1 8 - 12 September 2014 | SPECIAL REPORT | : AMBITIOUS ACHIEVERS | EurActiv

SPECIAL REPORT | 8 - 12 September 2014 With the support of POLAND: AMBITIOUS ACHIEVERS http://www.euractiv.com/sections/poland-ambitious-achievers

Contents Poland ‘can offer economic recipe’ to the EU...... p.1 Poland’s stake in the Ukraine crisis: hawkish or insightful?...... p.9 Analysts: Weimar Triangle key for Poland’s new role in EU...... p.3 Sikorski: If Poland is hawkish on Ukraine, is Russia a dove?...... p.11 Poland hopes Tusk will create an EU Energy Union...... p.6 Shale gas in Poland - from exploration to exploitation...... p.12 Buzek: Energy independence is the best sanction against Russia...... p.7

Poland ‘can offer economic recipe’ to the EU

Poland has proven it is possible to sustain economic growth without relaxing fiscal discipline, MEP Jacek Saryusz-Wolski told EurActiv.

2014 is a special year for Poland, as the country marks 10 years of EU accession, Polish, EU and NATO flags. Poland, May 2007. [Pawel Kabanski/Flickr] 15 years of NATO membership and 25 years since the fall of communism (see background). 16th century, Poland had already been “a The Polish economy has also grown In honor of the occasion, EurActiv great country in Europe”. faster than that of the EU, by 49% since asked Polish commentators to describe the “It was Polish commonwealth in which 2003, while the average figure for the rest country’s economic and social renaissance . today’s Lithuania, Ukraine and Belarus of the Union is only 11%. The slow growth Asked if Poland, a country with many were a kind of pioneer of federal Europe. It in the rest of the EU was due, among other low points in its history was at its peak was a multinational community based on things, to the economic crisis – which today, Saryusz-Wolski, who is also Vice the will of being together, on tolerance and Poland has successfully managed to avoid. President of the centre-right European democracy,” he said. But even when compared with the Peoples’ Party (EPP), said that his country other nine countries that joined the Union had rather returned where its place should Good practices in 2004 (the Czech Republic, Slovakia, normally be. Hungary, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, “Poland’s position in Europe and in the EU membership has benefited Poland, Lithuania, Malta and Cyprus), Poland wider transatlantic world is consolidating, and even before the country’s accession, was still outperforming the EU – their but I wouldn’t call that a novelty or an there was a steady flow of economic economies grew on average by 27%, twice extraordinary situation, because we are just support from Brussels – not only in terms as good as the EU as a whole, but twice as coming back to the situation which would of money transfers, but also investment little as Poland. be the reality without the tragic decisions and, last but not least, good practices and According to Saryusz-Wolski, there from Yalta,” said Saryusz-Wolski, refering regulatory requirements. are two explanations to Poland’s economic to the conference in Crimea of February According to official data, Polish miracle, which account for the fact that the 1945 where Stalin obtained a free hand in GDP in 2013 was almost twice as big as country didn’t experience recession during Poland from Roosevelt and Churchill. it was in 2003, at €390 and €201 billion, The Polish MEP stated that in the respectively. Continued on Page 2 2 8 - 12 September 2014 | SPECIAL REPORT | POLAND: AMBITIOUS ACHIEVERS | EurActiv

Continued from Page 1 1989 was 75.5 years for women and 66.7 Regional improvements the Eurozone crisis. years for men, while in 2013 it is 81.1 years First, he said that this was thanks to for women, and 73.1% for men. Reality speaks stronger than statistics. the “very healthy fundamentals of the Asked if the reasons of this rise in life By walking around any city, town, or even a economy”. expectancy was due to the fact that small village in Poland, one will encounter “We owe it to the very radical and today drink less vodka, preferring wine or something funded, at least partially, with extremely painful ‘shock therapy’ of Leszek beer, Saryusz-Wolski joked that “possibly EU funds: be it a new water treatment Balcerowicz’s economic transformation they will drink more cider” now, referring plant, a new road or a renovated historical program in the 1990s. This is something we to the apple surplus following the self- monument. paid a high price for, but it pays off now,” imposed Russian ban of imported foods These improvements are part of the he said. At that time, Balcerowicz was from the West. excellent record Poland has in efficient Deputy Prime Minister in the government Since EU accession, between 2003 use of the EU resources. And it will have of Tadeusz Mazoviecki. and 2013, an opportunity to prove it once more. The second reason, Saryusz-Wolski almost halved, from 20% to 13.4%. Not Poland has managed to secure €82 billion argued, was the principle of fiscal health, all of that decrease was an effect of the EU in the EU budget for the years 2014- of fiscal balance, which in his words was membership. But the Polish Ministry of 2020, a quarter of all the funds the EU has observed, to various degrees, by successive Regional Development in 2010 attributed earmarked for the convergence policy. Polish governments over the last two a 1.5-3.5% rise in employment to funds Orłowski pointed out the many decades. from the EU. Overall, 800,000 more changes brought by the EU. “Legal “Those two factors made it possible to people are being employed after 10 years harmonisation with the EU has allowed reconcile the two major postulates of the in the Union. Poland to become more attractive for the Eurozone recipe against the crisis: how to Infrastructure investments are also investors” is one of the examples quoted by have both growth and fiscal consolidation. helping improving the quality of life him. Indeed, while in 2003 foreign direct Without being tempted toward fiscal in Poland. New water treatment plants investment (FDI) barely reached €50 relaxation, and without overplaying fiscal (almost 700 were built, expanded or billion, it has grown steadily ever since, rigour that kills growth. That’s probably modernised) allow the water in Polish reaching €152 billion in 2013. what we can try to offer to the EU, as an rivers be cleaner. Poles can now drink tap But, as Orłowski emphasised, “there example. How to combine growth and jobs, water in places where it was inadvisable 10 were many cases of synergy between aspects versus fiscal rigour, is one of the possible years earlier. of the EU membership. For example, contributions of Poland to the economic Despite such investment, there improvements in infrastructure have made philosophy of the Union,” he said. are claims that Polish economy lacks Poland more attractive to the investors”. innovative capacity. Asked what is the And that, in turn, has resulted in even Communist refrigerator biggest economic challenge that Poland higher investment. will have to face in the near future, The wealth gap between Polish citizens Professor Witold Orłowski, the director The negatives and the EU average is closing. While in of Warsaw Technical University’s School 2003, GDP in Poland was less than a half of Business, acknowledged that if Poland Yet despite all these positive changes, the EU average (48.8%, to be exact), 10 wants to catch up with the West, it should Poland still has a lot of catching-up to years later it was more than two-thirds also invest in knowledge-based growth. do. Certain regions in Poland are among (68%). “Low innovation is actually the poorest in the EU, with only parts of Saryusz-Wolski admits that the understandable in a country that still has a Bulgaria and Romania scoring lower. benefits of EU integration are visible for lot of room to grow thanks to the ‘standard’ Furthermore, not all changes brought Polish citizens, but, inequalities have risen, methods: investments, technology by EU membership are necessarily positive and the rise of poverty is also a fact. imports, better organisation of labour, for the Polish economy. The last year has “Poland had the same level of wealth more efficiency on the world markets. But witnessed a significant campaign in the at the end of WW II as Spain. Now the in the long term, if Poland wants to catch Polish media criticizing the new Tobacco distance is at least double, so we have up with the West and not just shorten the Directive. Its introduction threatens the a lot of catching up to do. This is the distance, it has to focus on three aspects: strong tobacco industry in Poland – a sector price for having been in the communist cooperation, entrepreneurial skills in the that employs 50,000 people, and contributes refrigerator,” he said. population, and the knowledge-based billions of euros to the state budget. One of the measurements of improved growth. The ‘standard’ reserves will not be living condition is life expectancy, which in enough,” Orłowski argued. Continued on Page 3 EurActiv | POLAND: AMBITIOUS ACHIEVERS | SPECIAL REPORT | 8 - 12 september 2014 3

Continued from Page 2 reflected in very practical work. “If you think Even more controversial are Analysts: about the Polish EU Presidency [second half regulations regarding energy and of 2011], there were many joint projects with environment. Coal is – and will be for the Weimar Germany, which were also then realised,” foreseeable future – the primary source mentioning among them the debt ceiling of . While successive Triangle key of 60% of GDP, which became part of the Polish governments do not actively want Stability and Growth Pact. the climate to change, they nevertheless for Poland’s Paweł Tokarski, expert on European have to oppose more ambitious climate Integration and polish foreign affairs from regulations, as a rapid departure from new role in the German Institute for International and coal would destabilize the country: almost Security Affairs (SWP), also emphasises 90% of power generated in Poland comes EU the excellent relations between the two from coal sources. countries. “The current state of the German- Moreover, coal power plants and Warsaw needs to articulate more Polish relationship is quite perfect, especially mining provide numerous employment clearly its expectations and policy after the election of Donald Tusk as prime opportunities. In some regions, they are the interests in the context of the minister,” Tokarski told EurActiv Germany. only major employer in town. That is why Weimar Triangle, a format grouping According to Tokarski, Merkel and Tusk have any departure from the coal-based energy three large members of the EU, been working together very closely. “After the generation requires a slow evolution, rather France, Poland and Germany, in election of Tusk to the post of Permanent than a revolution. order to maximise its political President of the European Council, Poland Having said that, Poland is not leverage in the Union and beyond, is aware that close relations with Germany unaware of the benefits of alternative analysts told the EurActiv network. are a precondition of his leverage on Brussels energy sources. The share politics,” Tokarski explains. in the Polish has been growing Tomorrow (10 September) Chancellor steadily over the years. Currently, 12% of Angela Merkel will take part in the A closer relationship the energy sold on the Polish market is Bundestag’s memorial service on the occasion from renewable sources. of the beginning of World War II on 1 Tusk and Merkel have a close working September 1939. Polish President Bronisław relationship, which many describe as a Past and future Komorowski will take part as guest speaker. genuine friendship. Both of their mothers Komorowski’s attendance in Berlin comes were born in Gdańsk, and a biography of the Despite the issues created by EU in a long line of mutual high-level visits German chancellor gives details of her Polish regulations, the balance of the past 10 between the German and Polish government ancestry and distant relatives. years (or 25, if one includes the pre- putting a spotlight on the excellent relations Are there no points of criticism accession period), is overall very positive. both countries maintain. concerning the cooperation between the Without the EU, and the perspective of two countries? “There are certainly different membership, Poland would not be able to Views from Berlin views on one topic or another that are complete its economic transformation. being discussed. But this is quite normal”, As Orłowski noticed, the promise of “One can truly say: German-Polish says Pieper. This would apply for example membership “was a key motivating factor relations are as good as they have never been,” for infrastructure projects or energy policy. during the post-communist transition Cornelia Pieper told EurActiv Germany. “Take [the fact that] Germany that set period. This goal had provided the direction Since mid-August 2014, Pieper has been forth the ‘Energiewende’ [the German for transformation. It was a great help working as Consul General of Germany in energy transition, the term describing a to during the times of economic difficulties Gdańsk on behalf of the Federal Foreign shift to clean energy, reducing the country’s in the 1990s, when the temptation of Office. In the last four years, Pieper was dependence on gas, coal and nuclear energy]. alternative, superficially ‘easier’ solutions Coordinator of the Federal Government for Poland is still very much thinking about fossil was there”, he stresses. German-Polish relations. From 2001 to 2005 fuels. They are thinking of building a new Without the EU, Poland would not be she served as Secretary General and from nuclear power plant or about introducing where it is now – a strong regional player 2005 to 2011 as Deputy National Chairman fracking.” These are “clear differences” in with a potential to achieve even more. As of the FDP. energy policies, says Pieper. “It is necessary long as it keeps working as hard, the future “Over the years, I have watched to discuss this.” for this European state will be very bright, the German-Polish relations grow and Orłowski said. consolidate,” says Pieper. This was also Continued on Page 4 4 8 - 12 September 2014 | SPECIAL REPORT | POLAND: AMBITIOUS ACHIEVERS | EurActiv

Continued from Page 3 “Both countries have different approaches on energy policy, and some issues around the internal market, but most of the interests are shared,” Tokarski adds. “Germany can also count on Poland in counterbalancing the anti-austerity coalition built by Paris and Rome. Poland knows not Weimar Triangle meeting. Bygdoszcz, May 2011. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland] only the price of painful structural reforms but also the outcome. Currently it is one of the fastest growing EU economies.” to increase its policy output.” what we are talking about.” Germany too has carried out painful Tokarski presumes the Weimar Triangle On 1 September of this year, Gauck economic reforms initiated under former will stay a priority for Polish foreign policy - took part at a meeting at the Westerplatte Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, and Merkel’s even after Tusk steps down as Prime Minister, near Gdansk in Poland commemorating the government is reaping the benefits. no matter who will be in power. “However, outbreak of the Second World War when the departure of Tusk poses a risk of a period Hitler’s regime launched an attack on Poland The challenges of the Ukraine of political instability in Poland, since the 75 years ago. “If the relations between nations conflict ruling party is concentrating solely around its are marked so profoundly by injustice and leader Tusk and lacks a charismatic successor. pain, by arrogance and humiliation as they Tokarski sees the conflict in eastern When leaving for Brussels, Tusk leaves a were between Germans and Poles, it is by Ukraine as challenging for the relationship power vacuum that may challenge Poland’s no means inevitable that enmity will be between Poland and Germany. “Poland is visibility abroad. But it is rather unlikely to transformed into reconciliation. I therefore pushing for a more offensive role of Germany have an adverse influence on relationship regard the close ties which have developed in the conflict resolution, including tougher between Germany and Poland,” she said. between our two nations as a miracle,” sanctions on Russia and weapons delivery to Since 1991, Poland has been working Gauck said. Ukraine. Germany instead sees diplomatic together closely with Germany and France negotiations as the only possible way to end as part of the Weimar Triangle. Within this A French perspective the conflict. Polish public opinion is also framework, regular meetings are held at disappointed by a decision of not moving different levels. Deemed by some as “presumed According to Vincent Pertusot, head of the NATO bases to the East, which to a dead” at one time or another, the Weimar the Brussels office of the French Institute large extent was caused by German fear of Triangle experienced something of a revival for International Relations IFRI, before provoking Russia.” in February 2014, when foreign ministers joining the EU, Poland was seen by Paris as In this context, Pieper is very much Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Laurent Fabius and an “outrageously Atlanticist country. “ Also, counting on the Weimar Triangle, which Radosław Sikorski struggled to find a solution the strong relationship with Germany was an she says can play a key role in resolving the for the Ukrainian crisis in Kyiv. impediment to a bilateral relationship with crisis. “For me, however, the emphasis on Paris. the question of Ukraine and better relations ‘A miracle’ Under the presidency of Nicolas Sarkozy with Russia lies with Poland. Poland is the [2007-2012], the relations between Paris and bridge to the countries east of its borders. After taking office in March 2012, Warsaw passed through even more difficult Poland historically has been very affected by Germany’s Federal President Joachim times. “The French president showed a total these countries, especially Russia - also in a Gauck’s first trip abroad took him to Warsaw lack of consideration for Poland, which has negative sense.” - unlike most of his predecessors whose first been very hard for relations between the two “The outcome of the Weimar Triangle destination regularly was France. According countries,” said Vincent Pertusot. meetings could be greater,” Tokarski says. to Sikorski, Poland valued this gesture very However, the two countries have “While for Poland the Triangle is the highly. “A country that elects a freedom fighter strengthened their relationship for the past key instrument to influence European known for his resistance to communism as its two years, starting when François Hollande politics, there is an impression in Warsaw head of state is not a threat to us Poles. That was elected a president of the Republic in May that Germany and France are not always our bilateral relations are so excellent now 2012. The French President has already visited attaching greatest importance to the forum. certainly also has to do with the fact that the the Polish capital twice, and ministers of both On the other hand, Poland has to articulate chancellor and the president are both from countries have held many bilateral meetings. its expectations and policy interests in the the former East Germany - they shared our context of the Triangle more clearly in order experiences and can understand and sense Continued on Page 5 EurActiv | POLAND: AMBITIOUS ACHIEVERS | SPECIAL REPORT | 8 - 12 september 2014 5

Continued from Page 4 arrived, with its differing goals and interests”. says Mikołaj Dowgielewicz, former Secretary Last week, French minister of defence, There have been attempts to find a of State for European Affairs in the Ministry Jean-Yves Le Drian, was in to Poland for the new goal, yet often they only revealed the of Foreign Affairs of Poland, and currently Kielce Armament Show, in order to promote differing political objectives in Warsaw and Vice-Governor for Target Group Countries the French defence industry. Poland remains Berlin. A test case has been the relations with at Council of Europe Development Bank. one of the only markets in Europe where the countries in Europe’s east, especially with According to Dowgielewicz, Poland is there the French industry still finds major Russia and Ukraine. “In this field, especially not yet important enough to be noticed by opportunities. vis-à-vis Russia, the differences between France. Germany and the UK are the most The revision of the EU posted workers Poland and Germany are clear,” Płóciennik important among the EU countries and directive has consolidated the Franco-Polish says. And he does not believe that the eastern Poland simply does not warrant that much relations as political partners in Brussels. In policy of both countries could be harmonised interest in Paris. 2011, 19% of posted workers in France were soon, as their interests, including economic Dowgielewicz also points out important of Polish nationality, according to the labour interests are significantly different. policy differences between Paris and ministry in Paris. By supporting a revision Both countries also differ significantly Warsaw. “The map the both countries see is of the directive, Warsaw allowed Paris and on the energy policy. Poland depends on coal. completely different. For example, while for Berlin to build a sufficient majority to get the and so it is much less enthusiastic towards Poland, Russia is a significant point of focus deal done, despite opposition from the UK carbon limits and renewable energy sources. for its foreign policy, for France it is primarily and other Eastern European countries. Płóciennik explains that Poland considers a source of energy resources and sometimes At the diplomatic level, the relationship the German energy transition strategy as other economic contracts. But it is not main of France and Poland within the Weimar “unrealistic and threatening the economic concern of Paris, nor a primary area of focus,” Triangle is experiencing some turbulence. growth in the EU”. explains Dowgielewicz. “Behind the statements of intent, there There are still many shared interests, There are still some ties and shared goals are few promising initiatives and some though. Poland and Germany are very closely between the two countries. For example, differences of opinion,” Pertusot says. In tied economically. Poland has provided cheap the economic ties are growing. French FDI his view, Poland needs to change its image and skilled labour for the German companies in Poland has been valued in July 2014 as of “junior partner”, and the Weimar triangle while Germany is the most important almost €25 billion. Furthermore, 97% of should weight more vis-à-vis the traditional market for Polish exports – one fourth of representatives of these companies would Franco-German tandem. all the goods exported from Poland go to its recommend Poland as a place to invest in. On the diplomatic front, France and Western neighbour One of the initiatives that is supported Poland are increasingly traded positions to Poland, as opposed to Germany, has by both Warsaw and Paris is the Polish project achieve bigger goals. Lately, Hollande is not adopted the EU’s common currency of an Energy Union. While Hollande was said to have helped Tusk to win the Council and thus stays out of many debates of crucial careful in avoiding presenting the idea as a President job. But in exchange, Poland has importance to Germany. Płóciennik sees it defence mechanism against Russian pressures, reportedly committed to stop putting the as a great hindrance in the mutual relations, the Polish side was still happy in securing the brakes on climate talks and contribute to the as “staying outside the Eurozone means that support of France for the initiative. success of the 2015 United Nations Climate Poland does not have a greater say in the Poland is also planning a new nuclear Change Conference in Paris. debates about the macroeconomic stability, power plant which can offer an area of the banking union or helping to foster growth. cooperation between the two countries, given Polish views regarding Germany… This makes mutual relations less intense than the significant French dependence on this many would wish”, he emphasized. source of energy. Yet, for Dowgielewicz, the Before 2004, when Poland joined the easiest way of Poland increasing its influence EU, the enlargement was a unifying goal … and France in relationship vis-à-vis France would be for both Poland and Germany, which has joining the Eurozone, as in his words most allowed them to cooperate despite certain According to Warsaw, Polish-French of the issues important to France are related divisive issues, such as the compensations relations have grown colder over the last two to the euro. for the Germans exiled from Poland after decades. The terms of Jacques Chirac and “If Poland could impact these issues, WWII. Nicolas Sarkozy are regarded as the lowest it would make it much more interesting to Yet, as Dr Sebastian Płóciennik, Head point in Franco-Polish relations in modern France,” Dowgielewicz said. of the Programme European Union at Polish history. Poland could join the eurozone faster, Institute of International Affairs (PISM), Yet, the election of François Hollande, if the requirement for the zloty to be in noticed: “after completing the great, unifying though currently very unpopular in France, the ERM-2 exchange rate mechanism were goal of accession, a mundane reality has has brought a thaw in the mutual relations, waived. 6 8 - 12 September 2014 | SPECIAL REPORT | POLAND: AMBITIOUS ACHIEVERS | EurActiv

Poland hopes Tusk will create an EU Energy Union

In his capacity of Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk has spearheaded the idea of an EU energy Union, and leading Polish politicians expect him to continue to do so as Council President, when he will take up the job from Herman Donald Tusk [L] will have to work hand-in-hand with Jean-Claude Juncker. [European Commission] Van Rompuy on 1 December.

Last April, Tusk said the EU should in his capacity of European Parliament European Union”, Buzek said. pay up to 75% of the bill for the gas President, with whom he issued a common However, the election of Tusk is not infrastructure needed to be able to create statement which explained the concept of seen from all quarters as good news for the an efficient network, including pipelines energy community. EU’s climate change policy. and interconnectors between member In a passionate speech, Delors referred A senior European Commission states. He also advocated more effective to Shakespeare and blasted EU members for official has told EurActiv.fr that the election mechanisms of “gas solidarity” in the behaving like “Montagues and Capulets” of Tusk as Council President represents event of crisis in deliveries and common vis-à-vis Russia and for negotiating gas a “challenge for climate negotiations,” as purchasing of gas from outside suppliers. purchases individually. Poland has systematically tried to hold Speaking to EurActiv, Jerzy Buzek, More than four years later, Buzek back European climate policy. MEP from Poland and former President confirmed that the most difficult issue to Asked to comment, Buzek said that the of the European Parliament, said that Tusk be achieved remained the joint purchasing decisions of European Council summits will move forward the idea of a European of energy, not only gas, but also electricity, depend on the decisions of the leaders of Energy Union, aimed at achieving more from the Union’s external suppliers. the member states, not of the European independence from Russia, as in his words Buzek commended current Council Council President. it is difficult to imagine a more devoted President Herman Van Rompuy and On the same issue, Polish MEP Jacez advocate of progress in this crucial area Commission President José Manuel Saryusz-Wolski told EurActiv that Poland than him. Barroso for having helped put in place a is in favour of climate policy, provided it In fact, Buzek can claim to be the series of measures and ensure financing leads to the expected results. father of the idea of a European Energy for interconnectors and research. He “European climate policy should Union, together with former Commission emphasised that in his new capacity of be as ambitious as possible, provided President Jacques Delors. Back in Council President, Tusk would “move it is followed by others worldwide. December 2009, Buzek told the leaders things forward”. Overambitious policies where the world’s gathered for a summit that a ‘European “I can hardly imagine a more devoted biggest economies and polluters do not Energy Community’ could become advocate of progress in this crucial area follow doesn’t make sense”, he said. the next big EU project, similar to the than him, to lobby for the idea under its He added that the Polish support to European Coal and Steel Community, new brand of European Energy Union”, the mainstream EU climate policies was which played a major role in the Union’s Buzek said. He insisted that the Union’s conditional to global commitments, and history sixty years ago. relations with Moscow had changed that climate ambitions should not be at the Since, the name of the project has dramatically over the Ukraine crisis. expense of growth and jobs, meaning that changed to ‘Energy Union’, but the essence “I’m quite sure that the future energy in the EU should be cheaper. has remained the same. On 5 May 2010 European Council President will take note Regarding the proposed Energy Union, Delors, who is often referred to as one of about all the changes and all the necessary the ‘fathers of Europe’, was hosted by Buzek actions from the point of view of the Continued on Page 7 EurActiv | POLAND: AMBITIOUS ACHIEVERS | SPECIAL REPORT | 8 - 12 september 2014 7

Continued from Page 6 If my records are right, you first Saryusz-Wolski said that the bottom line Buzek: Energy told EU leaders that a ‘European Energy was that the Polish position that the EU’s Community’ could become the next big EU energy market “should be one and not independence project, similar to the European Coal and divided” and that the individual countries Steel Community in December 2009. I’m should not be subject to “energy pressure” is the best not sure you were taken very seriously at was more and more shared by all member that time, but now setting up an Energy countries. sanction Union appears to be very high on the EU Across the EU, some question Polish agenda for the next few years. How would ambitions regarding the Energy Union. against you comment? Warsaw is suspected by some countries of pushing forward its own political agenda, Russia You are absolutely right. In 2009, I was disguised as EU policy, a source who asked fighting for the Lisbon project, our new not to be named told EurActiv. New Council President Donald form of constitution [at that time the Irish Poland is also suspected to seek EU Tusk is a proponent of a European referendum and the position of the then funding up to 100% for energy projects Energy Union, aimed at achieving Czech President Vaclav Klaus were seen as such as LNG terminals, something for more independence from Russia. a possible obstacle for the adoption of the which the Union has no budget. It is difficult to imagine a more Lisbon Treaty]. Because there is a text about Asked to comment on the project for devoted advocate of progress in solidarity in the energy field, and that was an Energy Union, Samy Andoura, Senior this area than Tusk, Jerzy Buzek, the basis of my initiative for a European Research Fellow at Jacques Delors’ institute MEP and former President of the Energy Community. ‘Notre Europe’ said that the main issue was European Parliament, told EurActiv So I went to Ireland before the that it should be built as a community in an exclusive interview. referendum, as President of the European project, and not as an intergovernmental Parliament, advocating for the ‘yes’ vote. I one. This means that the decision-making also did it with Vaclav Klaus. He’s actually a for the proposed project should be friend of mine. We have met so many times. entrusted to the Union’s institution, and And I raised the idea – it’s actually very not stay with the governments, he stressed. simple – of a single energy market, with all Andoura, who is Professor and the cross-border connections for electricity Chairholder of the European Energy and gas and open trade in the European Policy Chair at the College of Europe in Union. Second, I was also an author of the Bruges, said that what matters is to achieve so-called Strategic Energy Technology plan, a common energy policy, with sufficiently the SET plan for the EU, and thirdly, of clear and ambitious objectives, with the joint purchasing of gas, and possibly of effective instruments and a governance electricity, from outside the EU. that allows to integrate all actors and to If you look at the plans for an EU energy make them advance in a coordinated way Union, its elements are the same. I can say and in the same direction. Jerzy Buzek [Georgi Gotev] that the European Energy Community was This, he adds, implies the recourse to supported three times by the European the community method, dear to Jacques Parliament by resolutions that were adopted. Delors. An engineer by training, Jerzy Buzek is It was also supported by [Commission “The Energy Union was proposed by one of Poland’s best-known politicians. He was President José Manuel] Barroso and [Energy Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk as a a Solidarność movement activist before 1989 Commissioner Günther] Oettinger as a political idea about the future of the EU, and Prime Minister of Poland from 1997 good political idea. I was also rapporteur but which also concern issues of typical to 2001. Buzek has been a member of the for the Single Market for energy, and in Polish nature. Today the real challenge for European Parliament since 2004 and was the September 2013, I presented my report Mr. Tusk is to take the necessary height and President of the European Parliament between [Making the European Energy Market distance to transform its position into a real 2009 and 2012. Work] to the European Parliament. European project in all its diversity”, he said. Now we can say that the Energy Union Notre Europe will publish a report He was speaking to EurActiv’s Senior has the same goals as the Energy Community. based on the ideas of Jacques Delors on the Editor Georgi Gotev. matter in November. Continued on Page 8 8 8 - 12 September 2014 | SPECIAL REPORT | POLAND: AMBITIOUS ACHIEVERS | EurActiv

Continued from Page 7 issue in the European Parliament [EurActiv We’ve been talking a long time, and coverage here]. And we adopted a one-page you haven’t once mentioned Russia. Why But the name is changed? declaration which explained what we mean are you so diplomatic? I would like also to by energy community. ask you about the May 2013 EU summit It’s a new brand for the same great which was aimed at bringing down idea. I can say that we have been able to In your capacity of re-elected MEP, energy prices and make the European overcome a lot of problems during the what are your personal ambitions in this economy more competitive. But then we last four years, thanks to the efforts of the field? What do you expect to happen until had another summit in June 2014 and the European Parliament and the European the end of your mandate? priority this time was to reduce energy Commission. We now have €6.5 billion for dependence on Russia. The problem is, new interconnections in the EU. For my I expect that the EU will have a truly energy independence has a price. So how country, Poland, this covers twelve different working energy market that all member will we square the circle? gas and electricity connections with our states will enjoy security of supply, and partners. So we solved a lot of problems, also I hope – cheaper energy, thanks to the It is not by accident that I didn’t by adopting the Third Energy Package, and competition in a big open market. And I mention Russia. Not even once. Because preparing legislation for the coordination by hope there will be freedom of choice for everything we’ve been doing, starting the European Commission of the purchase consumers as to which supplier of gas and from joint financing of technology and of energy. Now it’s up to the European electricity to subscribe. And environmental- research, to the energy single market , and Council to implement everything. friendly technologies, to the benefit of our also interconnectors and coordination [Council] President [Herman] Van citizens, new technologies in renewables, of gas and electricity purchasing, means Rompuy dedicated three European Council in energy efficiency, in nuclear safety, more independence from Russia, more meetings for energy. The first, in January and for minimizing emissions from fossil independence and more security for our 2011, was dedicated to the Single Energy fuels. Because we will still use fossil fuels, energy supply. Market. Now I can say that the new as will China or India. But the goal to What could help is also our TTIP President of the European Council [Donald minimize emissions will remain, and I negotiations [the Transatlantic Trade and Tusk] will move things forward. I can hardly expect technological progress not for low- Investment Partnership negotiated between imagine a more devoted advocate than him, carbon economy, but for low-emission the EU and the USA]. We cannot imagine to lobby for the idea under its new brand of economy. And we should achieve a signing TTIP with the USA without European Energy Union. broad, comprehensive agreement at the opening the borders for energy. It means [2015 United Nations] Climate Change shale gas from the USA should be available The new European Commission also Conference in Paris. That would be a great on our continent. Liquid natural gas, LNG signals that the Energy Union would be a success. terminals in the USA, in the EU, should major priority. It looks like former Latvian work with great capacity and help bring Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis will What will be the most difficult in the down our energy prices, and especially be Vice President for Energy Union. And I Energy Union? the price of gas. We should also develop imagine that Mr. Dombrovskis’s political our cooperation with Norway, Algeria, thinking is very close to Mr. Tusk’s and to The same as it was in the Coal and Steel Qatar, other Arab countries. We should yourself… Community: joint purchasing. Because use a lot of possibilities to make ourselves joint coordination is fulfilled, the European more independent from Russia. Because Yes. I’m sure it’s probably the same Commission is responsible for that. The this could be the most important sanction point of view. Single Energy Market will encourage we could implement against Russia. And member states to go forward, because it we know that in the existing situation, And you used the tribune you had a depends on them, on national governments. we should protest as strongly as possible President of the European Parliament to Research: we got more than €6 billion for against aggression in Europe, and fight call for an Energy Community. But Jacques research in the EU in the next few years, for the integrity of Ukraine, for a free and Delors also fought this battle… almost three time more compared to the last democratic Ukraine. seven-year period. This is fantastic progress. Yes, we raised the issue together. With But what is lacking is joint purchasing, and If gas from Russia to the EU stops Jacques Delors, the former European this is probably the most important goal of flowing this winter because of the Ukraine Commission President, on 5 May 2010, the energy Union. It will be very difficult to crisis, what should we do? on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of be achieved, but we should start. the Schuman Declaration, we raised the Continued on Page 9 EurActiv | POLAND: AMBITIOUS ACHIEVERS | SPECIAL REPORT | 8 - 12 september 2014 9

Continued from Page 8 for the election of Donald Tusk as Council Donald Tusk would have the possibility to We’ve got reserves in our gas storages President, Poland should become more formulate some important issues regarding and reservoirs. We could also import more climate-friendly and stop blocking EU our positions vis-à-vis Russia. Our relations gas from North and South, because both efforts in that sense. How would you with Russia have changed dramatically in directions still hold reserves. Let us go in comment? the last seven-eight months. And we should this direction. Energy efficiency is also very draw clear and proper conclusions from important and we should step by step change The decisions of European Council this situation. I’m quite sure that the future our habits, because the worlds’ reserves are summits depend on the decisions of European Council President will take note not infinite, and this is a good moment to the leaders of the member states, not about all the changes, and will undertake all achieve energy efficiency and use efficiency. of the European Council President. He the actions necessary from the point of view proposes the summits’ agenda and helps of the European Union. Some sources say that some big in the negotiations to achieve good, clear countries have insisted that as a condition conclusions, which is not easy. I think

Poland’s stake in the Ukraine crisis: hawkish or insightful?

Observers generally agree that

Warsaw plays a major role in the Radosław Sikorski (centre) flanked by Catherine Ashton (L) and Carl Bildt (R) EU’s handling of the Ukraine crisis. Some call it hawkish, while others say that Poland is simply more has marked a new stage of rapprochement the EuroMaidan uprising, Poland tried to insightful, and that the rest of the between Warsaw and the pro-European provide advice to the pro-European leaders Union should attach more value new leadership in Kyiv. From a Russian of Ukraine and to prevent them from to its understanding of Russia, and perspective, Warsaw has helped orchestrate indulging extremism. On 21 February, Eastern Europe. this ‘coup” and Poland fears its security Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław being challenged. Sikorski told opposition leaders that if As the Ukraine crisis is becoming the Reality is probably much different. they don’t sign the EU-brokered deal with game-changer of the post-Cold War period, Poland was largely instrumental in Yanukovich, “you’ll all be dead”. Poland, the largest EU member to border pushing through the EU-Ukraine Association But the same night, the above- Ukraine, is watched with increased interest Agreement (AA). The document was ready mentioned revolution, or coup, as Moscow by the world’s major players. for signature well before the November 2013 calls it, took place. Since, Poland has been For many years, Poland has tried to Vilnius summit of the Eastern Partnership. largely evicted from the diplomatic circles be to Ukraine what Germany is to Poland. But at that time, Germany insisted that the handling the Ukraine crisis. Sikorski was Back in 2005, EurActiv wrote that Poland signature be conditional on the release of not invited to join his German, French, and the Ukraine, who were for a long Yulia Tymoshenko from prison. Poland was Russian, and Ukrainian counterparts in the time hostile towards each other, have much more flexible in this regard, and was negotiations on conflict resolution held in become much friendlier since the ‘Orange in fact furious at Berlin’s shortsightedness. Berlin in early July and early August, nor Revolution’ in the Ukraine, which brought In the meantime, Russia defined its own is Poland playing a role in the more recent President Viktor Yushchenko to power, and geostrategic project, then played its cards and Minsk peace process. was openly supported by Poland. made the-then Ukrainian President Viktor This of course hasn’t prevented Polish The February 2014 Ukraine Yanukovich back down on the signature. revolution, which Russia calls a “coup”, In the subsequent dramatic events of Continued on Page 10 10 8 - 12 September 2014 | SPECIAL REPORT | POLAND: AMBITIOUS ACHIEVERS | EurActiv

Continued from Page 9 as they are now, continue to be. Poland Central and Eastern Europe. leaders from conducting many bilateral is asking this agreement to be nullified, However, Hartwell admits that Poland meetings with the country’s new leaders, because it is not respected by the other side. has its limits in its efforts to influence the in particular with Prime Minister Arseny Inutile de dire comment: a war in Ukraine, rest of the EU. Yatsenyuk and President Petro Poroshenko. not to mention Georgia before,” he said, “Poland needs to continue to In the meantime, Poland has voiced mixing English with French. advocate for the EU’s engagement in the concerns that its own security, as well as that east, but unless the EU is responsive, of the Baltic states may be at risk. Poland Poland: instrumental for the EU there is not much more that Poland can wants permanent NATO bases on its sanctions? do. Let us never forget the fact that it was territory, although Moscow insists that the Poland’s Foreign Minister who brokered West promised not to set up any military But Michael Emerson, A Reserch the deal that Yanukovych eventually ran bases in the former Eastern Bloc countries Fellow in the Centre for European Policy away from, though, so Poland’s interest that joined NATO after the fall of the Soviet Studies (CEPS) and former EU ambassador and activity is unquestionable,” he said, Union. Moscow refers to a 1997 NATO- to Moscow, sees things differently. confirming the views that a historic Russia Act which formally ended the rivalry “I may not be fully informed about chance nay have been lost to sign the AA between Russia and NATO. what Sikorski is been up to, but it seems under Yanukovich. that Poland has put itself in the hawkish Vis-à-vis Ukraine, Hartwell advises A dramatic statement end of the spectrum of opinions of what Poland to focus less on its experience as a to do [regarding the Ukrainian crisis], both EU member, but rather on its expertise in During the European elections in their statements and in their advocacy of overcoming communism. campaign, Polish Prime Minister Donald sanctions, Emerson told EurActiv. “I think the most important thing Tusk said that on 1 September, Polish He admits that Poland is “an important that Poland has to offer is its experience children may not go to school, hinting that influencer” and “a strong voice among the in overcoming the yoke of Soviet the situation in Ukraine can deteriorate new member states”, adding that the Baltic oppression. And by this, I mean by much more than most people imagine. This states “are equally hawkish, if not even more sharing its experience from the early years happened during a dispute over whether so”. of transition, 1989 until maybe 1999, children in Poland should begin school at According to Emerson, Poland has rather than focusing on the pre-European six or seven. concentrated its efforts at the meetings of Union accession years of 2000-2004. In this context, Tusk said the question the Foreign Ministers of the EU, with the Poland’s greatest strides forward came wasn’t at what age children will go to school, objective of pushing through as tough as when it was outside of the EU and it was or if they will be able to go to school on 1 possible sanctions against Russia. not guaranteed that it would become September at all. “An outcome [of the Polish effort] part of the EU. This is the same situation “For every Pole, 1 September is the are the sanctions which have gradually the neighbourhood countries face today, break of the 1939 war, when kids didn’t developed, but not very impressively so. In although they are even more of a stretch go to school, because Poland started to be the recent high-level diplomacy, Germany to ever enter into the EU than Poland was bombed,” Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, a Polish has been doing things on her own with in 1989,” Hartwell said. MEP and Vice President of the European France, but not actually with Poland. It People’s Party, told EurActiv. seems that Germany sees itself able to work ‘If Poland waits for France, nothing Saryusz-Wolski said “We feel much less as a mediator, while Poland cannot play will happen’ secure, we feel threatened, we still believe such a role, because its position is strongly that NATO and indirectly, EU membership, marked,” Emerson said. Asked what one should expect from the give us security, but the question is how future, Hartwell said that “if the invasion strong is it?” ‘EU is a slow-moving beast’ of a sovereign nation on the EU’s borders Asked about the position of Germany, cannot mobilize the EU to take the eastern who insists that a 1997 Russia-NATO Christopher A. Hartwell, President of countries more seriously, nothing will”. agreement prohibits new bases in Eastern CASE Management Board, told EurActiv “And this is why I think that Poland Europe, Saryiusz-Wolski said the said Poland that while the EU is a “slow- needs to continue a two-track approach, agreement was not binding. moving beast”, Poland has to pull it and acting as an ambassador of the east to the “Seen from Warsaw, it is not binding, get it moving. CASE, the Centre for Social EU, but also working to further its own because it was so many times violated and Economic Research, is one of the best interests in a prosperous and stable Eastern by Russia. And the formulation in this think tanks in Poland, ranking high among Europe. If Poland waits for France, nothing document says: no bases, if the conditions the global think tanks and the best one in will happen”, Hartwell said. EurActiv | POLAND: AMBITIOUS ACHIEVERS | SPECIAL REPORT | 8 - 12 september 2014 11

He spoke to EurActiv’s Georgi Gotev and Ukraine as too hawkish? Sikorski: EurActiv Poland’s Krzysztof Kokoszczyński. If Poland is a “hawk”, than how are we If Poland Poland is one of the countries shaping to describe Russia? A “dove” of peace? As EU foreign policy during the Ukrainian crisis. a neighbour of Russia, we wanted to be a is hawkish How can that influence be maintained and partner with her as much as it is possible. expanded into other areas of common We managed to establish cross-border on Ukraine, policy? movement with the Kaliningrad Region. Tens of thousands of Russian citizens may is Russia a When we called for a united European visit Poland without any bureaucratic energy policy or solidarity in response to formalities and trade started to flourish. dove? Russian trade barriers we were often called However, when Russia decided to “Russia-phobes”. Now, after president take over Crimea and to directly engage If the EU had reacted more strongly Putin broke a whole series of international militarily in the territory of its neighbour, to Russia’s annexation of Crimea agreements, Europe is starting to understand we had to clearly communicate to Moscow and adopted sanction more quickly, the value of solidarity and standing together. that it has to stop. as Poland advocated, the currrent Not only against Russia. Better coordination Possibly, if the EU’s reaction to the conflict in Donetsk, Ukraine, would among European countries translates into Crimea annexation had been vigorous not have happened, Polish Foreign better security and economic position in the enough and we had pushed forward for Minister Radosław Sikorski told long run for all of us. more decisive, immediate sanctions, then EurActiv in an exclusive interview. But our analysis and ideas have been [the conflict in] Donetsk would not have valuable and not only in case of Ukraine. happened. Since it joined the EU, Poland has been actively shaping the European Union’s Poland aspires to become a regional internal and external policy. We undertook leader in Central and Eastern Europe. several initiatives aimed at strengthening What, in your view as foreign minister, is the EU Common European Security and the current role of Poland in the region? It Defence Policy and the Eastern European seems Poland is not – at least not yet – able neighbourhood. Most recently, Poland, to truly coordinate policy with the Baltic together with Sweden and the UK, was and other post-communist countries? Most among those EU countries that initiated and of the time, Hungary, the Czech Republic, drove the establishment of the European Slovakia, for example, cannot be seen as Union Advisory Mission to Security Sector “followers” of Polish policy...? Reform in Ukraine. Countries freely shape their policies Radoslaw Sikorski in Warsaw in January The conflict in Ukraine has – in line with democratic procedures, 2014. [140130-M-EV637-318/ Flickr] reinvigorated NATO, to a certain extent international commitments and according at least. In this new security environment to their interests. The efforts of our four At the age 18, Radosław (Radek) Sikorski do you foresee any developments in EU countries, all with similar backgrounds in chaired the student strike committee in security policy or would that area of terms of recent history, have made possible Bydgoszcz in 1981. In June 1981 he travelled policy take now a definite back seat to the creation of the Visegrad Group. It to the UK to study English. After martial law arrangements through NATO? turned out to be an effective and flexible was declared in Poland in December 1981, instrument of developing policies in the he was granted political asylum in Britain. The Ukraine-Russia conflict has region. This does not mean however that He studied at Oxford. In the mid-1980s, he reinvigorated both NATO and the EU. we must always be unanimous and speak worked as a freelance journalist for publications Obviously there are areas one of the latter in one voice. Differences in the perception such as The Spectator and The Observer. He is more competent than the other. Mutual of interests which are at stake, specific returned to Poland in August 1989 and since compatibility between their actions must be circumstances, as well as traditions and the 2007 has served as deputy minister of defence, assured. potential of the individual countries come deputy minister of foreign affairs, minister of into play. defence and foreign minister in Donald Tusk’s How would you respond to those in cabinet. the EU who criticise Poland’s position on Continued on Page 12 12 8 - 12 September 2014 | SPECIAL REPORT | POLAND: AMBITIOUS ACHIEVERS | EurActiv

Continued from Page 11 market in our region. principles and values we share on both sides of Atlantic. In the present security Are you optimistic that the EU is Poland is one of the larger member situation, we understand much better warming up to the idea of putting in states of the EU but she also enjoys that the transatlantic community requires place a more coherent energy policy? How warm relations with the US. The relations our engagement in any sphere – security, would you describe the Polish role in this between Brussels and Washington can economy, democracy building. In this endeavor? be sometimes tense – as was the case regard the TTIP may be a significant factor with PRISM and wiretapping of the senior of Europe’s energy independence. Recent developments in the East proved politicians in the EU. How can Poland that EU needs to urgently push forward balance its relationship with the US with What does Donald Tusk’s appointment some of the key aspects of the energy agenda. its responsibilities as a member state mean for Poland? The main challenge shall be to continue a of the EU? And what can Poland do to consequent market integration based on defuse tensions between both sides of the The decision of EU leaders to elect common rules enshrined in the third energy Atlantic? And what about the Transatlantic Prime Minister Tusk to become next package. Europe needs a well interconnected Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)? European Council President is a great network of energy infrastructure and more achievement. It is undoubtedly the prime efficient security of supply mechanisms. No Transatlantic cooperation and close minister’s personal success but equally a member state shall be left alone in case of ties between Europe and the US are the success of Poland. We take this decision as supply disruptions. foundation of our common prosperity and both a signal of appreciation of the policies Poland has always been a major security. We have to work on it regardless of Poland has pursued over ten years of its EU proponent of the creation of the Energy some tensions which are unavoidable when membership and a sign that the distinctions Union which Prime Minister Tusk has we face so many complex challenges. Our between “old” and “new” member states are called for on several occasions. We have good relations with US are an asset. There rapidly crumbling. On the 10th anniversary the know-how about how the things work is no doubt Poland will be championing a of Poland’s accession to the EU, a Pole will in the East and we know the major issues “team spirit” among both the EU and US. lead the institution which sets the priorities that restrict the development of the internal Polish foreign policy is based on the of Europe.

of the scale of the country’s ambitions. [See to be named. Shale gas in the full list of concessions]. The companies He said that all the 65 exploratory who won concessions are Chevron, PGNIG wells were monitored and that there Poland - from S.A., Polski Koncern Naftowy Orlen was no evidence of any pollution or soil S.A., Grupa Lotos S.A., Petrolinvest S.A., contamination. exploration to Winsent Oil & Gas Plc, San Leon Energy Plc, LNG Energy LTD, ConocoPhilps No single solution exploitation B.V., Moorfoot Trading Limited, Cuadrilla Resources Limited, BNK Petroleum, BNK The Polish view is that there is no There are 65 shale gas wells and Poland Holdings B.V., Kaynes Capital “one-size-fits-all” EU solution because the drills in Poland, more than any S.a.r.l., Mac Oil Spa, Basgas Pty Ltd. characteristics of wells vary significantly. other European country. The UK, But officials also insist Warsaw is Expects believe specific conditions should the other EU member state with committed to meeting EU legal and be taken into account. plans to develop the resource, has environmental stands in shale gas Poland has amended its geological only a couple of wells. development. and mining laws to reflect the EU’s The European Commission tabled recommendations. New legislation Poland plans to build 50 new shale several recommendations concerning shale concerning the granting of concessions, wells every 12 months over the next few gas on 22 January, after EurActiv revealed the performance of concession and years but currently, the focus is more the draft text. strengthening concession and mining on exploration than exploitation. It has “We are very devoted to applying supervisor have been passed in months granted 82 concessions to prospect for those recommendations, we are doing rather than the years it usually takes to unconventional hydrocarbons, 72 of those pretty much what we can to apply those amend laws. are shale gas related. recommendations to the maximum extent Officials have shown EurActiv proof possible,” said a Polish expert who asked not Continued on Page 13 EurActiv | POLAND: AMBITIOUS ACHIEVERS | SPECIAL REPORT | 8 - 12 september 2014 13

Continued from Page 12 Asked about Commission legal which today is of 16 bcm a year [billion The EU is lagging behind in shale gas proceedings against Poland for allowing cubic metres of gas]. So every another 1-2-3 research because there are not many shale shale drilling at depths of up to 5,000 metres or more bcm is a game changer that can gas-related construction sites. Warsaw without first having assessed the potential support us,” the expert said. is reportedly putting pressure on the environmental impacts, the expert said The energy mix would be further Commission to produce a report from the process was still pending. It was being improved when the Polish liquefied natural several construction sites about every discussed by the ministry of environment in gas (LNG) gas terminal in Świnoujście was environmental aspect of prospecting for Warsaw and the Commission. completed, he added. shale gas. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk last The Świnoujście terminal is scheduled It is expected to be ready by the end of April called for an EU Energy Union, saying to begin operations in the second half of the year or the beginning of 2015, EurActiv that the EU should pay up to 75% of the 2014. In its first phase, the LNG terminal was told. cost of gas infrastructure. EurActiv asked will have a capacity of 5 bcm/y. Several public information campaigns the experts whether Poland was asking Asked if the projects would be about shale gas were conducted in Poland. for funding from Brussels for its shale gas economically viable, experts said that Opinion polls in 2013 showed that 73% of projects. all studies showed that the price of gas Polish citizens are in favour of shale gas, a The experts said the projects referred to from the projected new sources would be very high figure by international standards. by Tusk were part of the Connecting Europe competitive compared to pipeline gas and Poland also insists that EU legislation Facility regulation and that none was related would strengthen the market. should not put unnecessary burdens on to shale gas. By the end of the year Poland and energy companies. Experts said there were many varying the UK will present a joint report on the Asked about a recent ruling by the reports about what proportion of Poland’s macroeconomic impact of shale gas in the European Court of Justice casting doubt gas needs could be met by shale. Poland is EU. on the legality of shale gas licences issued preparing a new report about the potential by Warsaw without open tenders, an expert of the resource. explained that the issue had been dealt with “What can be said for sure is that shale in the new mining law. gas can play a role in Poland’s energy mix, For information on EurActiv Special Reports... Contact us Delia Nicolaescu [email protected] tel. +32(0)2 788 36 72 Arnaud Sonnet [email protected] tel. +32(0)2 226 58 17

Other relevant contacts: Rick Zedník [email protected] tel. +32(0)2 226 58 12 Georgi Gotev [email protected] tel. +32(0)2 788 36 76

Zones of shale gas in Poland [Polish institute of Geology]