As Vice-Minister Guibourgé-Czetwertyński pointed out, climate neutrality concerns almost all sectors of the economy and requires social acceptance.

“Analyses are currently underway, which can show which investments will contribute most to the energy transition and climate neutrality. Some of the national priorities, such as the modernisation of buildings and the development of electromobility, are investments that can be launched relatively quickly and contribute to the creation of new jobs,” he claimed.

According to the Vice-Minister of Climate, achieving the climate neutrality objective set out by the EU will be a complex subject, which is why it is so important to allow individual Member States to choose the best path of transition while respecting the principle of technological neutrality.

“We should be united in a common goal, and the different ways of achieving it should not divide us. Sometimes too much importance is attached to numbers and percentages in the course of EU projects, which can make us forget the purpose of our efforts,” he added.

Vice-Minister of Climate Adam Guibourgé-Czetwertyński also pointed out that in the face of an ongoing pandemic, it is crucial to prepare a just and well thought-out recovery plan. An effective European recovery plan needs to focus on four dimensions – securing ongoing key projects that may be delayed due to problems with imports or labour availability; strengthening critical sectors in the pursuit of climate neutrality; boosting innovation and protecting those, who are affected to the greatest extent.

Vice-Minister Guibourgé-Czetwertyński stressed that Poland is consistently striving to achieve EU climate neutrality objectives, but as stated in the conclusions following the European Council summit, which took place last December.

“Poland is determined to transform its energy sector; however, this must be done in an economically efficient, sustainable and, above all, just manner, taking into account local economic and social circumstances,” he noted.

As the Vice-Minister pointed out, the transition to a low-carbon economy is a challenge that will require huge investments.

“To achieve our very ambitious climate policy goals, we need to develop new instruments (including financial ones) to effectively support the transition to a climate-neutral economy. Without appropriate support mechanisms, achieving these objectives will become nigh impossible. At the same time, it is important to ensure that, especially now, during the ongoing crisis, we do not create complicated rules that burden the poorest and most vulnerable people with costs,” he said.