Speaking at the Competition Council in Brussels, Minister Piotr Nowak's first words referred to the situation in Ukraine, which was militarily attacked by Russia on Wednesday night into Thursday. 

We condemn Russia's attack on Ukraine. We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and call for urgent and decisive action that will lead to peace in Ukraine as soon as possible,

- the Polish Minister of Economic Development and Economy stated. 

Russia's armed aggression on Ukrainian territory was also the subject of bilateral talks between the Minister of Economic Development and Technology and Estonia's Minister of Enterprise and Information Technology Andres Sutt and Sweden's Minister of Enterprise and Innovation Karl-Petter Thorwaldsson. Energy transition and bilateral economic relations were also discussed during the meetings. 

Piotr Nowak also spoke with Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson about the situation on the energy market, energy prices and the inclusion of nuclear energy and natural gas in the European taxonomy. 

Foreign subsidies distorting the level playing field in the EU 

The first part of Thursday's Competitiveness Council meeting concerned the European Commission's draft regulation on foreign subsidies distorting the internal market. It addresses the potential distortive effects of foreign subsidies in the single market that harm the level playing field. 

The fact that third countries are not obliged to comply with EU regulations on the provision of state aid puts entrepreneurs operating in those countries in a privileged position in relation to their European competitors. The EC proposal aims to limit unfair competition from entrepreneurs operating in the single market and supported by third countries to a greater extent than current EU rules allow. 

We believe that the regulation should be adopted as soon as possible.

- Minister Nowak said during the session.

He emphasised that there is a legal gap in the European system in the area of combating the negative effects of foreign subsidies on the internal market and Poland sees a need to create tools to fill this gap. The minister pointed out a few issues that need to be clarified in the draft provisions of the regulation so that their application is transparent. These include the provisions concerning public procurement. 

Meeting of Minister Nowak with Commissioner for Energy 

Participation in the Council meeting was also an opportunity for bilateral meetings between Minister Piotr Nowak and, among others, Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson. 

The link between the current surges in energy prices and the increase in the price of emission allowances under the EU ETS cannot be depreciated. This increase raises our concerns about the possibility of a speculative bubble

- said the Minister of Economic Development and Technology at the meeting. In his opinion, the ETS should either be more strongly controlled with existing tools or new solutions are needed in this regard. 

The minister informed Commissioner Simson that Poland welcomed the European Commission's agreement to include nuclear energy and natural gas in the European taxonomy. 

Nuclear energy is a safe, emission-free and stable source of energy generation

- emphasised the Minister of Economic Development and Technology.

Minister Nowak expressed concern that the introduction of carbon charges for buildings and transport would generate huge costs and contribute to energy poverty. The Social Climate Fund may not be sufficient to solve this problem. 

We are very cautious about the proposal to phase out fossil fuels in heating and cooling. This process in Poland will have to be significantly prolonged due to the existing highly developed system of district heating networks

- Minister Nowak stated. 

Competitiveness Council on corporate sustainability reporting 

During the Council meeting, the European Commission presented a directive on corporate sustainability reporting. It obliges companies to publish detailed information on issues such as the environment and social rights. It also expands and tightens existing rules on non-financial reporting. 

COMPET Competitiveness Council 

The Competitiveness Council is responsible for enhancing competitiveness and growth in the European Union in the fields of internal market, industry, research and development and space. The Council meets periodically, several times a year. 

Depending on the subject of the meetings, the Council brings together ministers from all Member States responsible for the economy, trade, industry, research and innovation or space. The relevant European Commissioners also attend the meetings.