Minister Krzysztof Paszyk chaired today’s informal videoconference of trade ministers. The meeting was convened in response to the United States’ announcement of the imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminium, which will affect the entire European Union. Deputy Minister Michał Baranowski also participated in the event.

Strengthening the competitiveness of the Polish economy, increasing its level of internationalisation, and supporting Polish exporters – these are among the objectives set out in the document ‘Poland’s Economic Promotion Policy’ adopted by the Council of Ministers. The policy was prepared by the MEDT with the involvement of social partners.

Peggy Whitson, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu – what they share? Space! This is space that has made them meet in the joint Ax-4 mission, which will travel to the International Space Station in spring this year. On 5 February, in the Copernicus Science Center, these space travellers talked about the challenges and opportunities of this mission, what they love in their work and why opening ourselves to the crucial issue of space is of so vital importance to all of us.

Providing broader framework for the trade policy in the new international situation – consideration of the economic security perspective followed by more assertive use of the market protection mechanisms - should become a crucial element of this policy. We have been reiterating for many years that the EU should strengthen the existing tools and develop new ones to tackle unfair competition of the states – noted the Minister of Economic Development and Technology during his talk with the EU Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič.

“Security, Europe!” is the motto of the Polish Presidency and a reminder of a fundamental challenge faced by each political community – ensuring protection and care to its members – the more important, the greater political, economic and social uncertainties. Security is a necessary condition for stability and development – accented Minister Krzysztof Paszyk during his speech before the Committee on International Trade of the European Parliament.

Friendly regulatory environment is the key determinant of economic development. Despite the above, during its last term of office, the Commission adopted 19 thousand of pages of the new or revised acts of law, including regulations imposing additional burdens and creating uncertainties among the entrepreneurs. In view of this fact, the Polish Presidency will seek to improve the regulatory environment supporting the competitiveness of the European companies – emphasized Minister Krzysztof Paszyk during his speech before the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection of the European Parliament.

The Gold Heart – symbol of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity – will take a journey to space. It is to be carried there by Sławosz Uznański - a Polish astronaut who will travel to the International Space Station next year. On 30 December, in presence of the Minister of Economic Development and Technology Krzysztof Paszyk, Jurek Owsiak officially gave the heart over to make it find its way to space.

Today, the Government looked into the draft act on conditions of permissibility of employing foreigners in the territory of the Republic of Poland. On request of the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, the provisions on the obligatory employment contracts for the foreigners, which were extremely unfavourable and criticised by the entrepreneurs, were deleted. Also the extended control competences of the State Labour Inspection and of the Border Guard targeting the entrepreneurs employing the foreigners in Poland are to be deleted from the draft – informed Minister Krzysztof Paszyk at the press conference.