Poland’s Agri-Food Sector within EU: Economic Integration, Harmonisation, and Trade Dynamics

Meltem Ince Yenilmez

doi:10.35765/hp.2807

Published : 2026-03-31

Vol. 17 No. 58 (2026)

Poland’s Agri-Food Sector within EU: Economic Integration, Harmonisation, and Trade Dynamics

Meltem Ince Yenilmez

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4689-3196

DOI: https://doi.org/10.35765/hp.2807

Section: Thematic Articles

Abstract

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The research objective of this paper is to scrutinise the role of the food business in the EU’s regional integration process from the dimensions of economic importance, regulatory harmonisation, infrastructure development, and implications on cross-border trade activities.

THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHOD: The study employs a qualitative approach focused on Poland’s agri-food sector, combining analysis of EU policy documents and regulatory frameworks. It follows a comparative framework that links regulatory change with market dynamics, identifying relationships between EU policies, cross-border trade expansion, and structural transformation in the Polish food industry.

THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: This study discusses the favourable attributes that exist under the common EU framework concerning food safety and labelling regulations, increased exports of processed food, and benefits linked with regulatory harmonisation that reduces trade barriers.

RESEARCH RESULTS: The main result of such integration into the EU is a significant economic impact on the food industry in Poland. Trade barriers are lowered due to the regulations, while funding from the EU is vital in increasing the efficiency of food distribution by improving logistics and infrastructure.

CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The study makes evident that it is important to forge regional cooperation in the area of increased resilience and competitiveness in the evolving market environment. New policies should also follow this pathway in the pursuit of sustainable agricultural practices and further regulatory streamlining to continue such growth in the EU food sector.

Keywords

Food Industry Integration ; EU Regional Cohesion ; Regulatory Harmonization Cross-Border Trade ; Poland's EU Membership ; Sustainable Agricultural Practices

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