There were no barriers to voting in the European Parliament on the Fit for 55 package, as it holds promise for development opportunities in Poland, according to PO spokesman Jan Grabiec. He noted that PO MEPs voted in line with the government’s stance because the government had endorsed Fit for 55, a point he framed with pointed political critique.
The European Parliament adopted directives and regulations from the Fit for 55 package on Tuesday, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 compared with 1990 levels and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Members from PO, PSL, and the left voted in favor of the package, highlighting its potential impact on Poland and the broader region.
The PO spokesman on Fit for 55
When asked by PAP about the opposition’s support for the package, Grabiec explained that his group voted in line with the government’s position because the government was the one that agreed to the package. He added that the package also carries development potential for Poland, which contributed to the decision to support it.
Grabiec emphasized that Fit for 55 is a demanding program that requires moving parts of the energy sector onto new paths, specifically toward renewable energy. He argued that approving the package presents a major opportunity for Poland, especially in post-industrial regions such as Silesia, where mine closures in recent years have created economic challenges. He noted that Europe and the world are moving toward advanced facilities that produce equipment for renewable energy in these areas.
Responding to comments from Solidarna Polska critics who warned that the package could be costly for Poland, Grabiec asserted that Poland should not bear the transformation costs alone. He highlighted that tens of billions of euros from the European Union are earmarked for a just transition, financing the bulk of the costs through EU funds.
An important statement from the Minister of Climate. Poland’s stance
At the EU summit in Brussels on 10 December 2020, leaders reached an agreement on the EU budget and the recovery fund, linking the use of EU funds to respect for the rule of law and the EU climate policy. After Poland and Hungary threatened to veto the budget, the European Council adopted conclusions that set criteria for applying the rule of law mechanism. At that time, Poland voted in favor of the guiding proposals of the Fit for 55 package.
On Wednesday, commenting on Tuesday’s vote, Climate and Environment Minister Anna Moscow stated that Poland would not support any EU Council-backed law that would come from the European Parliament’s Tuesday action. She stressed that the Polish government would not back any of the Fit for 55 legal acts approved by the EP, a stance that reflects ongoing political and policy debates about the package’s implications for Poland.
As the discussion continued, quotes from various policymakers underscored contrasting views about the pace and scale of Europe’s energy transformation. Some argued that the Fit for 55 measures represent an expensive transition, while others claimed they are essential to securing long-term energy security and competitiveness for Poland and the wider region. The debate highlighted the diverse opinions among opposition and government circles about the best path forward for Poland within the EU framework and climate policy.
These exchanges illustrate the political sensitivity surrounding the Fit for 55 framework and its distributional effects. Observers note that the plan’s implementation will rely heavily on European funding mechanisms and national strategies to ensure a just transition, particularly for regions hardest hit by the shift away from coal and traditional energy sources. It remains a focal point in ongoing discussions about Poland’s role in Europe’s climate strategy and economic realignment.
— The narrative around Fit for 55 continues to unfold as policymakers weigh costs, benefits, and timing, with many arguing that the long-term gains in energy modernization, job creation in new industries, and environmental resilience could outweigh short-term adjustments. These are central considerations as the EU moves toward its climate and economic objectives.
— This summary reflects statements and positions from parliamentary and government actors involved in the debate on Fit for 55 and its implementation in Poland and the broader EU context.