Since February 24, 2022, Ukraine has been facing Russian invasion. In addition to the military and financial aid that arrives from all over the world, European and Ukrainian civil societies are working hand in hand to help the populations in distress. In this episode of The Grassroots View, we invited some of their representatives to tell us their stories.

Elena Calistru, member of the European Economic and Social 
Committee, explains how and why many Romanian citizens help fleeing Ukrainian refugees find shelter and food. She also talks about the role of the EESC which, by using the power of its network, manages to quickly set up mechanisms to help the weakest.

Marta Barandiy, founder of the NGO Promote Ukraine, based in Brussels and Kyiv, gives us a Ukrainian perspective on the situation. She tells us how her work changed when the war broke out, how the role of civil society is crucial, and how the Ukrainian people will never give up in the face of an invader.

Finally, Bartosz Wieliński, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Gazeta Wyborcza, tells about the impact of the war in Poland and how the Polish people adopt a new view on the phenomenon of refugees. For example, he explains how the school system welcomes and
helps young Ukrainians.

17. Civil societies hand in hand against barbarism

The EU and the African continent share interests and concerns: a sustainable and inclusive economic recovery, the green transition and the access to energy, the digital transformation, human development, peace and good governance or even migration and mobility. That’s why a frank and ongoing dialogue between civil society stakeholders from both sides is so important. In this episode of The Grassroots View, we have invited some of their representatives to tell us their stories.

Dimitris Dimitriadis, President of the external relations section of the EESC, explains how the Committee maintains close relations with its African counterparts and how it helps promoting European values to the world. He also talks about the growing influence of China and Russia on the African continent, and how important it is that the EU doesn't lose its presence there.

Ben Fox, Editor at EURACTIV and Africa Confidential, helps us understanding the state of civil society across Africa. He also explains how the EU can compete with other players and where its added value is.

Rose Omamo represents the metal workers in Kenya, and is the first woman to lead the union in its history. She describes how Kenyan civil society acts as the watchdog to the government and what the opportunities are for both sides of a collaboration with the European civil society.

18. Europe and Africa: a common response to common challenges

Since January 1st, Poland has held the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. So, this is an opportunity for Food for Europe to focus on the Polish agricultural sector.

Polish farming has undergone profound changes since the country joined the EU 21 years ago. Under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy, the average size of farms has increased, farmers are specializing more, and their products have conquered the shelves of the common market. As a result, in 2023, Poland was the fifth largest contributor to the European agricultural sector, behind France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

In the 53rd episode of the podcast dedicated to agriculture, farming and food, Jacek Zarzecki, a cattle breeder and expert with the European Commission, talks to us about his sector, its strengths, but also its weaknesses and industry concerns. Magdalena Nowicka, Deputy Director of the Direct Payments Department at the Polish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, discusses measures to cut red tape implemented by her teams. Professor Marek Wigier of the Warsaw-based Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics explains the transformation of the Polish agricultural sector and the opportunities ahead. Finally, Arkadiusz Mazur, Programme Officer at the Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, discusses the transformation of the Polish agricultural sector and the opportunities ahead within the EU.

53. Poland: 21 years of Common Agricultural Policy

Have you ever wondered how food in Europe is produced or where it comes from? ‘Food for Europe’ brings you stories, analysis, and in-depth interviews on agriculture, rural development, and the developments that are transforming the way we shop, eat and cultivate our precious, scattered farmland. 

Brought to you by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, the podcast will shed light on the most important European policies for food and agriculture and discuss the ambitions to become a greener and more sustainable Europe.
© European Union, 2021

53. Poland: 21 years of Common Agricultural Policy

Food for Europe

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