars: Donald Tusk’s coalition is scrambling after an ill-judged transparency drive revealed that some of Poland’s EU Covid recovery cash went to eyebrow-raising projects.
Covid cash for yachts, swingers’ club fuels Polish opposition attack on Tusk
A transparency push on Poland’s long-delayed EU Covid recovery spending exposed quirky grants, giving the right-wing PiS party fresh ammunition against Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s fragile co…
www.politico.eu
August 11, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Swingers' clubs and vodka bars: Donald Tusk’s coalition is scrambling after an ill-judged transparency drive revealed that some of Poland’s EU Covid recovery cash went to eyebrow-raising projects.
Reposted by Bartosz Brzeziński
This week, the European Commission unveiled its sweeping new seven-year budget proposal.
On the new episode of EU Confidential, @swheatonjourno.bsky.social, @gregsorgi.bsky.social + @thisisbartosz.bsky.social dig into the fights already heating up over where the money goes.
🎧 Listen now 👇
On the new episode of EU Confidential, @swheatonjourno.bsky.social, @gregsorgi.bsky.social + @thisisbartosz.bsky.social dig into the fights already heating up over where the money goes.
🎧 Listen now 👇
The €2 trillion question: Inside the battle over the EU’s budget
Trillions of euros, almost as many priorities — and just over two years to agree. The European Commission has unveiled its sweeping new seven-year budget proposal, and the fight over where the mone…
www.politico.eu
July 18, 2025 at 11:50 AM
This week, the European Commission unveiled its sweeping new seven-year budget proposal.
On the new episode of EU Confidential, @swheatonjourno.bsky.social, @gregsorgi.bsky.social + @thisisbartosz.bsky.social dig into the fights already heating up over where the money goes.
🎧 Listen now 👇
On the new episode of EU Confidential, @swheatonjourno.bsky.social, @gregsorgi.bsky.social + @thisisbartosz.bsky.social dig into the fights already heating up over where the money goes.
🎧 Listen now 👇
The post-2027 CAP regulation is finally out. Get the doc and the annex before the Commission takes them down again because the documents still contain comments like "insert reference."
ec.europa.eu/transparency...
ec.europa.eu/transparency...
Register of Commission Documents
ec.europa.eu
July 17, 2025 at 10:41 AM
The post-2027 CAP regulation is finally out. Get the doc and the annex before the Commission takes them down again because the documents still contain comments like "insert reference."
ec.europa.eu/transparency...
ec.europa.eu/transparency...
Reposted by Bartosz Brzeziński
The European Commission says it’s safeguarding farmers in its proposed new budget. Farmers say Brussels is stabbing them in the back.
Brussels slashes the EU farm budget, calls it a win. Farmers call it a declaration of war.
The European Commission says it’s protecting farmers with a smaller but ring-fenced budget. Europe’s farmers say the cuts betray a post-World War II pact.
www.politico.eu
July 17, 2025 at 8:56 AM
The European Commission says it’s safeguarding farmers in its proposed new budget. Farmers say Brussels is stabbing them in the back.
Reposted by Bartosz Brzeziński
Ursula von der Leyen has had a tricky start to her second term as European Commission president.
The next two years of negotiations over the long-term budget were never going to be easy. The way it has started has made a tough job even tougher.
The next two years of negotiations over the long-term budget were never going to be easy. The way it has started has made a tough job even tougher.
The muddled €1.8 trillion EU budget launch that exposes von der Leyen’s weaknesses
Simmering internal criticism of the European Commission president came to the boil over a messy, confused and secretive spending plan that highlighted divisions and revealed political fragilities.
www.politico.eu
July 16, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Ursula von der Leyen has had a tricky start to her second term as European Commission president.
The next two years of negotiations over the long-term budget were never going to be easy. The way it has started has made a tough job even tougher.
The next two years of negotiations over the long-term budget were never going to be easy. The way it has started has made a tough job even tougher.
Reposted by Bartosz Brzeziński
Ursula von der Leyen is preparing to overhaul the bloc’s subsidy system to keep the farm budget limping along, but shifts political fights back onto national governments, a leaked policy blueprint obtained by POLITICO indicates.
Von der Leyen dumps farm subsidy chaos onto EU capitals
Brussels wants fewer tractor protests in the EU quarter, so it’s letting national governments fight the battles over farm support at home.
ow.ly
July 15, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Ursula von der Leyen is preparing to overhaul the bloc’s subsidy system to keep the farm budget limping along, but shifts political fights back onto national governments, a leaked policy blueprint obtained by POLITICO indicates.
Reposted by Bartosz Brzeziński
[LEAK] While all eyes are on the budget allocated to farm subsidies, the @ec.europa.eu looks set to sneakily insert restrictions on the use of “meaty” names for plant-based foods in the proposal for a CMO regulation to be unveiled on Wednesday..
July 14, 2025 at 8:42 PM
[LEAK] While all eyes are on the budget allocated to farm subsidies, the @ec.europa.eu looks set to sneakily insert restrictions on the use of “meaty” names for plant-based foods in the proposal for a CMO regulation to be unveiled on Wednesday..
Reposted by Bartosz Brzeziński
How big of a deal is the CAP really?
In the run up to next week's budget announcement, we thought it was time to take a step back and look at how the money was divvied up last time.
Here is how the EU spends almost a third of its budget on agriculture 👇
www.politico.eu/article/eu-b...
In the run up to next week's budget announcement, we thought it was time to take a step back and look at how the money was divvied up last time.
Here is how the EU spends almost a third of its budget on agriculture 👇
www.politico.eu/article/eu-b...
Where the EU’s colossal farming budget actually goes
Everything you need to know about the colossal Russian doll that is the Common Agricultural Policy.
www.politico.eu
July 11, 2025 at 12:03 PM
How big of a deal is the CAP really?
In the run up to next week's budget announcement, we thought it was time to take a step back and look at how the money was divvied up last time.
Here is how the EU spends almost a third of its budget on agriculture 👇
www.politico.eu/article/eu-b...
In the run up to next week's budget announcement, we thought it was time to take a step back and look at how the money was divvied up last time.
Here is how the EU spends almost a third of its budget on agriculture 👇
www.politico.eu/article/eu-b...
Reposted by Bartosz Brzeziński
The EU is weighing a politically explosive merger of its farm and cohesion funds into broader national investment plans, as part of a sweeping effort to simplify how the bloc spends its shared money and responds more nimbly to crises, according to a draft seen by POLITICO.
Brussels farm shake-up plan revealed
A draft impact assessment reveals the European Commission’s thinking on a long-rumored CAP overhaul — and why it could satisfy no one.
ow.ly
July 11, 2025 at 2:12 PM
The EU is weighing a politically explosive merger of its farm and cohesion funds into broader national investment plans, as part of a sweeping effort to simplify how the bloc spends its shared money and responds more nimbly to crises, according to a draft seen by POLITICO.
🚨 The European Commission and Ukraine have agreed to revise their existing free trade agreement, giving Kyiv improved market access compared to pre-war terms, while stopping short of the complete liberalization provided during the conflict. pro.politico.eu/news/201113
POLITICO Pro
pro.politico.eu
June 30, 2025 at 11:57 AM
🚨 The European Commission and Ukraine have agreed to revise their existing free trade agreement, giving Kyiv improved market access compared to pre-war terms, while stopping short of the complete liberalization provided during the conflict. pro.politico.eu/news/201113
Reposted by Bartosz Brzeziński
European farmers have a blunt message for Brussels: Keep the cash flowing, or the tractors will hit the streets again.
Hands off our money, farmers say as EU plans budget shake-up
As Brussels prepares a major budget overhaul, Europe’s farmers are ready to bring out the tractors if decades of subsidy support are put at risk.
www.politico.eu
June 20, 2025 at 2:04 PM
European farmers have a blunt message for Brussels: Keep the cash flowing, or the tractors will hit the streets again.
Reposted by Bartosz Brzeziński
A top Ukrainian MP has warned that imminent withdrawal of wartime trade waivers could threaten Ukraine’s economic footing and feed Russian propaganda.
www.politico.eu/article/reim...
www.politico.eu/article/reim...
Ukraine warns EU tariffs will hammer economy and dent faith in Brussels
Imminent withdrawal of wartime trade waivers threatens Ukraine’s economic footing and feeds Russian propaganda, top Ukrainian MP warns.
www.politico.eu
May 23, 2025 at 5:31 AM
A top Ukrainian MP has warned that imminent withdrawal of wartime trade waivers could threaten Ukraine’s economic footing and feed Russian propaganda.
www.politico.eu/article/reim...
www.politico.eu/article/reim...
Reposted by Bartosz Brzeziński
NEW: The European Commission is preparing to reintroduce pre-war tariff quotas for some Ukrainian farm products sold into the EU market as of June 6, after the bloc’s wartime tariff waivers expire.
That's according to documents seen by POLITICO.
www.politico.eu/article/brus...
That's according to documents seen by POLITICO.
www.politico.eu/article/brus...
EU to roll back Ukraine trade perks to protect its farmers
Brussels looks to reintroduce pre-war tariffs on some agricultural imports from Ukraine, documents seen by POLITICO show.
www.politico.eu
May 14, 2025 at 8:25 AM
NEW: The European Commission is preparing to reintroduce pre-war tariff quotas for some Ukrainian farm products sold into the EU market as of June 6, after the bloc’s wartime tariff waivers expire.
That's according to documents seen by POLITICO.
www.politico.eu/article/brus...
That's according to documents seen by POLITICO.
www.politico.eu/article/brus...