Adam Guibourge-Czetwertyński, Vice-Minister of Climate, emphasized that in the opinion of Poland the projects presented by the European Commission are non-compliant with the conclusions of the European Council of December 2020.

The key issue is the EC obligations to solve the problem of imbalance between the number of emission allowances granted to the beneficiary states of the Modernisation Fund and installations at their territories and actual emissions from these states. The problem includes insufficient revenues that cannot balance the costs of transformation incurred by the individual member states and installations covered with EU ETS in these states

– said the Vice-Minister.

As pointed out by Vice-Minister Guibourge-Czetwertyński, the EC proposals gives particular consideration to the ambitions and the need to reduce emissions in all sectors and focus less on the support mechanisms which would implement these ambitions.

Poland is sceptical about implementing the ETS in road transport and buildings. Apart from fundamental objections related to effectiveness of implementation of this solution, we are highly concerned about its social costs

– he said.

Forestry Strategy

As pointed out by the Vice-Minister of Climate and Environment, the Forestry Strategy addresses the issues of old and primary forests protection as well as the need to ensure healthy and resistant multi-functional forests.

We must answer the questions, whether we want more products made of wood or of plastic. Whether we want products made of European wood or whether we prefer to import them? Do we want to help our forests to adapt to changing climate conditions, or will we allow disappearance of many tree species playing a fundamental role in forest communities, simplification and unification of tree stand structure and extinction of many valuable components of biodiversity?

– stresses the Vice-Minister.

The concept of emphasizing the importance of forests for the protection and fostering biodiversity is obvious and deserves support however detailed solutions proposed in the Forestry Strategy provide no foundations for ensuring multi-functionality of the forests and promote no sustainable forest management in Europe

– he adds.

Preparations to COP26

The Council adopted the conclusions establishing the common position of the European Union for the upcoming climate conference COP26 in Glasgow. During the debates, the Vice-Minister Adam Guibourge-Czetwertyński pointed out that the EU should take the position which will contribute to finding a global consensus, among others on common time framework necessary to elaborate the future perspective for climate objectives beyond 2030.

If we really care of agreeing on the decision concerning the common time framework in Glasgow, we should examine the positions of all Parties and propose a compromise solution, which will build the bridges instead of widening the gaps

– he said.

The Vice-Minister noted also that the EU climate policy objectives laid down in the European climate law, are not only legally binding and most ambitious in the world, but also associated with regular review of global ambitions under the Paris Agreement, that should be followed by all Parties.

In addition, the Council adopted the EU adaptation communication presenting the action strategy for adaptation to climate change of the EU and its Member States by 2050. The adaptation communication, apart from 2030 emission reduction targets, acts as the EU contribution in implementation of the Paris Agreement and global efforts for climate protection.

Energy prices in Europe

During the ENVI, the Vice-Minister noted also that the energy prices has been surging throughout the EU and exert unprecedented pressure both on the energy companies and the citizens.

Record high energy prices in Europe result from numerous factors: growing prices of ETS allowances, unfavourable weather conditions, illegal practices of a dominating gas supplier to the EU and increased demand on resources related to post-pandemic economic recovery

– lists Vice-Minister Adam Guibourge-Czetwertyński.

As emphasized by the Vice-Minister of Climate and Environment, we cannot allow for any misuse of dominant position by any producer and for use of gas supplies as a tool of political pressure.

Despite the calls for increasing the supplies, including among others from MAE, the existing gas pipelines crossing Ukraine and Poland remain mostly unused. The same applies to the European gas storage sites owned by Gazprom, which in mid-September were filled only in 1/4 of the average volume for the EU. These are the clear signs of market manipulation and a forerunner of what the EU may expect in future. The European Commission should duly examine and impose penalties for unfair market practices

– he said.

The existing crisis shows us the challenges to be faced in effect of electrification and weather-dependent renewable energy sources. That is why we need to ensure stable regulatory framework facilitating the investments in all technologies necessary for smooth transition towards low-carbon energy system: renewable energy sources of irregular capacity, electrical energy sources for baseload purposes and flexible sources, i.e. nuclear energy and gas, as well as promising solutions in the area of energy storage

– he added.