During the videoconference held on 25 September 2020, Minister Kurtyka shared information about the key assumptions and objectives of the updated draft Polish Energy Policy until 2040.

The strategy roadmap worked out by the Ministry of Climate shows an ambitious, consistent and responsible way of carrying out the energy sector transition. Energy security and risk preparedness must be our top priority. The need to ensure uninterrupted energy supply is the basis for determining the future shape of the Polish energy mix. Moreover, it is a key condition to ensure smooth functioning and growth of the country's economy, in particular its industrial sectors said the Minister of Climate Michał Kurtyka.

In addition, he mentioned that Poland was determined to continue its transition towards low emissions and overhaul its economy in a sustainable way. However, the difficult starting point and structure of its energy mix makes this transition much more demanding than in other European Union member states. Furthermore, he stated that the ambitious climate action of the EU should not lead to the transfer of greenhouse gas emissions to other countries.

In the spirit of the Paris Agreement we should strongly encourage our global partners to ensure more climate-friendly manufacturing. Poland supports the principle of environmental integrity, but we are concerned about the situation where subsequent domestic reductions of greenhouse gas emissions coincide with increased imports of high carbon products, he pointed out.

The Minister also highlighted that Poland supports the introduction of a border carbon tax.

Above all, the carbon tax should be designed in such a way as to promote ambitious climate action without causing repercussions and unforeseen side effects. It is important to comply with international trade rules in order not to violate any agreement or trigger retaliation, he added.

Poland sees an opportunity in the benefits of shortening and moving value chains to the EU to facilitate strategic autonomy, as well as just, green and digital transformation in a more resilient way.