As part of the two-day visit to Brussels, the Minister of Economic Development and Technology spoke before the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), Committee on International Trade (INTA) and the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), which provided the opportunity to present the economic priorities for the Polish Presidency in the EU.

Committee on International Trade

I represent the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology – the department coordinating all economic policies, including deregulation, innovation, industrial policy as well as services and trade. Thus, my involvement in the economic dimension of the Presidency is horizontal and my objective is to strengthen the European economy from the inside and prepare it to better compete in the global trading system

- said Krzysztof Paszyk in his speech to the members of the Committee on International Trade.

While speaking, the head of MEDT pointed out at the European Union as a global leader in export of services, ranked second as the exporter of goods and the main trading partner for 74 states around the world – overtaking other members of the international community. Krzysztof Paszyk noted also that in the face of changes taking place in the international system, there is a need to improve coordination of economic policies, moving away from the existing schemes and silo-based approach.

Europe should respond to the evolving international situation with restoration of open, fair and sustainable global trading system. Our activities as the Presidency will focus on strengthening of the EU’s economic security and competitiveness by means of ambitious external agenda based on sustainable global trading system, increasing resilience of transatlantic relations and development of economic aspect of the neighbourhood policy

- stressed the Minister of Economic Development and Technology.

Krzysztof Paszyk reminded also that we cannot forget about providing aid to the EU partners from the least developed countries and working towards development of positive relations between the European Community and the United States, partnership with which is of fundamental importance for global governance and wealth of both parties.

The Minister of Economic Development and Technology emphasized also that Poland, throughout its Presidency in the EU, will support the choice made by the societies and democratic governments of Ukraine and Moldova in favour of Europe and that one of the Presidency’s objectives will be to update the association agreements between the European Union and Ukraine and Moldova.

The core objective to be achieved in the course of the Presidency is to prepare the European Union not only for the upcoming 6 months or 5 years, but for the future decades full of uncertainties and turbulences. We are committed to break the thought patterns and encourage the Member States and the European institutions to make a bold reflection on our place in the world, our policies, interests and values

- added the Head of MEDT.

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

Industry generates 20% of the European Union’s GDP, creates 25% of jobs and accounts for 80% of the export value. The industrial policy should contribute to strengthening competitiveness of the European enterprises, increasing the production base in Europe, ensuring equal conditions of competition both on the single market and at a global level as well as address the risks associated with economic security, such as interrupted supply chains

- pointed out Minister Paszyk before the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, stressing that the new Clean Industry Pact announced by the Committee will form a significant point of reference in the discussions on the future of industrial policy during the Polish Presidency. The Head of MEDT communicated the expectation that the positions of the Member States will be acknowledged in the works on the Pact and reflected in specific action plans for the individual sectors of industry.  

The Polish Presidency will consider the initiatives aimed at reduction of burdens and simplification of laws in favour of small- and medium-sized enterprises as the priority. Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises account for more than 99% of all enterprises in the European Union and create 65% of jobs – which makes them a cornerstone of our economy.  It needs to be said that in recent years this sector – due to very limited capacities to absorb shocks – was severely affected by the pandemic, energy crisis and inflation-related challenges

- added the Minister of Economic Development and Technology.

In the space sector, growing importance of satellite-based Earth observation data implies the need for development of the potential and integral use of such data. The Presidency will take measures to adopt the Council conclusion on maximising the benefits from the use of satellite-based Earth observation data to increase resilience with particular focus on the use of artificial intelligence algorithms in the area of security and crisis management

- accented Minister Paszyk pointing out that this issue is of particular importance for supporting the Member States in counteracting the effects of catastrophes and climate change and for strengthening cross-border security.