7 February marks the anniversary of the death of Jan Olszewski, a prominent Polish politician, participant in the Warsaw Uprising and anti-communist opposition activist. To honour him, a conference room at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister has been named after him.

In view of the difficult situation caused by the threat from Russia, Poland is providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine and plans to supply defensive weapons soon. These include artillery shells, mortars and grenade launchers. The Polish government is also seeking international assistance for Ukraine. As the Chair of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Poland is striving to organise diplomatic actions that will increase the chances of maintaining peace across our eastern border.

The head of the Polish government paid a visit to Prague, where he met with his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala. As a result of the negotiations conducted by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, the agreement ending the dispute over the operation of the Turów coal mine was signed in the capital city of the Czech Republic. Moreover, the Czech Republic agreed to withdraw its action brought before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). The agreement will allow the Turów coal mine and power plant to continue their operations. As a result, the government managed to permanently protect the key element of Poland’s energy security.

The tax cut under the Government Anti-Inflation Shield 2.0 has come into effect. Starting from 1 February, Poles can expect to pay less for fuel, basic foodstuffs, natural gas, system heat, as well as fertilisers. Further, the reduced VAT rate on electricity will also apply for several more months. Poland’s Government Anti-Inflation Shield is one of the most extensive anti-inflation programmes in Europe. Together with the first Anti-inflation Shield, these government measures will bring Poles savings totalling nearly PLN 25 billion.

On 1 February, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki visited Kyiv. The head of the Polish government met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and President Volodymyr Zelensky. The visit took place at the invitation of the head of the Ukrainian government, with the difficult situation caused by the Russian threat being the primary topic of the talks held. Poland has already shown solidarity with Ukraine by delivering humanitarian aid and stands ready to provide its neighbour with missiles, munitions and defensive weaponry as well. Other issues discussed at the meeting included expanding economic cooperation, including in such areas as gas supply.

Current issues on the European Union agenda, bilateral and regional cooperation, and challenges in the area of Eastern policy and regional security were the main topics discussed by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Prime Minister of Latvia Arturs Krišjānis Kariņš. During the meeting, the heads of the governments discussed the EU energy and climate policy, reforms of fiscal rules, and the issue of strengthening the resilience of the Community. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki emphasised that the Republic of Latvia is one of the closest partners in the EU and NATO. We have similar opinions in many key areas.

On Wednesday the head of the Polish government met with the EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi. The meeting in Warsaw provided an opportunity to discuss current issues concerning the Eastern neighbourhood of the European Union. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki communicated Poland’s position on the situation in Belarus and Ukraine. The discussion also focused on the integration of Western Balkan countries with the European Union, as well as prospects and challenges related to the EU neighbourhood and enlargement policy within the next six months.

Once again, the Council of Policy Advisors met in the Chancellery of the Prime Minister to discuss issues concerning the development of our country. During the meeting, the members of the Council discussed the current situation related to the tax reform within the framework of the Polish Deal.

The Polish Deal entails a number of beneficial changes for millions of Poles. It is a historic tax reduction, and as much as PLN 17 billion will remain in the pockets of citizens. The new solutions will also bring tangible benefits to old-age and disability pensioners. Those who receive up to PLN 2.5 thousand will not pay tax. Pensioners receiving higher benefits will pay tax only on the amount exceeding PLN 2.5 thousand.

The Polish Deal programme entails a number of beneficial changes for millions of Poles. It is a historic tax reduction and as much as PLN 17 billion that will remain in the pockets of citizens. We are streamlining the process of implementation of tax changes under the Polish Deal. As of today, the regulation of the Minister of Finance on the rules for calculating advance payments for income tax is in force. This means, among other things, that people who received a smaller salary in January will get their money back. In addition, next week we will announce new solutions within the Anti-Inflation Shield 2.0 - from 1 February 2022, we will reduce VAT on fuel from 23 per cent to 8 per cent. At the petrol station, you will pay approx. PLN 0.70 less per liter of petrol or approx. PLN 0.40 less per liter of gas.