About the climate

During the ENVI Council meeting, ministers of environment debated about the long-term strategic vision of a climate-neutral economy presented in the communication of the European Commission (EU).

Poland proposes evolutionary changes in the European energy sector, which will be carried out in a sustainable manner, with respect for the circumstances of individual EU member states, said Vice-Minister Mazurek.

We support the carrying out of analyses concerning sectors and regions for which the transition will be particularly painful. Only on their basis should the possible scenarios of changes in the energy mix be estimated, he added.

The Vice-Minister of Environment also pointed out that Just Transition is one of the key problems facing the EU and its Member States, as well as third countries. Therefore, Poland requests the European Commission to present measures aimed at fair implementation of the energy transition and intensification of work on coherent mechanisms of solidarity support for economic transition.

In his speech, Vice-Minister Sławomir Mazurek also emphasised that the key element for the achievement of climate objectives will be the appropriate public aid rules, supporting activities aimed at the transition towards a low-carbon economy.

Vice-Minister Sławomir Mazurek also pointed out that the strategic vision should include all technologies aimed at reducing CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. It is worth investing in hydrogen technologies, energy storage and increasing forest absorption, among others, he emphasised.

Greening the European Semester

The ENVI Council also discussed the greening of the European Semester.

It is important for the national strategies that investments bring benefits in the economic, social, environmental and territorial dimensions and directly affect the improvement of the quality of life, Vice-Minister Sławomir Mazurek stressed.

At the meeting, Poland shared the Commission’s view that priority investment areas include comprehensive thermal performance improvements of buildings, replacing heat sources, renewable energy sources and accompanying infrastructure, prevention and protection against natural disasters, climate change adaptation, sustainable mobility and a circular economy.

The Vice-Minister of Environment also stressed that in the context of supporting the green economy, Member States should make efforts to increase the capacity of competent environmental protection authorities and the offices supporting them in order to better prepare and carry out specific projects.

Other topics

During the meeting, EU environment ministers adopted a general approach on a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the quality of water intended for human consumption.

On the sidelines of the ENVI Council, Vice-Minister Sławomir Mazurek also attended bilateral meetings, including with the Finnish Minister of Environment and Energy Kimmo Tiilikainen. As he stressed, the increasing role of forests in CO2 absorption is not only a common priority for Poland and Finland, but also a potential opportunity for other countries to meet their respective climate targets.

Vice-Minister Sławomir Mazurek also met with the UK Vice-Minister for Environment, Food and Foreign Affairs, Therese Coffey. Brexit will not affect the good cooperation between Poland and the United Kingdom, we still have many common challenges and we can share our experience in the implementation of the circular economy, as well as actions concerning air protection, said the Vice-Minister.

The meeting of environment ministers of the EU Member States was preceded by a meeting of environment ministers of the Visegrad Group.