The EU aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 – an economy with net zero greenhouse gas emissions. This goal is at the heart of the Green Deal. Supporters see the Old Continent as a role model for others, with a mission to become a leading player in green technologies. At the same time, however, fears of job losses are growing.
On September 1, the far right won the state elections in Germany for the first time since World War II. It is gaining supporters, among other things, because of its opposition to the way climate change is being fought. Viktor Elbling, the German ambassador to Poland, admitted that this is also causing some concerns because of the war in Ukraine. He added that the Green Deal should not be viewed as an additional burden for companies, but as an opportunity to become a more competitive industry in the world.
– This is supposed to be a kind of investment in the future, which will ensure Europe’s position as a leader – added Elbling, noting that in recent years, with the growth of the economy, it has been possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In his opinion, the green transformation is a plan that can be implemented.
– We are also implementing it in Germany, and the basis for this is, among other things, the desire to become independent from gas. So we are investing in renewable energy sources and hydrogen. Today, 50% of our electricity comes from renewable energy sources. And in 2030, it is to be 80%. A project to create a hydrogen network has been launched. We will use 60% of existing gas pipelines for its implementation – said the ambassador and emphasized that companies are also focusing on clean energy, which is also visible in Poland. Therefore, Poland and Germany can play an important role together in the transformation as neighboring industrial countries.
– We are already importing nuclear energy from France. In the coming years, we will develop the supply path. Poland can become a producer of green hydrogen, we see the possibility of establishing a partnership – he added.
Daniel Wussow, Director of BASF ECMS EMEA BASF Catalyst Polska, added that other markets cannot be ignored. China accounts for 50 percent of the global chemical market. This is a country that also follows trends. An example is good quality electric cars, visually attractive and one third cheaper than those produced in Europe. This is a challenge for the European industry. As Daniel Wussow stated, Europe does not provide solutions for now, only regulations. As he said, 2026 will be the year of analysis of the situation related to the withdrawal of combustion cars from the market. For now, in his opinion, Europe is not ready for such a solution.
Thomas Kreuzinger-Janik, director of the Września Volkswagen Poznań plant, admitted that the company is under pressure. It must electrify products, invest in their development and better results. But also take care of the supply chain to implement the zero waste strategy or focus on digitalization, because digital solutions are needed to save energy.
– In Poland, our situation is good, we are fulfilling the tasks related to the green transformation. We have one of our most modern factories here, we are investing in renewable energy sources. We want to have zero-emission production by 2040. However, we have to help our colleagues from Germany – said Thomas Kreuzinger-Janik.
Rafał Rudziński, CEO of Robert Bosch and vice president of the Polish-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Polska), also pointed out that our region and economy are under pressure. There is a need to implement new regulations and guidelines adopted by the EU.
– What’s more, these regulations also concern people. And their hearts are not on our side today. We need to convince them that the Green Deal matters and that it is worth bearing the costs associated with it – he noted and added that analyzing the situation in each country will help in striving for a green transformation, because they differ from each other. And this means more flexible implementation of changes. He added that we cannot forget about maintaining Europe’s competitiveness. Especially since China is strengthening its position in various sectors of the economy, the automotive industry is an example of this.
– Therefore, if we want to maintain our competitiveness, we need to accelerate so as not to be left behind – he said.
Especially since the lack of change, as Renata Kabas-Komorniczak, Managing Partner of Rödl & Partner, noted, will be costly. – The world is changing, the perspective is changing. It is important for society to understand that the changes taking place today are necessary. The regulations that impose them are only a visualization of needs. However, we all need to be convinced here and now that we should follow a new path – she added.
She pointed out that there is a lack of regulations regarding the Green Deal in Poland and this constitutes a certain obstacle.
– The Polish hydrogen strategy also requires changes, she said.
Oliver Burrak, Chief Representative Poland at NRW.Global Business, referred to the role of Germany, which, as he emphasized, is important for Europe in the area of energy transformation as a country based on industry and mines.
– The Green Deal is important for Germany because it is our responsibility for the future. It is also important from the point of view of our customers, whom we must give green energy, because they expect it. Otherwise, we will lose investors – he explained.
Companies that want to be neutral face another task. They not only have to invest and change within their own company. They also have to convince their partners, i.e. take care of their supply chain. Volkswagen, for example, has focused on a program supporting suppliers in the green transformation.
Rafał Rudziński pointed out that in the discussion about transformation, small companies that also play a role in it are often forgotten.
“They won’t survive without government support. They won’t be able to adapt to the new guidelines related to reducing the carbon footprint on their own. Difficult regulations are also a challenge for them, so they need help in this area as well,” he explained.
The debate in Karpacz was led by Dr. Lars Gutheil, General Director of AHK Polska.
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