Minister Kowalczyk and Pascal Canfin agreed that the current activities of the European Parliament in the 9th term, the activities of the new European Commission and the EU Member States should focus primarily on implementing solutions that will ensure a just transition, which is necessary for achieving climate objectives.

The minister also pointed out that achieving climate neutrality is an unprecedented challenge and should take into account the different starting points of the individual Member States, since an overambitious approach could have a counter-productive effect, namely an increase in global emissions.   

“Improved air quality in Poland is a top priority for the Polish Government, particularly limiting the extent of the so-called low emissions from household heating systems and means of transport,” said Minister Kowalczyk.

“The implementation of the Clean Air programme, the aim of which is to eliminate smog in Poland within the next 10 years, is ongoing,” he added.

He pointed out that issues such as air quality, as well as electromobility and afforestation in order to limit emissions are particularly important for the Ministry of Environment in the context of the future EU financial framework.

Pascal Canfin stressed that Poland is an important partner among the EU Member States in talks on low-carbon policies in Europe, which is why his first visit as head of the ENVI Committee was held in Warsaw.

Minister Kowalczyk and Minister Pascal Canfin also talked about issues pertaining to biodiversity protection, agriculture, forestry and cohesion policy, which are of particular importance in the context of achieving climate neutrality.