Free CO2 emission allowances for industry
During the “Power Connect” conference in Gdańsk, the head of government noted that in Europe, including Poland, there is a debate on energy prices and how to adopt “smarter, more flexible, more adapted to the realities of each country, focused on competitiveness and less on ideological visions” European law and rules.
He informed that together with a group of countries sent a letter to the European Commissionso that it is possible to continue free CO2 emission allowances for industry, including Polish industry. He clarified that this is it “hard manifesto” of Poland, Italy, Belgium, Austria, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Greece and other countries that are willing to support this demand.
The Prime Minister emphasized that he would also try to convince European partners to change their philosophy regarding energy and climate policy, so that each Member State could count on a specific approach that takes into account its specificity.
The importance of energy for state security
War in Ukraine, war in the Middle East More than ever in the past, more than other armed conflicts, they show how crucial energy, safe supplies and rational prices are to the security of nations and states, Tusk said.
He emphasized that currently “security and energy mean practically the same thing.”
– The drama that Ukraine experienced this winter, last winter, the concentration of the aggressor’s attacks on energy infrastructure (…), the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and dramatic fluctuations on global energy markets – this shows how inseparable are two issues – security and energy – said the Prime Minister.
“Poland is becoming an economic power and needs accessible and possibly cheap energy”
Poland is becoming an economic superpower and needs accessible and possibly cheap energy, said Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Wednesday during the Power Connect conference in Gdańsk. He added that Poland is the largest construction site in the energy sector.
– We’re building not far from here nuclear power plantwhich will be a common work, a common fruit, of American partners, Canadian partners, Polish companies, and European money. Yes, this is everything that is happening in Poland today. These are gigantic investments in our energy security, said the head of government.
In the Prime Minister’s opinion, this is an example of how important it is to maintain the unity of the entire Western world in times of international tensions.
– There would be no safe Poland, there would be no safe Europe, there would be no safe America, if it were not for entire generations of politicians and citizens who, in a determined manner for decades, taught by the experience of two terrible wars, did not care in an extremely consistent way for this thing we call the Western Community. Today, this Western Community must fight together for the energy security of its citizens, Tusk emphasized
The Prime Minister argued that Poland must ensure access to cheap energy.
– We have legitimate ambitions. Poland is becoming an undisputed economic superpower, and for this we need available and possibly cheap energy. But we are also the biggest energy construction site because we have many years to make up. We are glad that the dream of nuclear energy is actually being realized here in Poland in the same place. The second largest battery energy storage facility in Europe is being built near Żarnowiec. (…) Some of the largest offshore wind farms in Europe are being built. This is where we will invest billions of zlotys in modern transmission networks. We are expanding Naftoport here, Tusk said.
Energy business with Russia
There is no question of returning to the energy business with Russia – Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared on Wednesday. He expressed hope that Europe would never again become dependent on Russian oil and gas.
The Prime Minister said that hopes that all of Europe will never again become dependent on Russian oil or Russian gas. – This is a matter of our true sovereignty – said Tusk. – We understand the need for international interaction. We know well that without international cooperation we will not be able to build our nuclear power plant quickly. We know all this well. But we will work with those we can count on, not with those who pose a threat to us, said the head of government.
In the Prime Minister’s opinion, this is a task for Poland and all countries that “have always understood how dangerous dependence on one country is, especially one as aggressive as Russia, when it comes to energy sources.” – I am counting very much on this maturity and consistency in all discussions that will take place both in Europe and in Poland – emphasized Tusk.
The head of government also said that due to the energy crisis and the war in the Middle East, he sometimes hears voices that perhaps it is worth returning to everyday energy business with Russia. – No way, ladies and gentlemen. This is a safety issue. This is a matter of survival for the entire Western community. (…) And I count not only on understanding, but also on full cooperation of our partners, Tusk emphasized.
