Attendees at events during Poland’s EU presidency are in for a fruity treat — local apples will take centre stage as the official symbol of this six-month term.
Poland has picked the apple as a symbol of its presidency and will be served at their events in both Warsaw and Brussels.
European countries carrying out the six-month presidency of the EU Council usually deploy some form of symbol: Estonia introduced a robot mascot, while Hungary adopted a Trumpian slogan during its recently concluded term.
Food is a frequent trope, with Belgium’s presidency last year using a chocolate logo which was ceremonially cracked by Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen before being eaten by EU leaders at the inauguration event.
Poland’s presidency logo takes inspiration from the iconic Solidarnosc movement, but the country has also chosen an apple, described as “a source of national pride” by organisers, as an official symbol of the presidency.
Apples grown in Poland’s Grojec district are even protected by EU geographical indication on account of their quality.
This isn’t Poland’s first fruity foray for an EU presidency, back in 2011, Polish strawberries enjoyed the spotlight, showcasing the nation’s agricultural strengths.
Poland produces 4 million tonnes annually and leads apple production in Europe, so there should be enough spare.
Polish apples have also earned international acclaim, with exports reaching 817,000 tonnes in 2023 extending from sales to nearby Germany and Romania to far-flung markets like India, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
In 2014, when Russia banned certain Polish fruit and vegetable imports (including apples) in response to EU sanctions for the invasion of Crimea, Poles turned their apples into symbols of resistance.
A social media campaign, featuring hashtags like #jedzjabłka (“Eat Apples”) and the Facebook page #EatApplesToAnnoyPutin, went viral, rallying support for farmers and highlighting the fruit’s importance.
Now, Poland is once again leaning into the power of its apples as a symbol.
