During a recent press briefing, NSZZ “Solidarity” introduced a referendum question focused on the European Union’s climate policy. The movement aims to gather the required signatures to hold a nationwide vote asking Poles for their view on the Green Deal. Piotr Duda, chairing the National Commission of NSZZ “Solidarity,” stated that the proposed approach known as Suitability for 55 is unacceptable. He also affirmed that Solidarity activists will persist in their campaign even if there is no formal decision to reject the Green Deal.
On March 26, the National Commission of NSZZ “Solidarność” approved a resolution to pursue a nationwide referendum on EU climate policy and pledged to organize a demonstration in Warsaw on May 10.
According to Duda, farmers’ protests are driven by a single objective: to eliminate the Green Deal.
Farmers express concern that the EU climate policy could push many agricultural businesses and individual farmers toward bankruptcy, a worry that underpins their stance.
The chairman of the National Committee of NSZZ “S” noted that the December 13 coalition has stopped engaging Polish farmers in dialogue.
Instead of dialogue, the government appears to have abandoned the prospect of conversation—the ongoing protests by farmers illustrate a breakdown in communication, according to Duda.
Duda announced that NSZZ “Solidarność,” together with the Solidarity of Individual Farmers, is organizing a major protest in Warsaw on May 10.
This event is described as a demonstration and an apolitical protest organized by Solidarity of Workers, in collaboration with and under the leadership of Solidarity of Individual Farmers.
The policy package known as Fit for 55 is labeled as unacceptable by the leadership.
Referendum proposal
During the May 10 demonstration, organizers will begin collecting signatures for a national referendum, said the Chairman of the National Committee of NSZZ “S.”
At the press conference, the proposed referendum question was read aloud for the audience.
Do you support the obligation of the President of the Republic of Poland, the Parliament of the Republic of Poland and the Government of the Republic of Poland to reject climate policy in its current form, as included in the European Green Deal?
The question was described as clear and significant in its current form. The organizers emphasized the importance of providing more time to farmers, miners, steel workers, the auto industry, and the broader sector so that policies can be applied responsibly. They argued that any transition should prioritize incentives over coercion and punishment, including measures related to household heating choices. The message suggested that penalties should not be imposed without offering viable alternatives and reasonable transition periods.
Additional statements emphasized a call for practical timeframes that allow affected sectors to adapt without unnecessary hardship.
The conversation around the Green Deal remains a focal point for the protests and the broader political debate. Observers note that the issue intersects with energy policy, industrial policy, and regional economic stability, highlighting the diverse concerns of workers and communities across agricultural, mining, metalworking, and automotive sectors. The ongoing discussions reflect a broader question about how to balance environmental objectives with economic resilience, especially in sectors facing significant adjustment costs. The movements promise continued advocacy and mobilization as the political process unfolds, including potential negotiations and public demonstrations captured in future statements and coverage.
Source notes and coverage reflect ongoing reporting from media outlets, with emphasis on the labor groups and their stance on EU climate measures and national referenda. The debate continues to be a touchstone for how Poland engages with EU policy directives and how various constituencies prepare for the implications of climate transition across industry and employment. The organizations involved stress a desire for measured, inclusive policy evolution that considers regional realities and the pace of change.