• An informal meeting of the EU Environment Council took place in Dublin on 23–24 July 2026. Poland was represented by Deputy Minister Krzysztof Bolesta.
• During the debate on decarbonisation and competitiveness, it was emphasised that both these objectives must be pursued in parallel, and that the reform of the EU ETS should support the modernisation of the European economy and investment, rather than leading to the relocation of production outside the EU.
• Deputy Minister Krzysztof Bolesta highlighted the need to strengthen the instruments for financing the transition, including the Modernisation Fund and the ETS Investment Booster, and opposed to the introduction of a general conditionality covering the entire free allocation of allowances to industry. He also emphasised the importance of enhancing industrial competitiveness and resources, as well as the role of solidarity.
• On the sidelines of the Council, a coordination meeting was held between countries with a similar approach – the so-called ‘like-minded group’ – dedicated to the recently published proposal for the revision of the EU ETS. The countries highlighted, amongst other things, the importance of the system’s predictability, safeguarding industrial competitiveness, free allowances, reform of benchmarks and adequate access to transition finance instruments.

One of the main topics discussed by the Council was reconciling decarbonisation targets with strengthening the competitiveness of the European economy. Poland emphasised that climate policy should reflect industrial, energy and social objectives, as well as the differing starting points of Member States.

The ongoing review of the EU ETS played a particularly significant role in the discussion. Poland has pointed out that the system should, above all, support the modernisation of the economy and reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports, rather than lead to industrial production being relocated outside the European Union.

Decarbonisation and competitiveness must not be treated as conflicting objectives. The EU ETS should support the modernisation of European industry, rather than leading to its decline or the relocation of production outside the EU. That is why we need robust instruments to finance the transition, predictable conditions for businesses, and solidarity that considers the different starting points and the scale of the challenges facing individual Member States

- said Deputy Minister Krzysztof Bolesta.

Poland has called for the strengthening of instruments to finance the transition. With respect to the ETS Investment Booster, it has advocated increasing the preferential allocation for lower-income countries and ensuring they have sustainable and meaningful access to funding. Poland also emphasised the importance of the Modernisation Fund and the need to increase its funding after 2030.

On the sidelines of the Council meeting, a coordination meeting was held between countries with a similar approach to the reform of the EU ETS. The group of like-minded countries emphasised the importance of continued cooperation towards a pragmatic and predictable system that will enable the achievement of climate targets without weakening Europe’s industrial base. Among the most frequently raised issues were free allowances, the reform of benchmarks, the CBAM, the future of the Modernisation Fund, and industry’s access to financing for the transition.

During a working lunch, the ministers also discussed preparations for COP31 and the EU’s role in global environmental diplomacy. Poland emphasised the need for more strategic coalition-building, more effective implementation of commitments already made, and presenting the energy transition as an element of economic security and resilience.