Minister Kurtyka pointed out at the need to intensify the actions addressing the current crisis, going beyond the proposals included in the instruments of the European commission. The Minister added, the current situation is unprecedented, while the main driving force of the pending energy crisis in the EU are illegal practices of the dominating gas provider failing to respond to the market signals and abusing its position.

“The EU must double its efforts to enforce the European legislation with regard to  Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. It must strongly counteract these practices to protect its citizens and enterprises”

– he noted.

Michał Kurtyka, Minister of Climate and Environment, stressed that the EC should adopt the supplementing delegated act covering both natural gas and nuclear energy.

“Poland will need both technologies to depart from coal in the energy and heating sectors”

– explained the Minister.

In the opinion of Minister Kurtyka, the social aspect of transition should form one of the pillars of the Fit for 55 package.

“Rapidly growing energy prices which we have witnessed recently raise concerns related to the potential lack of social acceptance for the ambitions of energy transition. In order to implement the energy transition in a socially acceptable manner we must make it reasonable and safe. Our focus should be on making the energy accessible to all Europeans and preventing it to inhibit growth of the EU economies”

– he said.

According to the head of the ministry of climate and environment, there is a need to once again thoroughly analyse all elements of the Fit for 55 package, which was published in mid-July, including in particular these which may have a negative impact on the energy price and consider their revision or postponement.

“The particular focus should be on the new emissions trading system for the transport and construction sectors, since it will pose a burden to less wealthy social groups, which may lead to increased energy poverty”

– he noted.