Milk prices were a key topic of discussion at the meeting of the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers in Brussels on 30 March 2026, according to Agroprofil. Despite calls from a number of member states to introduce support measures to reduce production, the European Commission rejected these proposals, opting instead for market self-regulation.

The European Commission is banking on the market

ChristopheHansen, the European Commissioner for Agriculture, has adopted a cautious stance despite warnings of a sharp decline in milk producers’ profit margins.

Brussels cites several factors to justify its refusal:

  • Rising prices for processed products — in particular, powdered milk is showing the first signs of a recovery in prices
  • Stable exports — European cheeses and dairy products remain in high demand on global markets
  • Uncertainty regarding production — The EC doubts that the current growth in supply will continue throughout 2026

A full analytical report from the European Commission is not expected until July 2026. Until then, Brussels plans only to ‘remain vigilant’ regarding the situation on the milk market.

Milk prices in Poland: the decline is slowing

According to data from the Polish Central Statistical Office (GUS) for February 2026, milk prices are showing signs of a slowdown in their decline; however, on an annual basis, the situation remains difficult.

The average purchase price fell from 1.89 zlotys per litre in January to 1.86 zlotys in February.

On an annual basis, the decline is significant — in February, the price was 18% lower than in the same period of 2025.

A regional breakdown reveals a significant difference:

  • Podlaskie Voivodeship — highest prices at 2.03 PLN/litre
  • Świętokrzyskie Province — the lowest, around 1.70 PLN/litre

Poland’s stance: support rather than restrictions

During discussions in Brussels, the Polish Ministry of Agriculture emphasised the financial stability of the dairy sector.

Warsaw’s position is that the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) must have a sufficient budget to support farmers during periods of price volatility, without the need for administrative restrictions on production.

The importance of ensuring a level playing field, taking into account imports of agricultural products from third countries, was also emphasised.

Global risks to the dairy market

Despite the European Commission’s cautious optimism, the milk market is being affected by external factors that could complicate the stabilisation process:

  • Geopolitics — the conflict in the Middle East is already driving up energy and feed costs
  • Commodity markets — oil oversupply and fluctuations in the dollar exchange rate are affecting logistics and production
  • China’s policy — the restrictions imposed on imports of certain dairy products from the EU could undermine export prospects

At the same time, there are signs of a recovery at the global level: the GDT dairy price index has risen by around a quarter from its December low.

However, it is not yet clear when, or indeed if, this growth will translate into higher milk purchase prices in the EU. The lack of prompt action on the part of the European Commission means that, in the coming months, the market will remain dependent on global market conditions and EU budgetary policy.

Source: Agroprofil