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Minister Anna Moskwa at an emergency meeting of EU energy ministers: We are not ready to discuss energy security on the basis of forced solutions

18.08.2022

It is difficult to find a country that has understood solidarity better than Poland in recent months. But solidarity must be accompanied by freedom. We strongly disagree with the European Commission imposing reduction targets on Member States. These would force us to reduce gas consumption. We are in favour of voluntary action in this regard, which cannot be imposed on Member States by EU regulations and Commission decisions. The energy mix and energy policy is the competence of the Member States," Minister Anna Moskwa stressed during the Extraordinary Council of the European Union on Energy. The talks were held on 26 July 2022 in Brussels.

Minister Anna Moskwa at an emergency meeting of EU energy ministers: We are not ready to discuss energy security on the basis of forced solutions.

The Minister of Climate and Environment pointed out that the regulation and reduction targets for reducing domestic gas demand ahead of the coming winter requested by the European Commission do not apply to our country.

The need to reduce gas supply to consumers in one Member State for the benefit of consumers in other countries, thereby protecting the economic interests of one Member State at the expense of another, is not the right solution. Countries cannot impose reduction targets on each other, and likewise Poland does not intend to impose any restrictions or obligations on anyone. We are against such actions, and we cannot see this as an action in the spirit of solidarity

- said the Minister of Climate and Environment.

The European Commission's gas proposal, which has been adopted today, does not include mandatory reductions in consumption for Poland. This was our negotiating objective, which we achieved. The Commission proposal is therefore neutral for Poland. There is also no compulsory mechanism for sharing gas. This is a huge negotiating success for the Polish delegation.

– she added.

During the debate, Minister Anna Moskwa noted that solidarity should be shown first to those in need, not to those who can make it on their own.

Our solidarity at this time is primarily owed to Ukraine in terms of military, energy and humanitarian aid. Ukraine today needs this kind of support, and the European Union must focus on providing it

- explained the Minister of Climate and Environment.

As the head of the Ministry of Climate and Environment mentioned, although coordination of national efforts and plans is of crucial importance, such an instrument should remain voluntary. In her view, the solidarity mechanism must not lead to a reduction in the energy security of any Member State. Poland therefore does not agree with the mechanism that allows for the declaration of an emergency at the Union level, based on the Commission's own decision or the emergency of at least three Member States. All decisions on reduction targets and emergency declarations should be at the discretion of the Council.

We do not agree with any compulsory targets by which the European Commission will oblige Member States to expose their own consumers to gas supply restrictions in order to supply industries in other Member States. We are not ready discuss energy security on the basis of forced solutions.

- explained Anna Moskwa, Minister of Climate and Environment.

Poles and Polish companies cannot be responsible for the recovery from a crisis for which they are not responsible. We have filled the warehouses, the infrastructure is ready, and supplies are secured. Poland is prepared for the winter

– she added.

According to the minister, today Poland needs to suspend the ETS until a thorough reform.

Suspension would strengthen district heating. Just as derogations in the Industrial Emissions Directive would help cogeneration, especially BAT standards. Such solidarity is what Poland needs

- Minister Anna Moskwa said.

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