Brussels, 18.09.2026

Press Release – Advancing Agri-Food Competitiveness Through Simplification: Unpacking the Food and Feed Safety Omnibus

On Wednesday, 9 September 2026, the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP) organised a high-level policy discussion titled “Advancing Agri-Food Competitiveness through Simplification: Unpacking the Food and Feed Safety Omnibus” in the European Parliament in Brussels. The event was hosted by MEP Herbert Dorfmann, Rapporteur for the AGRI Committee on the Food and Feed Safety Omnibus, and MEP Jessica Polfjärd, EPP Shadow Rapporteur in the ENVI Committee for the same file.

The discussion brought together policymakers and representatives of the agri-food sector, including the co-hosting MEPs HERBERT DORFMANN and JESSICA POLFJÄRD; KLAUS BEREND, Director for Food Safety, Sustainability and Innovation at the European Commission’s DG SANTE; ANETA CHODERSKA, First Secretary in the Agriculture and Rural Development Unit at the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Poland to the EU; MATTHIAS BERNINGER, Executive Vice-President and Head of Public Affairs, Sustainability and Safety at Bayer; MAX SCHULMAN, Chairman of the Cereals Working Party at Copa-Cogeca; and LUSYNE KESZISZJAN-HÜLLEN, Director of the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers’ Brussels Office.

The discussion was moderated by OSCAR HAMMARSTEDT, EU Policy Officer at the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers.

Read the full press release here

Warsaw, 22.06.2026

Numeum and Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers Announce Closer France–Poland Cooperation on Strategic Digital Technologies

Numeum, France’s leading digital industry association, and the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP), Poland’s leading national business organisation, announce their intention to deepen cooperation between the French and Polish digital ecosystems. 

This cooperation is aligned with the implementation of the Treaty on Enhanced Cooperation and Friendship between Warsaw and Paris, signed on 9 May 2025 in Nancy, and with the broader agenda to strengthen French–Polish economic, investment, and industrial ties. In this context, both organisations see a clear opportunity to support closer business dialogue on strategic digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, advanced computing, and data infrastructure.

As artificial intelligence, advanced computing, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure and quantum technologies become increasingly interconnected, strengthening collaboration between innovation ecosystems will be essential to maintaining competitiveness and technological resilience.

The priorities identified by both governments – including research and development, commercialisation, talent development, intellectual property protection, supply chain resilience, and trusted international partnerships – are closely aligned with the challenges currently facing the digital sector in our countries.

Building on their longstanding relationship, Numeum and the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers are committed to deepening cooperation between the French and Polish technology ecosystems.

Together, both organisations will work to:

• Strengthen business-to-business connections between French and Polish technology companies;
• Promote collaboration on strategic technologies, including quantum, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud, and advanced computing;
• Support policy dialogue on digital resilience and trusted technology partnerships;
• Foster closer links between industry, research institutions, and public authorities;
• Identify opportunities for joint innovation, investment, and market development.

Thibault de Tersant, Vice-President of Numeum, said:

“As digital technologies become more critical and interdependent, resilience is no longer optional. Strengthening cooperation between Poland and France is key to ensuring robust, secure, and adaptable digital ecosystems in Europe.”

Jakub Bińkowski, Vice President, Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers, said:

“Polish-French cooperation needs a strong business track. Together with Numeum, we want to help companies from both countries move from dialogue to concrete projects, partnerships, and investment.”

As strategic technologies become increasingly central to economic competitiveness and national resilience, cooperation between trusted partners will be more important than ever.

Numeum and the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers stand ready to support the implementation of this shared vision and to strengthen long-term collaboration between the French and Polish digital sectors.

Kyiv, 15.06.2026

The Conference “Europe-Poland-Ukraine: Cooperate Together’26” Took Place in Kyiv

On 11 June 2026, the “Europe-Poland-Ukraine: Cooperate Together’26” conference was held at the Hyatt Regency Kyiv. The event brought together representatives of public administration, business, and organizations from Poland and Ukraine, providing a platform for discussions on Ukraine’s European integration, economic cooperation, and the country’s post-war reconstruction.

This year’s edition of the conference focused on institutional cooperation related to Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union and the implementation of projects financed under the Ukraine Facility instrument. The agenda included panel discussions on Ukraine’s integration into the EU Single Market, infrastructure reconstruction, and cooperation in the energy sector.

One of the key highlights of the conference was a fireside chat with Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, who emphasized that Ukraine’s EU integration has entered a new phase. According to him, the question is no longer whether Ukraine will become a member of the European Union, but how quickly the accession process will move forward.

A strong message of support for Ukraine’s European aspirations also came from Poland. Piotr Łukasiewicz, Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Poland in Ukraine, reaffirmed Poland’s unequivocal support for Ukraine’s integration into the European Union, stressing that this commitment is unconditional. His statement underscored the strategic nature of Polish-Ukrainian cooperation and the shared responsibility for the security and development of the region.

Once again, the conference served as a platform for exchanging experiences, building partnerships, and developing joint solutions to address the challenges arising from Russia’s full-scale military aggression against Ukraine.

Since its inception, the “Cooperate Together” conference series has aimed to foster lasting relationships between the business communities of Europe, Poland, and Ukraine while supporting cooperation in the reconstruction and modernization of the Ukrainian economy. This year’s edition confirmed that collaboration between public institutions and the private sector remains one of the key factors for the success of this process.

The conference was held under the Honorary Patronage of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH).

Main Partner of the Conference: KredoBank S.A.

Photo report from the event https://2240-dmitro-golovcenko.gallera.io/665890-poland-ukraine

 

 

Press Release: Digital Policy Outlook 2026: What 2025 set in motion and what’s next for EU Digital policy

On Tuesday, 27 January 2026, the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP) and European Enterprise Alliance (EEA) organised a high-level policy discussion titled “Digital Policy Outlook 2026: What 2025 set in motion and what’s next for EU Digital policy”, hosted by MEP Michał Kobosko.

The discussion brought together policymakers and leading representatives from the industry and academia, including: MICHAŁ KOBOSKO, Member of the European Parliament; DARIUSZ STANDERSKI, State Secretary at the Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs; JAKUB BORATYŃSKI, Director of Compliance and Business Conduct at the European Commission’s DG.GROW; JAKUB BIŃKOWSKI, Vice-President of the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers; ANNA MAZUR, Head of the Brussels Office, Allegro; MICHAŁ LUTEK, Senior Public Policy Manager for CEE, Bolt; ARTUR BOGUCKI, Associate Researcher, Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS); CLARA LEMAIRE, Director of EU Public Policy Government Affairs, Cisco; MICHAŁ BYLICKI, Tender Sales & Account Management Director, CloudFerro; LAURA PASCUAL TRUJILLO, Senior Analyst, Google; ANISSA KEMICHE, Director of European and International Affairs, Numeum; RAPHAËL DANIEL, EU Public Affairs Manager, OVHcloud; JAN PILEWSKI, Public Policy Director, PLAY; MARTA PRZYWAŁA, Lead AI and Cybersecurity Policy, EU Government Affairs, SAP; ELEANOR FLANAGAN, Associate Director of Government Affairs, Spotify; and ENA SALIHOVIĆ, Senior Lead Public Affairs EU Tech, Zalando.

The discussion was moderated by DANIELA WERBENIEC, the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers’ Director of the Digital Forum.

Read the full press release here: Press Release – Digital Policy Outlook 2026

Brussels, 19 Nov 2025

Press Release: European Defence at the Frontier: Unmanned Systems and Strategic Readiness

On Wednesday, 12 November 2025, the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP) and European Enterprise Alliance (EEA) organised a high-level policy discussion titled “European Defence at the Frontier: Unmanned Systems and Strategic Readiness”, hosted by MEP Kosma Złotowski, MEP Rasa Juknevičienė, and MEP Michał Dworczyk in the European Parliament in Brussels.

The discussion brought together EU representatives and experts including KOSMA ZŁOTOWSKI, Member of the European Parliament; RASA JUKNEVIČIENĖ, Member of the European Parliament and former Minister of Defence of Lithuania; REINIS POZŅAKS, Member of the European Parliament and the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE); PEKKA TOVERI, Member of the European Parliament and the SEDE Committee; JONAS CEDERLÖF, Deputy Head of Unit, Strategy, Interinstitutional Relations, and Security at the European Commission’s DG DEFIS; STÉPHANE OUAKI, Acting Director of the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA); DAREK SAUNDERS, Head of Research and Technology Sector at Frontex; JAMIE SHEA, Senior Fellow for Peace, Security and Defence with Friends of Europe; MAŁGORZATA DAROWSKA, WB Group’s Director for EU Affairs; and JAKUB BIŃKOWSKI, Board Member at Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP).

The discussion was moderated by LUSYNE KESZISZJAN, Head of the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers Brussels Office.

In his opening remarks, MEP KOSMA ZŁOTOWSKI began by stressing the urgency of finding an effective response to the growing hybrid threat that drones pose for Europe. He called for comprehensive, European solutions, both for fielding our own drones and for countering hostile UAS, all developed within the Union and deployed in both civilian and military conditions. As the event later drew to a close, MEP Złotowski ended with a short but powerful message of only five words: “we must produce effective drones”.

MEP RASA JUKNEVIČIENĖ considered the changing security landscape in Europe, stating that “be it eastern border, be it the European Union, be it the European continent, we are at war”. She stated that while conventional warfare may currently be limited to Ukraine, this does not make the threat any less real for the rest of Europe. MEP Juknevičienė urged policymakers and defence actors to learn from the situation in Ukraine, drawing from the experiences of deploying UAS and countering hostile drone actions.

MEP REINIS POZŅAKS’ keynote address focused on his role as rapporteur for the forthcoming report ‘Drones and new systems of warfare – the EU’s need to adapt to be fit for today’s security challenges’. He opened by stating that “drones are not a toy anymore in the budget,” reflecting their growing priority for spending. He then went on to discuss how this is a field in which Europe will always be in a race with its global competitors, with it sometimes being ahead and sometimes falling behind, but with a need to be ready for both scenarios. This requires creating a supportive ecosystem for the civil defence infrastructure and early warning systems required to stave off potential threats. MEP Pozņaks also commented on the unique nature of drone developments given their constant need for updates. Referring to the fact that nearly every brigade in the Ukrainian military having a drone workshop, he highlighted that improved uptake of UAS systems into EU defence policies needs to account not only for the initial demand, but also the continuous need for updates on the frontlines.

MEP PEKKA TOVERI considered the two forms of dangers posed by hostile UAS actions. The first is the threat of mass attacks along the Eastern border, while the latter involves covert deployment of drones from within the EU to attack critical infrastructures anywhere in the Union. He made it clear that these two scenarios require very distinct solutions, and thus urges C-UAS development to show consideration for the different scenarios in which UAS may be deployed against Europe.

JONAS CEDERLÖF, as the European Commission coordinator for the European Drone Defence Initiative, provided his insights from the Commission’s position as a coordinating body and provider of funding. He stressed that European defence actors are already doing a lot of good work, but that they need to accelerate their work and push their ambitions further. He emphasised that there needs to be a balance between predictability and agility, which will be enabled by the European Defence Fund. Mr. Cederlöf also discussed the role given to Member States going forward, as national actors will come together to address synchronised needs on mutually important questions, particularly through the use of common procurement projects made possible by the forthcoming European Defence Industry Programme. Finally, he pointed out that the Commission is working hard to remove unnecessary fragmentation without giving rise to monopolies, stressing that competition within the Union will also boost Europe’s global competitiveness.

STÉPHANE OUAKI provided another perspective from within the Commission, focusing on the side of funding innovation. The Horizon Europe programme has already provided substantial support for startups and SMEs in the deep tech sector including UAS development. With the recent changes from the so-called Mini-Defence Omnibus, funding programmes will no longer be limited to dual-use technologies either but will instead also be available for dedicated defence products. Because of this, he expressed optimism about the European Innovation Council’s ability to provide strong support for the industry moving forward.

DAREK SAUNDERS discussed the dual-use applications of drones when it comes to the field of border management. He emphasised that UAS and C-UAS technologies must work in concert in comprehensive surveillance systems, and that these systems should be integrated across all areas of surveillance including land, air, maritime, and space. Mr. Saunders called for consideration to be shown for all components that go into these systems, considering not only the drones themselves but also the communications systems, Command and Control structures, and cybersecurity measures. Similarly, he highlighted the value in highly trained operators, stating that even with a perfect system it is the operator who determines whether the UAS operates at its best or is misused. Mr. Saunders ended his intervention by reflecting on the current slow pace of Frontex’s innovation process, stating that simplified research and procurement processes as well as an increase in supply are all essential factors to reaching the agency’s needs.

MAŁGORZATA DAROWSKA stressed that in addition to up-and-coming SMEs and startups, the European defence ecosystem also has a strong presence of capable mid-caps that already have the capacity for meeting the security needs. These companies have battle-proven and interoperable products, but due to the lack of a supportive market in Europe they are forced to sell internationally instead. Therefore, she called for policymakers to implement legislation that makes the European Single Market more conducive for European producers to sell within the Union. One particularly important aspect of such reforms would be to ensure that only trusted suppliers producing user-safe products should be allowed to operate on the European market, since an oversaturation of suppliers could raise security concerns. Ms. Darowska also called attention to the particularities of the drone industry, pointing out that it is a field that does not necessarily focus on inventing new technologies, but rather on integrating existing products from other fields such as communications to advance the innovativeness. She finished her intervention by stating that UAS and C-UAS technologies are two sides of the same coin, and as such need to be approached with the same logic.

Drawing from an extensive career in security policy, JAMIE SHEA began by explaining why UAS pose such a great threat to European society. He raised their superior mobility – both in the sense of being able to quickly move from one country to another, but also in their ability to be deployed from practically anywhere – the difficulty of determining who is operating a drone, and their inexpensiveness. Dr. Shea called for legal frameworks and civilian security capabilities to be updated to better reflect this new nature of threats, including streamlined police responses, greater perimeter defence in vulnerable areas such as airports, and a better intelligence picture of operators by means of a drone registration system. He also called for C-UAS technologies to be developed in a way that ensures civilian safety, since high-tech jammers are less likely to cause collateral damage than shooting down hostile UAS.

JAKUB BIŃKOWSKI approached his intervention through a lens of economic policy, and noted that Europe as a whole is showing unprecedented support for the defence industry, with the example of Poland’s defence budget for 2026 being set at nearly €47 billion. That being said, he also stresses the need to ensure that this increased funding is utilised effectively, and that they address both the pressing concern for defending Europe against current aggressors, but also the need for building resilience against future threats. Mr. Bińkowski called for defence funding to target three key areas: established companies with strong track records should receive further assistance in scaling up to meet rising demands, smaller subsectors within the defence industry need support for developing highly technical and innovative solutions, and making effective use of Europe’s great human capital.

PRESS RELEASE

Warsaw, October 7, 2025

Memorandum of Cooperation between the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP) and the Ukrainian Dual-Use Technologies Cluster (UADUT)

On October 7, 2025, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed in Warsaw between the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP) and the Ukrainian Dual-Use Technologies Cluster (UADUT).

The Ukrainian Dual-Use Technologies Cluster (UADUT) brings together enterprises, research institutions, and educational organizations working on the development and implementation of innovative defense technologies and their subsequent transfer to the civilian sector.

In the face of dynamic changes in the region, cooperation in the field of dual-use technologies — encompassing both the civilian and military sectors — is gaining strategic importance for the security, innovation, and economic development of both countries. The signing of the Memorandum marks an important step in strengthening lasting economic ties between Polish and Ukrainian companies. The development of partnerships in dual-use technologies is particularly significant for enhancing regional security.

During the ceremony, Paweł Kowal, Chairman of the Council for Cooperation with Ukraine, emphasized that we live in uncertain times marked by a technological arms race, particularly in the field of drones. Therefore, the Ukrainian Dual-Use Technologies Cluster plays a crucial role today — what you are doing is truly changing the face of the modern battlefield. Similar breakthroughs took place during the First and Second World Wars. This is precisely where business, science, and politics intersect. The Cluster focuses not only on the military but also on the civilian dimension, and true value arises when these two spheres cooperate.

Marcin Nowacki, Vice President of the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers, highlighted the importance of Polish-Ukrainian cooperation. ZPP has long been focused on supporting economic relations between Poland and Ukraine, but we also see tremendous potential in the field of dual-use technologies. This partnership is extremely important to us — we believe that combining the experience of Polish entrepreneurs with the innovation of Ukrainian companies will bring tangible benefits to both sides.

Serhii Oprya, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of UADUT, presented the activities of the Cluster and expressed his pride in the signing of the Memorandum. “The Ukrainian Dual-Use Technologies Cluster is ready to open up to international cooperation, not only within Europe. Our goal is a partnership based on mutual benefit: Ukrainian dual-use technologies will be able to expand their export markets, while European partners will gain the opportunity to test solutions in real battlefield conditions. We believe that the war will soon end, and joint research and development in the field of dual-use technologies will continue and deepen. On behalf of UADUT, I declare our full readiness and openness to further cooperation” – said Serhii Oprya.

The signing of the Memorandum paves the way for the implementation of joint projects, the exchange of experience, and the creation of synergy between Polish and Ukrainian entities, contributing to strengthening not only security but also innovation and competitiveness of both countries on the international stage.

Brussels, 30 September 2025 

Webinar Summary: EUIPO Mediation at a Glance – Helping Businesses Avoid IP Litigation

On September 30th, 2025, the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers, European Enterprise Alliance and European Union Intellectual Property Office hosted an online webinar titled “EUIPO Mediation at a Glance – Helping Businesses Avoid IP Litigation.” The session aimed at providing businesses with practical insights into how mediation can serve as an effective alternative to costly and time-consuming intellectual property disputes.

The webinar was moderated by Lusyne Kesziszjan, Public Affairs Manager at the European Enterprise Alliance, and featured presentation by Plamena Georgieva, IP lawyer and Mediator at the Boards of Appeal at the EUIPO.

Plamena Georgieva provided an overview of the EUIPO Mediation Centre, highlighting its role as one of the core tasks of the EUIPO under Article 170. With over 23,000 inter partes proceedings each year – including oppositions, cancellations, design invalidities, and appeals – mediation offers businesses a faster, cost-effective, and confidential solution compared to litigation. She presented the evolution of EUIPO mediation since November 2023, which has shown a 70% settlement rate and an 80% user satisfaction rate. Mediation services are conducted mainly in English, though 51 mediators across the EU can facilitate in a variety of languages.

The session also compared mediation with litigation, pointing out key advantages such as flexibility, reduced costs, confidentiality, and the ability to preserve long-term business relationships. Georgieva highlighted five common reasons to choose mediation, including complex cross-border disputes, the need for enforceable outcomes, confidentiality concerns, and situations where parties maintain ongoing business ties.

Participants also received an outline of the mediation process at the EUIPO, which includes suspension of proceedings for six months, a three-month mediation phase, and active roles for companies, lawyers, and mediators to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes. The discussion concluded by emphasizing the importance of raising awareness of mediation as a viable tool for businesses to resolve disputes efficiently while maintaining focus on growth and innovation.

ZPP and the European Enterprise Alliance’s continued commitment to equipping European businesses with practical tools and knowledge to thrive in a complex regulatory environment is highlighted with this webinar.

Brussels, 16.07.2025

Marcin Nowacki, Vice President of the ZPP has been elected President of the EESC’s TEN Section

Role of the EESC

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is a key advisory body within the European Union composed of three groups: Employers (Group I), Workers (Group II) and Civil Society Organisations (Group III). Its primary role is to provide informed opinions on EU policies and legislation to the European Commission, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament. In doing so, the EESC facilitates dialogue between EU institutions and organised civil society ensuring that citizens’ perspectives are reflected in decision-making.

Regularly consulted by EU institutions, the EESC also has the authority to issue opinions independently offering balanced and representative views on economic and social matters across Europe. In 2024, the Committee achieved a significant milestone by establishing enhanced cooperation with the European Parliament enabling EESC rapporteurs to work directly with parliamentary committees.

EESC Section TEN: Shaping Strategic Policies for Europe’s Transport, Energy and Digital Infrastructure

Among the EESC’s six specialised sections, the Transport, Energy, Infrastructure and Information Society (TEN) section focuses on key areas essential to Europe’s growth and resilience. It provides expert advice on policies relating to transport, energy, digital infrastructure and broader technological innovation, all central to achieving the EU’s goals of sustainable development and strategic autonomy.

Section TEN plays a vital role in shaping legislation that enhances industrial competitiveness and innovation, while contributing significantly to discussions on the EU’s 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. As Europe advances its energy and digital transitions, TEN serves as an important platform for stakeholders to collaborate and help shape the future of the European economy.

Section TEN and Interinstitutional Collaboration

From a business standpoint, Section TEN serves as a key platform to engage closely with important European Parliament committees, such as TRAN (Transport), ITRE (Industry, Research and Energy), IMCO (Internal Market and Consumer Protection) and REGI (Regional Development), as well as relevant departments within the European Commission, including DG MOVE, DG ENER, DG CNECT and DG GROW.

This close cooperation helps ensure that industry views are considered early on, supporting a regulatory environment that promotes innovation, ensures energy security, improves infrastructure and boosts connectivity. For businesses, this means having a stronger voice in shaping policies that improve market access, enhance predictability, and create better conditions for growth and competitiveness across borders.

See more: Marcin Nowacki, Vice President of the ZPP has been elected President of the EESC’s TEN Section

On May 27, 2025, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Tokyo hosted the conference “Polish-Japanese Cooperation in the Reconstruction of Ukraine,” organized as part of Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The event brought together representatives from the business sector, public administration, and international organizations from Poland, Japan, and Ukraine to discuss the potential for strategic Polish-Japanese cooperation in Ukraine’s reconstruction.

The conference was officially opened by:

• Tomasz Gwozdowski, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Poland
• Oleksandr Semeniuk, Charge d’affaire of Ukraine to Japan, Embassy of Ukraine to Japan
• Michael Siebert, Managing Director for Russia, Eastern Partnership, Central Asia, Regional Cooperation and OSCE – European External Action Service
• HIBINO Takashi, Senior Director, Office for Ukraine Crisis Response, Recovery and Reconstruction, JICA
• Alan Beroud, UIC Chairman, CEO PKP GROUP
• Hiroya Tanaka, Attorney, Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (PCCIJ)
• Marcin Nowacki, Vice President, Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP)

The conference featured two panel discussions with leading experts:

Panel I – Panel 1: Poland-Japan strategic partnership in the context of Ukraine reconstruction

• Luiz Hanania, CEO, VEOLIA ENERGY POLAND
• Koki Hino, Executive Advisor, PADECO Co., LTD
• Shigeru Kono, Advisor for business promotion in Ukraine, JETRO

The discussion was moderated by Michał Koczalski, CEO, CEC GROUP.

Panel II – Financing and Investment Opportunities for Japanese and Polish Companies,” featuring:

• Ben Akabayashi, Director General, Japan Bank for International Cooperation
• Shogo Eguchi, Partner, Nishimura & Asahi
• Marcin Nowacki, Vice President, ZPP

The discussion was moderated by Fabian Elżanowski, Partner, ELŻANOWSKI & PARTNERS.

Throughout the conference, experts and business leaders exchanged insights, discussed concrete projects, and explored potential areas of cooperation aimed at leveraging the strengths and resources of both Poland and Japan. The event marked an important milestone in strengthening economic ties between Poland and Japan, especially as Japanese companies increasingly turn their attention to the Central and Eastern European market. Poland is emerging as a key partner, offering valuable market knowledge about Ukraine and serving as a strategic partner for the implementation of joint projects using Japanese technology and capital.

The conference was held under the honorary patronage of Paweł Kowal, Chairman of the Council for Cooperation with Ukraine.

? Organizers:

 Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP)

• Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Tokyo

? Partners:

• Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
• Japan Business Federation (Keidanren)
• Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
• Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (PCCIJ)

See the photo report from the event.

 

13/05/2025

PRESS RELEASE: Growing the Future: Sustainable Agriculture in Europe

On Tuesday, 13 May 2025, SME Connect co-organised together with the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP) a working breakfast titled “Growing the Future: Sustainable Agriculture in Europe”, hosted by Herbert Dorfmann MEP, in the European Parliament, in Brussels. 

The discussion brought together experts including HERBERT DORFMANN MEP, Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development; SME Connect Board Member; CARMEN CRESPO DIAZ MEP, Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development; GIJS SCHILTHUIS, Deputy Director-General, in charge of Directorates B, C, and D, Sustainability (AGRI.B) at the European Commission; CHRISTIAN HOLZLEITNER, Head of Unit, Land Economy and Carbon Removals, DG CLIMA at the European Commission; MARCIN SOKOŁOWSKI, Quality Assurance & Sustainability Raw Material Manager, OSI Food Solutions Poland; HUGO JANSEN, Sustainability Director at Cargill; ANNA BORYS, Senior Director of Government Relations Europe at McDonald’s; JAKUB BINKOWSKI, Board Member at Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP); SEYIDE DIREK, Policy Analyst at the European Enterprise Alliance (EEA); PAUL RÜBIG, President of SME Connect, Member of the European Economic and Social Committee, Member of the European Parliament 1996-2019; and HORST HEITZ, Chair of the Steering Committee of SME Connect. 

The discussion was moderated by AGATA BOUTANOS, Director of the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers Brussels Office.

In his opening words, HERBERT DORFMANN MEP highlighted the renewed political importance of agriculture in Europe, driven by the growing recognition that food security cannot be taken for granted. He noted that Europe has become a global leader in agri-food exports, contrasting this success with outdated protectionist views. Dorfmann stressed the need to address sustainability realistically, acknowledging that challenges like climate change and resource scarcity persist and must be tackled with smarter approaches rather than denial. He warned against overproduction, advocating instead for balanced markets and a stronger focus on farm profitability. Many farmers, he argued, are unable to invest in their future, which threatens the sector’s viability. He also pointed to the unfair distribution of profits along the food value chain, where farmers receive a disproportionately small share. Finally, he underlined the urgent need to attract younger generations to farming by making the sector more innovative, profitable, and future-oriented.

CARMEN CRESPO DÍAZ MEP emphasised that agriculture is more than just an economic activity—it is a way of life and a pillar of Europe’s identity. She called for the agricultural sector to be fully integrated into EU security and financial policies, with a growing and adequate budget in the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework. Reflecting on the rapid rollout of the Green Deal, she acknowledged its necessity but criticised its rushed implementation, which left farmers with little time or resources to adapt. Crespo stressed the importance of simplifying policies and promoting sustainability through circular economy initiatives, such as reusing agricultural waste to generate revenue. She advocated for stronger investment—particularly through the second CAP pillar and the European Investment Bank—in innovation, bio-solutions, water technologies, and cohesion funds to boost rural employment and attract youth to the sector. Finally, she urged for fair trade based on reciprocity and called for certainty, modernisation, and a comprehensive approach to preserve agriculture as the economic and social backbone of rural Europe.

Moving on to the strategic perspectives, GIJS SCHILTHUIS outlined the European Commission’s current vision for agriculture and food, highlighting the need to strike a balance between social, economic, and environmental sustainability—ultimately a political endeavor requiring ongoing dialogue with stakeholders. He described the vision as intentionally “vague” to allow space for input and consensus-building among farmers, NGOs, agribusinesses, and member states. He stressed the urgent need to make the agricultural sector more attractive, especially for younger generations, noting that efforts on generational renewal have not yet delivered results. Improving profitability, market functioning, and access to training and finance are essential. Competitiveness must also be strengthened through investment, particularly with support from the European Investment Bank and financial instruments under the CAP. Schilthuis highlighted the importance of reducing administrative burdens through the upcoming CAP simplification package, aiming for pragmatic adjustments without derailing the policy. Environmental sustainability remains central to the Commission’s approach, with ongoing work on climate resilience and water strategies. Lastly, he emphasised the need for a robust rural policy to support economic activity and farming across all regions of the EU, recognizing the strategic role of agriculture not just in food security but in maintaining vibrant rural communities.

CHRISTIAN HOLZLEITNER stated that the core goal of EU climate policy is to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, which means drastically reducing emissions while also removing CO₂ from the atmosphere. While agriculture will always produce some emissions due to food production, it also has the unique ability to capture and store carbon in soils, forests, and bio-based products. This dual role positions the bioeconomy as central to a climate-neutral future. He highlighted the potential of biogas, precision farming, agro-photovoltaics, and bio-based materials in contributing to this transition. By developing climate-smart farming practices and sustainable land use, agriculture can deliver both climate benefits and economic opportunities. To support this, the Commission is developing a certification framework to quantify the climate benefits of practices like rewetting peatlands, planting trees, and agroforestry. This will help attract investment and make it easier for farmers to secure financing. Holzleitner stressed the need to build a functioning carbon market for ecosystem services, where value chains, financial institutions, and other sectors can invest in carbon credits. This would both support farmers and promote climate resilience, creating a strong economic incentive for sustainable land use. The ultimate aim is to make the bioeconomy a growth sector that boosts competitiveness while strengthening the role of farmers in the value chain.

MARCIN SOKOŁOWSKI, representing OSI Food Solutions Poland, shared practical insights from the beef industry on advancing sustainability in agriculture. He highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to sustainable farming, including the development of its own certification system since 2015, which now includes 35,000 farmers—mostly small, family-run cattle farms. Based on this experience, he emphasised the urgent need for better education and knowledge sharing about sustainable agriculture, both among farmers and the wider public, many of whom are unaware of where food comes from or the importance of local production. He also underlined the value of aligning agricultural subsidies with concrete environmental outcomes. Poland has already introduced payments for carbon farming under the CAP, rewarding farmers for implementing practices that reduce or sequester emissions—an approach he believes should become standard EU-wide. Finally, Sokołowski raised serious concerns about the looming implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). He warned that the beef sector across Europe is unprepared for the new requirements, risking severe disruption to supply chains and economic hardship for farmers if they cannot sell their livestock. 

HUGO JANSEN highlighted that long-term partnerships are central to building resilient and sustainable poultry supply chains. His company has worked with most of its chicken suppliers for over 30 years, offering farmers stability, visibility, and confidence to invest and innovate. This collaborative model, based on contracts, best practices, and continuous improvement, supports both economic and environmental goals. He highlighted two key areas of focus: animal welfare and regenerative agriculture. On welfare, his company collects data on 15 indicators for every flock and is now sharing insights with the European Partnership for Animal Health and Welfare to help identify what drives good outcomes. In regenerative agriculture, farmers supplying feed grains have been trained in sustainable practices like cover cropping and no-till farming, which enhance soil health and water retention—crucial in regions like central Poland facing water scarcity. Jansen called for policymakers to support data-driven, farmer-led innovation rather than impose rigid rules, stressing that successful, sustainable farming benefits both the sector and society at large.

ANNA BORYS pointed out McDonald’s strong commitment to resilient and profitable supply chains in Europe, driven by the scale of its operations—6,500 restaurants serving 11 million customers daily, with 95% of key products sourced within the EU. She underlined the importance of fast, stable, and climate-adapted supply chains, built through close collaboration with suppliers and farmers. She shared examples of McDonald’s support for regenerative agriculture across several countries, including agroforestry in France, a €4.4 million sustainability program in Ireland, and data-driven farming practices in Finland. McDonald’s role, she noted, is to bring scale and a platform for collaboration, but highlighted that innovation also needs strong consistent policy support to succeed. She concluded by stressing the importance of continued dialogue and the inclusion of real-world data and expertise in shaping effective agricultural policy.

JAKUB BINKOWSKI spoke about three key objectives crucial for the future of the agri-food industry in Europe. Firstly, he highlighted the demographic challenge, noting the aging population in both the sector and society at large, which presents a significant barrier to growth and development. Secondly, he stressed the need to balance sustainability with economic viability, arguing that these two goals need not be mutually exclusive. Cooperation with large companies, he suggested, can provide farmers with valuable knowledge and stable long-term contracts, enabling more sustainable production. Lastly, Binkowski addressed the development of rural areas, pointing out that many people in Poland and across Europe rely on agri-food production for their livelihoods. He concluded by underscoring the importance of integrating these objectives into EU policy to foster social cohesion and strengthen rural economies, while creating new opportunities for the sector.

SEYIDE DIREK highlighted the strategic importance of Europe’s agri-food sector, which supports over 30 million jobs and contributes more than €450 billion annually. However, the sector faces significant pressures, including market volatility, rising costs, regulatory challenges, and climate disruptions, particularly impacting SMEs and family farms. Direk emphasized the need for a rebalancing of policies to align sustainability goals with economic feasibility, ensuring adequate investment and fair competition. She called for modernisation of rural infrastructure and a focus on addressing labour shortages. Using Poland as a case study, she pointed out the challenges posed by small farms, limited resources, and administrative burdens. To enable Europe to lead in sustainable food systems, she stressed the need for better support, tools, and investment to strengthen resilience and ensure long-term success.

In his closing remarks, HORST HEITZ emphasised the complexity of the challenges facing farmers, who must balance economic viability, sustainability, and food security, all while remaining affordable. He stressed the importance of supporting farmers, as they are vital to regional culture and food security. He pointed out the need for reforms, investments, and societal contributions to help farmers modernise and thrive. He also highlighted the global dimension of food security, noting the impact of the war in Ukraine. While acknowledging the difficulties, he underscored the need for political solutions and collaboration, recognising that food and agriculture are highly political and central to daily life.

See the full Press Release: PRESS RELEASE | Growing the Future: Sustainable Agrifood in Europe