Introduction
On one July 2011, Poland will take the reins of the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first time in its history. Against a particularly tense European backdrop, due to problems with the Eurozone, negotiations on the Union's Multi-Annual Financial Framework and the reform of the Common Agriculture Policy, the country's stated ambitions are in line with the Community agenda. The country's priorities break down into three strategic priorities, plus the secretarial priorities of each ministry. The Polish Presidency sees itself as a presidency of both "compromise" and "leadership", hoping to move forward negotiations from a technical point of view whilst giving a political shot in the arm to Community affairs. On the form, the Polish government sees its Presidency as an opportunity to raise the country's profile on the European and international stages, after the negative impression left behind by the politics of the Kaczynski brothers. This can be clearly seen in the fact that the Polish State has hired an influential public relations company to help it to manage its Presidency. For six months, the country intends to arbitrate negotiations in a realistic, but also very pro-European, frame of mind. "Given our history, European integration causes much enthusiasm in our country and makes us want to act", according to the official document presenting the priorities of the Presidency. The Poles are nailing their colours to the "Community method" and "European solidarity" masts. Bolstered by its growing authority in Brussels, as shown by the presence of many Poles in strategic posts, this new country wants to show that it is now in the camp of the most influential Member States in the EU.
Could the general elections in Poland disturb the progress of the Presidency?
Poland is currently going through one of the most stable periods of its democracy. The coalition of the Civic Platform (Liberal Right) and PSL (agricultural party) has been firmly anchored in power for four years. However, it will have to go through the tricky exercise of fighting an election campaign in parallel to its major European responsibilities. The general elections are scheduled for October. Although, currently, all indications are that it is extremely unlikely that the Conservative and Eurosceptic PiS opposition will take power, it is reasonable how much of an influence the election campaign discourse could have on negotiations in Brussels. Particular attention should be paid to the Polish stances on the reform of the CAP, in a country in which farmers represent 13% of the active population, and where the agricultural party is currently part of the coalition in power.
According to analysts of all stripes, the likelihood of PiS winning the elections is slim. Even though the party has climbed in the opinion polls slightly (35%), and support for the Civic Platform is dropping (42%), it is hard to talk of any real trends. The Conservative opposition is also suffering from internal divisions and the reluctance of the other parties to go into a theoretical governmental coalition with it. As for the other two major parties on the political scene, neither of these seems likely to take power either. The Socialists of the SLD are credited with around 15% of voting intention. For their part, the agriculturalists of the PSL have set themselves a target of a score over 10%, and will probably join the next coalition government. A victory for the Civic Platform, with the PiS close behind, therefore, is what most analysts anticipate.
In order to minimise the effect of the campaign on the Presidency, the Polish government's strategy is to divert the electoral debate away from European issues, stating its wish to create consensus. "I believe that there is a fundamental agreement on the Polish political scene as to the priorities we have set ourselves for our Presidency", the Polish Secretary of State for European Affairs, Mikolaj Dowgielewicz, told us. "I am convinced that during the campaign, it will be other issues than the Presidency that the opposition will use. I should add that our country is very predictable: whatever the outcome of the elections, it is the current government that will, de facto, carry the Polish Presidency to term". If there is a de facto relative fundamental consensus on the priorities selected, it is also worth noting that Polish politics remain divided, with little inclination for national unity.
“We must reinforce the EU as a political community”
Interview with Mikolaj Dowgielewicz, Secretary of State for European Affairs.
(Interview took place on 31 May 2011)
Agence Europe: The Polish Presidency has presented a packed and highly ambitious programme. What message is the Polish government hoping to send out to its European partners?
Mikolaj Dowgielewicz: The main message is that we want to reinforce Europe, reinforce the EU as a political community. We cannot afford to weaken European solidarity or the European institutions. For us, the main thing is for the six months of the Polish Presidency to be a period of investment in Europe. It is not just budgetary issues and economic policy issues I have in mind, but an overall reinforcement of European integration. Europe needs more solidarity within itself, political consolidation and greater visibility on the global scene. We are prepared to meet this challenge, because we believe in Europe.
AE: It is under the Polish Presidency that negotiations on the future of the European budget post-2013 will start. In your view, should this budget be increased? Is a reform of own funds desirable?
MD: Discussions on the budget will start at a particularly tricky time, with the Member States consolidating their national budgets. We believe that the European budget should not have to be a victim of the financial crisis, just because some people feel that it may have been behind it. It is sheer populism to claim that the European budget can have caused the various problems in the countries of the Eurozone or problems with the public finances of the Member States. A contrario, the European budget is a major tool for investment in the growth and future of Europe. It is a tool which will allow the EU to be stronger, and all the European States as well. During our Presidency, we want to carry out our work in a spirit of realism, but in a highly pro-European frame of mind at the same time. We will not stand by and allow the European budget to be accused of all the ills and financial problems of the Member States. As regards the own funds, our view is that the debate on reform is, of course, legitimate. We know that it is a very difficult and controversial discussion, and we will not get it finished during our Presidency. Poland remains open to this discussion.
AE: "Food security" is one of the priorities of the Polish Presidency. What do you feel should be the characteristics of the CAP post-2013?
MD: I think we need a modernised CAP, which is able to respond to current challenges rather than to those of the 20th century. We take the view that the CAP should be more competitive, and that it should strike a better balance between the countries which most recently joined the EU and the "old" Member States. For us, that goes without saying. It is hard to justify the fact that 80% of the budget of the first pillar of the CAP goes to the old Member States. The Polish government believes that every farmer in the EU should have fair conditions of competition, which is not currently the case. Does anybody in the EU think it's fair for a farmer to get X amount of subsidy on the basis of what he or she was producing in 2002, and for another farmer to get a different amount, because that was what his or her government negotiated in 2003? We should be asking ourselves whether this is a future-proof model. We believe that we should discuss agriculture openly, bravely and without taboo. This does not mean that we want immediate revolution, but that we should show reasonable courage. On the other hand, the key issue is how the CAP can ensure the continent's food security and how it fits into the social and economic strategy of the EU.
AE: Why do you grant such importance to developing the e-commerce market in your priorities?
MD: Many people think that the mining industry dominates in Poland. But the situation is such that mining represents just 2.7% of GDP, which is the same as electronic commerce. Our estimations show that in the space of three years, e-commerce will represent 5% of our country's GDP. I am just giving Poland as an example here. There is enormous potential in developing electronic services. 60% of online cross-border transactions fail due to restrictions and the multiple layers of national legislations. We are proposing to make this potential available to create a genuine European electronic agenda, which would lead to investment in the infrastructure of the "information society". Above all, we must resolve the regulatory issues which exist. This will be greatly profitable to the single market, growth and employment.
AE: What other priorities should feed into the reinforcement of the single market?
MD: Above all, we must wait for the European Commission's proposals under the Single Market Act. We hope these proposals reach us as soon as possible during the Polish Presidency. I am of the opinion that this is not just a discussion on the market and its rules. Most of all, the question is whether we are able to show the European citizens a vision of a more optimistic and ambitious European economic policy than just the debate on consolidating public finances. We must show that our priority is economic growth and employment. There are some dozen measures in the Single Market Act which the Commission wants to prioritise. I believe that the most important ones are: access to capital, development of the electronic market, support and deregulation for SMEs. Lastly, the fourth thing we see as important is the European patent. We would like to get the work on this subject finished. If we manage to do this, it will mean that we will have broken down one of the major barriers to the development of the single market.
AE: Energy security is another of the Presidency's priorities. You want to contribute to the drafting of a new energy strategy. How will this look?
MD: Basically, we will take care of one aspect of this strategy: the external aspects of the energy policy. And that will depend in large part on the timing of the Commission's proposals in this field. We would like the energy ministers to adopt conclusions by the end of the year which answer the following question: how should our energy relationships with our key partners be characterised?
AE: What is the place for shale gas and nuclear power in this new strategy?
MD: The question of whether the extraction of shale gas is possible in the various Member States has not yet been answered. The February European Council admitted in its conclusions that we have to continue looking into the various options linked to unconventional sources. I feel that shale gas will be an element of our European policy in terms of our energy strategy. But it is not a question of shale gas in general; the energy policy is a set of interdependent tools. We are also going to have serious talks about the future of nuclear energy. We must ask ourselves this question: how do we expect to achieve our energy objectives if we give up using nuclear energy? I have no answer to this question today, but we will have to hold a very serious debate on it.
Germany's decision to get out of nuclear will have no impact on our plans to build nuclear power stations. Under the European treaties, each State is entitled to carry out its own energy policy on the basis of the resources available to it. But obviously, the discussion on the future of this energy source will take place in the coming weeks, we cannot avoid it. We must do it pragmatically. There are countries which feel that they are able to get out of nuclear, which is admirable. There are countries which believe that they can cut their CO2 emissions by 40% in 10 years, which we greatly respect, and we will be following those dossiers very closely, because it will mean that other countries will be able to make fewer reduction efforts. We stress that this must be a genuinely European discussion and that decisions must be made in a spirit of solidarity and mutual understanding of all the different national capabilities.
AE: You want to make your contribution to the reforms of Frontex and of Schengen, by promoting the concept of "smart borders". Why are these changes necessary and what should they consist of?
MD: At the moment, it is beyond doubt that the rules which govern Schengen are imperfect. We have to see what needs to be modernised, so that we can be prepared for future migratory challenges. We will be good moderators of this discussion, because Poland is a State on the borders of the EU with useful experience in border management. This discussion will also be difficult, because at political level, there is a definite desire for change, but at expert level, it is struggling to translate into clear European legislation.
AE: You wish to support political change in North Africa and create a new European strategy towards these countries. What should this consist of?
MD: We are going to support Catherine Ashton in her actions in North Africa. It is clear that events in this region require a strong commitment on the part of the EU. We consider that this commitment should, above all, concern our support for democratic transition in the countries which want that, because the aim is not to impose anything on these countries against their will. I believe that the EU is in a position to mobilise its best resources in support of democracy. Poland is a country which will tackle this job enthusiastically, and will share its experience of transition. We have already taken many initiatives to show our commitment to the transition plans of these countries, but this will depend largely on what these countries expect of us.
AE: You have set yourself the ambition of relaunching the Eastern Partnership of the European Union. What are you hoping to get out of this initiative, what are the objectives you hope to have achieved by the end of your Presidency?
MD: I believe that a major challenge facing the EU in the coming years is to create a network of friends and trading partners among its nearest neighbours, as part of the European Neighbourhood Policy. There should be maximum and reciprocal openness on our market. I'm talking here about our neighbours to the South just as much as our neighbours to the East. It must be a win-win situation for the EU and its neighbour countries.
The Eastern Partnership Summit will be the platform to tell these countries that we are interested in what happens to them, but we want to sign cooperation, mobility and free-trade agreements with them. I think that during the Polish Presidency, we will be able to enter into cooperation on education programmes. We are also in a position to give them greater financial support. Overall, it is very important to show political interest in these countries. At the same time, we expect these countries to give us clear declarations of their willingness to reform, to move closer to Europe and to be like us. This is fundamental. There must be mutual trust.
AE: What should the new terms for cooperation between the EU and Russia consist of?
MD: The Union supports Russia's accession to the WTO. We would like Russia to use this support and make the political decision to join this organisation. This would greatly favour the development of trade between the EU and Russia. I feel that we need more cooperation. We are currently working towards the opening-up of cross-border mobility between the enclave of Kaliningrad and the EU. This is not easy, but I have the impression that the project is finally making progress. The EU and Russia will benefit greatly from mutual openness, both in trade and in human mobility. Cooperation between the EU and Russia should concern Russia's modernisation, in our mutual interests. We would like this cooperation to be global in nature, for us not to limit it to technical aspects, instead trying to move towards the signature of a cross-cutting cooperation agreement. This would be beneficial to both sides.
AE: You are working for an "open Europe". What are your objectives in terms of enlargement?
MD: Overall, the Union benefits from its openness. It is highly likely that we will manage to sign the Accession Treaty with Croatia before the end of the Presidency. As regards the other countries of the Balkans, we would support their European perspectives to the full. This is very important because in the EU, it is not easy to discuss enlargement these days. There is a lot of populism and many fears. I still don't understand why the presence of Polish and Romanian workers in the Netherlands is being linked to the debate on the wave of immigration in Lampedusa. These are stereotypes and shorthand that we don't accept. But Poland has enough enthusiasm for Europe and a great desire to show that openness and enlargement are win-win situations, and that the Union benefits from them. We would like the Polish Presidency to be a period of demonstration of that idea.
The Strategic Priorities
1 - European integration as a source of growth
The first of the priorities of the Polish Presidency is a strategy to get out of crisis and the design of a new growth model for Europe. On the basis of the observation that the EU will have growth levels of just 1.8% in 2011, Poland wants to work towards a "more competitive" Europe, both globally and within its own single market. In the view of the Polish Presidency, the recovery of economic growth will be achieved by strengthening the single market and making full use of the "intellectual capital" of Europe. The priorities of the Polish Presidency in these areas are largely based on the documents of the European Commission: the "Single Market Act", the "Small Business Act" and the "European Digital Agenda". The Polish government intends actively to support the proposals contained in these three documents.
The development of the single market and electronic services
The Polish Presidency has set itself the objective of breaking down as many legislative and administrative barriers to online cross-border transactions as possible. The Poles intend to commit to creating a European system of online sales contracts known as "blue button", or the "28th legal regime". It would be an optional regime, in other words it would govern the principles of online sales only if the websites in question and consumers decide to let it. It would work alongside the 27 legal systems of the Member States. These rules would relate to the form of the contract, its conditions and guarantee terms. The system would make it possible for consumers wishing to make a cross-border transaction to choose between the law of their own country and the European regime as the legal base for the contract (and therefore as the legislative base in the event of a dispute). The Polish Ministry for Justice is responsible for this dossier, and the Presidency is counting on proposals from the Commission in the field.
The Polish government also wants to work to cut the cost of roaming telecommunications and support the full application of the directive on services. It also hopes to work towards finalising talks on creating the European patent.
Lastly, the Ministry of the Economy wishes to support the Commission's proposals in favour of SMEs, with the logo "Think Small First". "We want to allow small and medium-sized enterprises to use every opportunity the single market can offer them", said Economy Minister and government number two, Waldemar Pawlak. "We will encourage the Member States to get rid of the administrative burdens weighing down on businesses". The Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) will also receive the support of the Presidency. A single market forum (SIMFO) will be held in Kraków by the Ministry for the Economy, the EP and the EC on 3 and 4 October.
A judicious use of the European budget
Poland, the main beneficiary of European funds over the period 2007-2013, will support a strong European budget in negotiations on the Multi-Annual Financial Framework of the Union for the years 2014-2020. In the opinion of the Polish government, "in times of crisis, the European budget should be a tool of investment, which will do much to contribute to the recovery of growth in the EU. The main element of the Union's investment policy should remain the cohesion policy, which will be used to achieve the objectives of the strategy EU 2020. The new MFF should confirm the principle that the right response to the crisis is to step up cooperation within the EU". The Polish Presidency also described the debate on the reform of the Union's own resources as "legitimate".
On this dossier, the government may take as its basis the proposals of the European Commission, whose strategic post in charge of the budget is occupied by Poland's Janusz Lewandowski. The Commission made its proposals on 29 June (EUROPE n° 10408).
Developing Europe's "intellectual capital"
The Polish Presidency wants to boost the coherence and synergies between the EU's initiatives in the field of research and higher education. Modernising universities and promoting student mobility are therefore among the priorities of the Presidency. The government wants to encourage cooperation between the universities and the economic world, to prepare the new generation of mobility programmes, and to promote innovation by contributing to building the European Research Area (ERA), which must be "well-balanced and integrated". Lastly, discussions are planned on the "Common Strategic Framework for EU research and innovation funding" and on the forthcoming framework programme on research, which the Polish Presidency hopes will be "simpler, more harmonised and more in line with the European cohesion policy".
2 - A "secure" Europe - food, energy, defence, borders
Security in its broadest sense is the second axis of the Presidency's priorities. The Poles want to focus on energy and food security, and to develop the Common Security and Defence Policy (see "sectorial priorities"). According to the Polish Presidency, "the revival of economic growth in the EU is not possible without ensuring energy security, without actions to reinforce the security and defence policy, without the stabilisation of the borders and the effectiveness of internal security, or, lastly, the security of the EU's food supply".
Reinforcing energy security
The Poles want to make a contribution to developing the Union's external energy strategy. The government has set itself the target of having conclusions adopted by the Energy Ministers before the end of the year, defining how the EU's relations with its key partners should look.
According to the Polish Presidency, "the Union's position as regards the principal producers, consumers and transit states can be resolutely stronger, if actions are taken allowing the EU to function more efficiently in an international energy environment, which would lead to considerable savings and better economic development conditions". The Presidency therefore wishes to carry out an analysis of the current state of play with the Union's external energy policy and to speed up work on creating a new strategy for the next decade. "We wish to improve the effectiveness of the Community institutions in this field", said the Minister for the Economy, Waldemar Pawlak. "The adoption of rules improving the transparency of the energy markets and guaranteeing the stability of raw material supply is of great importance to us". In the view of the Minister, the most important aspect of creating a common energy policy is greater consistency on the part of the EU in its external relations: "we need to create mechanisms for cooperation between Member States in the field of energy, which will allow the EU to have a presence on the international stage, in the interests of all States of the Union". The informal meeting of the Energy Ministers in Wroclaw on 19 and 20 September will provide an opportunity for the Polish Presidency to move the debate on this issue forward.
The ministry of the economy also states that it wishes to pay particular attention to energy efficiency issues, in support of the Community agenda in this area and the priorities of the Polish energy policy up to 2030. Increased cooperation on this subject with the other two countries of the trio, Denmark and Cyprus, is planned.
The economy minister believes that the "green economy" objectives contained within the strategy EU2020 constitute a great challenge for the Union. "It is our ambition to achieve a low-CO2 emissions economy, modernising obsolete industrial sectors and bringing them into line with new standards". But, Waldemar Pawlak continued, these environmental protection objectives must be achieved with the different national situations being taken into account: "responsibility for the environment should also take account of the economic interests and needs of the industrial sectors, as well as the socio-economic differences between all the Member States".
The Polish economy is considered highly polluting. In this country, where nearly 94% of electricity is produced from coal, economists predict that the environmental targets laid down at European level will cost Polish businesses 15 billion zlotys (3.8 billion EUR) in 2013 for the purchase of CO2 emissions entitlement. This figure could rise to 35 billion in 2020 (8.8 billion EUR). Officially, Poland is refusing to bring its CO2 emissions down any further than its 2008 commitments. It takes the view that more ambitious commitments at European level should be brought into being on the basis of the goodwill of each Member State, without any binding measures.
Food security and reform of the CAP
With its agricultural muscle (2.2 million farmers, 13% of the active population), Poland is more than keen to make a major contribution to reforming the Common Agriculture Policy. The Polish Presidency states that "one of the objectives of the second half of 2011 will be to define a new system of direct payments, based on objective and non-historical criteria. We will also be working towards an agreement on a reinforced second pillar, which works together better with the European cohesion policy". The Agriculture Minister has stated that he will also lay particular emphasis on using biomass for energy purposes. The country hopes to continue discussions on the future of the dairy market, the product quality policy, simplifying the CAP and promoting investments in connection with developing renewable energy sources in rural areas.
Although Poland sees its role as President as being "neutral" and a "mediator", it has taken stances on certain issues before the start of its Presidency. At a press conference on 2 June, Agriculture Minister Marek Sawicki spoke out in strong terms against the report by German MEP Albert Dess, in the version adopted by the AGRI committee of the European Parliament on 25 May of this year. According to the Minister, "the report shows a greater desire to keep in place the status quo on the CAP than any desire for real reform". An internal document of the department of the European Union of the Ministry of Agriculture, which the Ministry did not want to place on record, shows 16 points of disagreement between the positions of the Polish government and this version of the report - but also 21 points of agreement. Of the former 16 points, the Minister officially announced six during his press conference, which he described as "not beneficial to Polish farmers". 1 - The rejection of the idea defended by Poland of a flat rate for direct payments on surface area within the EU. The Minister argues that this idea is the best guarantee for a better balance of aid between Member States. He also lamented the gradual move away from the traditional payment system towards the objective system. 2 - The Minister deplored the fact that the MEPs had chosen to keep in place a minimum payment percentage for each State, which, he argues, runs counter to the principle of a better balance of direct payments between the old Member States and the new ones. 3 - The Minister warned that he would be "most unfavourable" to the willingness stated in the report to move away from the SAPS payment system to the SPS system. In his view, the former system is a better guarantor for the principle of a "multi-level" payment system as laid down in the communication of the European Commission. 4 - The Minister also described as "worrying" the proposal on new distribution criteria within the first and second pillars, and the division of resources based on objective criteria, in line with the "pragmatic approach". Poland takes position in favour of keeping in place the current criteria for dividing up the second-pillar resources. 5 - The Minister is opposed to keeping aid for the least-favoured areas under the second pillar, and therefore to their co-funding by the national budgets. 6 - Lastly, Poland rejects any additional "greening" of the first pillar. It feels that any additional environmental criteria should be based on goodwill, under the second pillar.
In the Minister's view, the "report should be used as a basis for the debates, therefore a question remains open" for the future discussions. In these negotiations, the Minister intends to "remain open and ready for compromise". The Ministry of Agriculture has moreover stated that it would not be making any communications on the final version of the report adopted at the plenary session of the EP on 23 June.
Migration and border controls
As regards the security of the Borders, Poland wants to contribute to reform of the Schengen zone and of the Frontex agency. The government plans to stress the concept of "smart borders". In the light of the recent events in North Africa, the Polish Home Affairs Ministry posits that "the current political and legislative framework of the Union is not enough to guarantee the EU's rapid and responsible reaction to situations of crisis. The EU needs solutions on a legislative, organisational and financial level, which respond to exceptional situations, but which also ensure the principle of solidarity and a fair division of the responsibility between the Member States". In the second half of 2011, talks will therefore focus on creating a Schengen "crisis mechanism", designed to be applied in the event of exceptional circumstances, in which the Member States are unable to deal with excessive migratory pressure. The Polish government believes that this mechanism must not be allowed to call into question the principle of the free movement of people.
The Home Affairs Ministry also states that "a major challenge of the second half of 2011 will be the question of the enlargement of the Schengen area to include Romania and Bulgaria" and notes the misgivings of certain Member States as regards this issue. Poland wishes to play its role as "mediator" and seek to arrange a compromise over the matter.
3 - A Europe benefiting from openness
Poland is a fervent supporter of an "open Europe", in other words an EU whose objective for the short and medium terms is to enlarge, and an EU benefiting from the liberalisation of world trade. According to the document which officially lays out the priorities of the Polish presidency, "the strongest instrument at the disposal of the Union is its role as a model to third States. We must work towards an enlargement of the zone of European values and rules, by continuing the process of enlargement and developing cooperation with neighbour States".
Reinforcing the Eastern Partnership and cooperation with Russia
Although the Polish Presidency states that it grants the same importance to the Union's partners to the South and the East, the major diplomatic event of the Presidency will be holding a major summit of the heads of state and the EU and the countries of the Eastern Partnership, in Warsaw on 29 and 30 September. This initiative aims to reinforce, within the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy, the political and economic cooperation between the EU and the six countries of Central Europe and the South Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine), based on the model of what has been achieved in the framework of the Union for the Mediterranean.
Under this project, the Poles will give a special place to Ukraine, whose moves to come closer towards the EU they actively support. They have set themselves the goal of finalising an in-depth free-trade agreement with the country. This is a complex objective, because relations between the current Ukrainian government and certain States of the Union are fairly tense. "We really hope we can reach an agreement, because this is a way of creating mutual trust between us", Adam Jasser, under-Secretary of State to the Prime Minister with responsibility for economic issues, told us. "But it takes two to reach an agreement, and that will depend very largely on how prepared Ukraine is to make this step towards us. It can count on our sympathy and our commitment, but this needs to be mutual".
In the run-up to this summit, the case of Belarus will also be problematic. Since the presidential elections of December last year, which the international community felt were irregular and which were followed by a wave of repression on the part of the regime, diplomatic relations between this country and the EU have worsened considerably. 158 Belarusian officials, including President Alexander Lukashenko, are subject to a visa ban throughout the EU. Additionally, relations between Poland and Belarus have also deteriorated, since the journalist of Polish origin, Andrzej Poczobut, was arrested in Belarus, and since tension has been on the rise between the Belarusian authorities and the EU. A senior figure from the Polish Home Affairs Ministry told us off the record that "currently, there is no question of inviting President Lukashenko to the summit of the Eastern Partnership. It is very likely that the only people who will be invited are those who have not been affected by the visa ban". These people are the Foreign Affairs Minister Serguei Martynov and the Deputy Prime Minister, Viktor Semachko.
The Polish Presidency also hopes that it will manage to create new terms and conditions for cooperation between the EU and Russia. It hopes to "support any action aiming towards the signature of a new agreement with Russia laying down a framework for an in-depth partnership and on legislative formalities, as well as developing the 'EU-Russia partnership for modernisation'". The Polish government is also hoping that it will be able to bring off a plan to open up cross-border mobility between the enclave of Kaliningrad and the EU, which is currently being looked into.
Other initiatives are also being planned in the framework of the Eastern Partnership in connection with the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and police and legal cooperation (see sectorial priorities).
Support for the democratic processes in North Africa
Given the recent turbulence in the region, the Polish Presidency wants to promote actions aiming to create a new EU strategy for the Arab world, to support initiatives of High Representative Catherine Ashton. It also wishes to reinforce the support mechanisms for the "persecuted minorities", including Christians. The Presidency "will support democratisation and the construction of modern State structures in North Africa, which lies in the interests of both these countries and of the EU".
Support for the enlargement of the EU
Poland has set itself the objective of preparations for and the signature of the accession treaty with Croatia during the term of its Presidency. It is expected that the date for this country's accession will be set for 1 July 2013. The Polish Presidency will also support the other Balkan states in their European perspectives. The current Polish government is additionally an official supporter of Turkey's accession to the EU and therefore intends to continue accession talks with this country, as well as with Iceland.
Opening up international trade and the Doha Round at the WTO
Poland's ambition in the field of the common trade policy is to finalise the Doha Round at the WTO. On this, the Presidency says: "for some time now, we have been perceiving signals that show that the political and economic conditions are favourable to the conclusion of the Doha Round in the second half of 2011. Either we manage to conclude these negotiations now, or the signature of an agreement will become increasingly complex. The Polish Presidency will work towards the EU drafting conclusions aiming to conclude this round of negotiations". The Ministry of the Economy intends to support the new trade strategy of the EU, which was laid out in the European Commission's communication entitled "Trade, Growth and World Affairs: Trade Policy As a Core Component of the EU's 2020 Strategy", indicating that "the Polish government shares the viewpoint that the liberalisation of world trade and the reciprocal opening-up of the markets are the foundation stone for guaranteeing the conditions which are vital for well-balanced growth at international level".
In the framework of the relaunch of the Eastern Partnership, the Economy Ministry is undertaking to develop trade relations with the countries which lie to the East of the EU, on the basis of the model of what has been done under the Union for the Mediterranean. In this field, the Polish Presidency intends to work towards finalising negotiations for an in-depth free-trade agreement with Ukraine (DCFTA) by the end of this year, and also hopes to be able to extend these discussions to Moldova and Georgia. The Polish Presidency will furthermore actively support the process of Russia's accession to the WTO, a dossier which it hopes to be able to conclude before the end of the year.
Lastly, Poland hopes to move forward negotiations for free-trade agreements between the EU and various Asian countries (India, Singapore and Malaysia). The Ministry of the Economy indicates that there is a possibility of opening these negotiations with Vietnam also. Additionally, Poland plans to work towards putting the finishing touches to the EU-Canada economic and commercial agreement, association agreements with the countries of Mercosur and Central America, and a multilateral trade agreement with Peru and Colombia.
Sectorial Priorities
GAC: The Polish Presidency is planning to work on revising the European strategy for the Baltic Sea. A forum will be held on this subject in Gdansk on 24-26 October. It also wishes to develop cooperation with the countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), particularly on fighting tax evasion and financial fraud (with Switzerland, Liechtenstein, the Principality of Monaco, Andorra and San Marino). It will also support actions aiming to liberalise the trade in agricultural goods between the EU, Norway and Switzerland.
On the nuclear dossier, the Presidency intends to continue the work towards finalising the European framework for the regulation of this energy source, in particular the revision of the directive on safety standards. It hopes to promote cooperation between the Euratom community and third States on matters of nuclear safety.
Lastly, the Polish Presidency wants to take steps to improve the European statistical system, wishing to "increase its credibility and effectiveness". It is planning "advanced legislative procedures" for the European statistical programme 2013-2017.
FAC: Under the banner of the new institutional structure brought in by the Treaty of Lisbon, the Polish Presidency would like to focus debates on four priorities in the field of CSDP. 1 -Increasing the usefulness of the EU battle groups (BG-1500), more specifically, clarifying the principles for their training, their functioning and the physical conditions for their deployment. This will involve launching a debate on the possibility of extending the time of their standby duty from six months to twelve; on adapting their command structure, including the possibility of providing support to them from maritime and air components; taking into consideration whether they are being used as a reserve force or as an initial entry force; extending the scope of the joint funding of the BGs under the "Athena" mechanism (at the time of writing, this mechanism only allows the expenses for the functioning of the operational headquarters and its troops to be funded, without any possibility of financing strategic transport to the theatre of operations). 2 - Developing the competences of the CSDP and the military and civilian harmonisation of the planning mechanisms. Poland aims to discuss possible improvements to be made to the functioning of the community structures for planning the civilian and/or military operations of the EU. It also intends to pursue talks, launched at the informal meeting of the ministers for defence of the EU in Ghent in September of last year on the initiatives for sharing and pooling resources; 3 - Extending the EU's cooperation with eastern partners in security and defence matters. The Presidency's programme is planning, amongst other things, to step up collaboration with the States of the Eastern Partnership in the framework of the European Security and Defence College (a high-level conference on this subject is scheduled for September); working towards joint training with these States for crisis management missions; creating a "military Erasmus"; developing cooperation between the European Defence Agency and these countries in terms of military capability; maintaining political dialogue on these issues between these countries and the structures of the EU. 4 - Bolstering EU-NATO relations. The Polish Presidency wants to make efforts to harmonise the development of military capability and cooperation during reaction missions to situations of crisis, and to promote maintaining active dialogue between the High Representative of the EU and the NATO Secretary General.
ECOFIN: The Polish Presidency will actively support work aiming to ensure the stability of the public finances in the long term and will continue negotiations on the implementation of the legislative package to reinforce fiscal discipline and macro-economic monitoring. As regards financial services, the Presidency wishes to reach a decision in the very near future on improving the regulation and monitoring of the financial markets, as well as on drafting crisis management rules. It will seek compromises to safeguard the integrity and transparency of the financial sector, and to limit systemic risks and excessive risk-taking. As regards taxation issues, it will continue work on taxation of the financial sector, and the revision of the directive on the taxation of energy products and electrical energy. Particular attention will be paid to tax on income from savings, the simplification of the VAT rules (with the objective of reducing the administrative burden and fighting abuse) and administrative cooperation on excise duty. Lastly, the Polish Presidency firmly intends to bring opinions closer together for a "strong and united voice" for the EU at international fora, particularly the G20.
COMPET: The Polish Presidency wishes to promote the full application of the directive on services. One of its priorities will also be to improve the regulatory environment for European businesses, as part of the "Smart Regulation" initiative. As regards copyright, the Polish Presidency wishes to carry out work on the directive concerning licences for orphan works, to make it possible for resources owned by libraries and archives to be published in digital format. It will also start discussions on the Green Paper on audiovisual works. On the subject of public tenders, the Presidency is planning to carry out work on the services concession initiative. It plans to support the actions of the European Commission to reinforce single market mechanisms and work on the administrative cooperation of the Member States on the Internal Market Information system (IMI).
On customs union, the Presidency is hoping to focus on the action plan for the Eastern Partnership and to supervise the implementation of the modernised community customs code. It will continue work on legislation for the chemicals industry (amongst other things, on limiting the use of phosphates and detergents). In the context of work to extend the EURATOM programme, the Presidency hopes to finalise the negotiation process and reach a decision by the end of 2011.
Lastly, in the field of consumer protection (see also EPSCO training), the Polish Presidency hopes to start negotiations on the application of alternative dispute resolution methods (ADR), with the aim of "putting consumers in a stronger position"; undertaking work on the revision of the directive on the general safety of products and modernising the package travel directive.
ETN: As regards transport policy, the Polish Presidency intends to steer the debate on revising the outlines of the Trans-European Transport Networks (TETN), with the aim of creating an "integrated and coherent European transport system". Particular focus will be given to reinforcing the networks' links with third States, particularly with those of the Eastern Partnership. Work on the "Airport Package" and the "Maritime Social Agenda" is also in the pipeline. As regards telecommunications, the Polish Presidency will continue work on the "Radio Spectrum Policy Programme" (RSPP) and intends to hold debates on the mobile telephony roaming regulations, "to be guided by the interests of the consumers". It also intends to pay particular attention to developing "e-administration".
JHA: Beyond its hopes of gaining consensus on the future of the Schengen zone and continuing to implement the Stockholm programme, the Polish Home Affairs Ministry has set itself three priorities for its Presidency. 1 - Fighting the production of synthetic drugs (wishing to create a European pact on the issue) 2 - Progress with work on the Common European Asylum System CEAS (with the aim of concluding negotiations under the PL-DK-CY trio). 3 - Cooperation in the framework of the Eastern Partnership (on border protection; the management of migratory flows and illegal immigration; the fight against organised crime; the liberalisation of visas with Ukraine and Moldova; stepping up dialogue on visas with the other countries of the Partnership, particularly Georgia; training civil servants from the States of the Partnership in maintaining public order in accordance with European standards, developing cooperation between these States and the European agencies).
For its part, the Ministry of Justice has stated that its actions during the Presidency will focus around two axes in the field of legal cooperation. First, they will work towards stepping up the rights of victims of crimes and offences. Particular attention will be paid to the draft directive on strengthening the position of victims in criminal trials. The second axis aims to reinforce the procedural rights of people suspected or accused of a crime, with particular emphasis on creating an instrument to guarantee access to a lawyer for people accused of a crime.
AGRIFISH: Poland plans to continue work on reforming the common fisheries policy. In the view of the Presidency, "this policy should ensure a well-balanced and responsible management of resources with a long-term perspective, and be in harmony with the strategy EU 2020". In addition to work on this reform, the Presidency will concentrate on setting in place a "new European fund for fisheries" in the framework of negotiations on the Union's Multi-Annual Financial Framework for 2014-2020.
As regards the veterinary policy, Poland wants to start work very soon on electronic identification for livestock, once the European Commission's proposals on the matter have been published.
EPSCO: The Polish Presidency has decided upon to axes for its work on the health policy. 1 - Working towards reducing health inequalities between the various European societies (actions in favour of healthy eating and physical activity; prevention and control of respiratory diseases in children, especially asthma; prevention and care for communication problems in children, using "e-health" and other innovative solutions). 2 - Prevention of brain diseases and neuro-degenerative diseases (especially Alzheimer's).
On consumer protection, the Polish Presidency plans to assess the strategy for consumer policy 2007-2013 and to start negotiations on a new strategy for the years 2014-2020. The Presidency will also arrange a "European Competition and Consumer Day" in Poznan on 24 and 25 November, which will bring together the directors of the European consumer protection offices. Russia and Ukraine will also be invited to take part in these debates. The meeting of the directors of the European anti-monopoly offices is also scheduled to take place in Warsaw on 5 and 6 July.
ENVI: One of the objectives of the Presidency is to continue talks on setting in place an action plan and a fund for biodiversity. It intends to hold two high-level conferences on this subject, to discuss, amongst other things, the issues of a balance for the forestry industry, town planning and the need for complementarity between the environment, transport and agricultural policies.
The Presidency also plans to draft a common position of the 27 for the COP 17 and COP 7 conferences, and also to "give a shot in the arm" to the European dialogue to prepare the EU's "ambitious proposals" for the Earth Summit in 2012 (Rio+20). A European conference on the subject will be held in Warsaw on 11 and 12 October. Lastly, the Polish Presidency wishes to reach an agreement with the European Parliament on the regulation on biocide and the directive (waste electrical and electronic equipment).
EYCS: The Polish Presidency will start a debate on the problems of educational mobility, laying emphasis on its international aspect (particularly with the neighbour countries). A decision will be launched on the creation of mobility programmes for the countries of the ENP. Poland's main objective will be to promote the reinforcement of cooperation of European youth with that of the countries of the Eastern Partnership and Russia.
On audiovisual matters, the Presidency has set itself the main priorities of digitalisation, sharing and protecting the cultural heritage, particularly A/V works, against the backdrop of the development of the digital library Europeana.
Political timetable
July
5-6 July - Informal meeting of the Health Ministers, Sopot.
6-7 July - "Eastern Dimension of Mobility" Conference, Warsaw.
7-8 July - Informal meeting of the Employment and Social Policy Ministers, Sopot.
8 July - Joint meeting of the Polish Council of Ministers with the European Commission, Warsaw.
11-12 July - Informal meeting of the Environment Ministers (ENVI), Sopot.
12 July - ECOFIN Council, Brussels
13-15 July - High-level meeting - energy affairs, Belchatow.
14-15 July - Informal meeting of the Development Ministers, Sopot.
16 July - Ministerial Conference "Use of Agricultural Biomass for Energy Purposes", Sopot.
18-19 July - General Affairs Council (GAC) (to be confirmed), Brussels
18-19 July - Informal Council of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers (JHA), Sopot.
18-19 July - Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) (to be confirmed), Brussels
18-19 July - Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH), Brussels
18 - 19 July - Conference "Equal Opportunities through Sport as an Element of Social Policy", Wroclaw.
18-20 July - Conference "Competencies in Culture", Warsaw.
20 July - Preliminary conference to the informal COMPET Council on the European Research Area, Sopot.
20-22 July - Informal Competition Council (COMPET), Sopot.
22 July - Economy, Finance, Budget Council (ECOFIN), Brussels
28-29 July - Informal meeting of the European Affairs Ministers, Sopot. Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) (to be confirmed), Geneva (on the sidelines of the ministerial conference of the WTO)
September
2-3 September - Informal meeting of the Foreign Affairs Ministers (GYMNICH), Sopot.
5 September - Conference on "Corporate Social Responsibility", Gdansk.
5-6 September - Informal meeting of the Transport Ministers, Sopot.
8 September - Conference of the Economy Ministers of the Eastern Partnership, Krynica Zdroj
8-11 September - European Culture Congress, Wroclaw.
9 September - Informal meeting of Culture and Audiovisual Ministers, Wroc³aw.
12 September - General Affairs Council (GAC), Brussels.
12 September - Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), Brussels.
12 September - "e-volunteering" Conference”, Warsaw.
11-13 September - Informal Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH), Wroc³aw.
15 September - Ministerial Conference "Ownership Transformation in Poland - For the Future", Warsaw.
15 September - Ministerial Conference of the Ministry for the Economy to mark the 15th anniversary of Poland's accession to the OECD, Warsaw.
14-16 September - Eurofi Financial Forum, Wroc³aw.
16-17 September - Informal Economy and Finance Council (ECOFIN), Wroc³aw.
17-18 September - European Congress of Women, Warsaw.
19-20 September - Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH), Brussels.
19-20 September - Informal Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (TTE) Wroc³aw.
22-23 September - Informal Meeting of the Defence Ministers, Wroc³aw
22-23 September - Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA), Brussels.
26 September - Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in its Trade Ministers formation, Brussels (+ informal meeting).
26 September - Ministerial Conference of the Ministry for Employment and Social Policy "Social Effects of Economic Crisis: Short- and Long-Term Actions under Anti-Crisis Policy", Wroclaw.
26-28 September - "Enterprise Europe Network" Conference, Warsaw.
27-30 September - Ministerial Conference "Forestry for Climate and Biodiversity" + meeting on forestry and environment protection, Bialowieza
29-30 September - Competition Council (COMPET), Brussels.
29-30 September - Eastern Partnership Summit, Warsaw.
October
3 October - Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumers Council (EPSCO), Luxembourg.
3-4 October - Single Market Forum (SIMFO), Kraków.
3-4 October - Ministerial EU-Western Balkans Justice and Home Affairs Forum, Ochryd (Macedonia).
4 October - Economy and Finance Council (ECOFIN), Luxembourg.
5-7 October - Informal meeting of the tourism ministers, Kraków
5-7 October - European Tourism Forum, Kraków.
6 October- Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (TTE), Luxembourg
10 October - Environment Council (ENVI), Luxembourg.
10-11 October - Ministerial Conference on energy policy, to be attended by the European regulators (CEER and ACER), Kraków.
10-11 October - EU-Russia Permanent Partnership Council on Justice and Home Affairs, Warsaw.
10-11 October - Ministerial Conference of the Ministry for Employment and Social Policy "Employment Stakes and Opportunities in the Face of Demographic Change", Warsaw.
10-12 October - European Employers' Forum, Wroclaw.
11-12 October - Conference to prepare for the Rio+20 World Summit (sustainable development), Warsaw.
11 October- Ministerial Seminar, Gdansk
13 October- General Affairs Council (GAC), Luxembourg.
13 October - Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), Luxembourg.
13-14 October - Informal meeting of the Sports Ministers, Kraków.
17-18 October - European Council, Brussels.
17-18 October - Convention of the European Anti-Poverty Network, Kraków.
19-20 October - European Congress on developing the rural world, Warsaw.
19-20 October - Ministerial Conference "Prospects for the Development of the Electronic Communication Market in the EU", Warsaw.
19-21 October - Conference of the customs services directors under the European Eastern partnership Programme, Kraków.
20-21 October - Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH), Luxembourg.
20-21 October - Meeting of the senior officials, Union for the Mediterranean, Kraków.
21 October - Informal meeting of the ministers for family and gender equality.
24-25 October - Meeting of the Transport Ministers regarding the Eastern Partnership, Kraków.
26 October - Conference "Lead Market Initiative for Europe" (LMI) and "European Innovation Partnerships" (EIP), Warsaw.
25-26 October - Conference of the European Migration Network (EMN), Warsaw.
24-27 October - Baltic Development Forum and EU Baltic Region Strategy, Gdañsk.
27-28 October - Ministerial Conference "Alignment of the Eastern Partnership States' Legislations with EU Law on Veterinary, Phytosanitary, Food Safety and Food Quality Questions" Kraków.
27-28 October - Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA), Luxembourg.
November
3-4 November - Ministerial Conference on "Building Migration Partnership in Action", Poznan.
7-8 November - Ministerial Conference "Solidarity in Health - Reducing Health Inequalities in the EU", Poznan.
8 November - Economy and Finance Council (ECOFIN), Brussels.
9-10 November - Ministerial Conference on "European Contract Law", Warsaw.
10 November - Foreign Affairs Council in its Ministers for Development formation (FAC) (to be confirmed), Brussels.
14-15 November - Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH), Brussels.
14-15 November- EU-USA ministerial meeting, justice and home affairs, Washington.
14-15 November - Equality Summit, Poznan.
17-18 November - Meeting of ministers for electronic administration, followed by ministerial conference, Poznañ.
18 November - Economy, Finance and Budget Council (ECOFIN budget) (to be confirmed), Brussels.
21 November - Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in its Defence Ministers formation + Foreign Ministers formation (to be confirmed), Brussels.
22 November - General Affairs Council (GAC), Brussels.
22 November - European Economic Area Council on the sidelines of the GAC Council, Brussels.
23-24 November - "5 years of REACH" Conference, Warsaw.
24 November - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council conference integrated approach development (TTE), Brussels.
24 November - Ministerial Conference "An Integrated Approach to Development", Poznan.
24-25 November - Informal meeting of the regional policy, cohesion and urban development ministers, Poznañ.
24-25 November - European Competition and Consumer Day, Poznan.
28-29 November - Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council (EYCS), Brussels.
30 November - Economy and Finance Council (ECOFIN), Brussels.
December
1 December - Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Council (EPSCO), Brussels.
1-2 December - High-level conference for EU's southern neighbours in the process of democratisation, on the experiences of Poland and other Central European countries on the democratic transition, Warsaw.
1-2 December - Fundamental Rights Conference 2011, Warsaw.
2 December - EPSCO Council, Brussels.
5-6 December - Competition Council (COMPET), Brussels.
5-6 December - General Affairs Council (GAC) (to be confirmed), Brussels.
5-6 December - Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), (to be confirmed), Brussels.
5-6 December - European Conference on ex officio legal aid, Warsaw.
9 December - European Council, Brussels.
12-13 December - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (TTE), Brussels.
13-14 December- Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA) (to be confirmed), Brussels.
15-16 December - Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH), Brussels.
15-16 December - European Development Days, Warsaw.
16 December - Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) (to be confirmed), Geneva (on the sidelines of the WTO ministerial conference).
16 December - GAC Council on the cohesion policy, (to be confirmed), Brussels.
19 December - Environment Council (ENVI), Brussels.
The Polish government: useful contacts and spokespersons.
Konrad Niklewicz, spokesperson to the Polish Presidency.
mail: kondrad.niklewicz@kprm.gov.pl ; tel: +48.22.694.64.10 or +48.22.694.75.15
NB: the below contacts are mainly press contacts
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Poland to Brussels: Jan TOMBINSKI
Kacper Chmielewski (COREPER II) or Renata Bancarzewska (COREPER I)
kacper.chmielewski@msz.gov.pl ; tel. +32 2 7804 225
renata.bancarzewska@msz.gov.pl ; tel. +32 2 7804 261
Prime Minister: Donald TUSK
Pawel Gras. mail: rzecznik@kprm.gov.pl ; tel: +48 22.694.75.29. Or +48.22.694.61.51.
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for the Economy: Waldemar PAWLAK
Wioleta Witczak. mail: wioleta.witczak@mg.gov.pl ; tel: +48.22.693.57.16.
Finance Minister: Jan ROSTOWSKI
Malgorzata Brzoza. mail: malgorzata.brzoza@mofnet.gov.pl ; tel: +48.22.694.36.16.
Foreign Affairs Minister: Radoslaw SIKORSKI
Secretary of State for European Affairs: Mikolaj DOWGIELEWICZ
Marcin Bosacki. mail: rzecznik@msz.gov.pl ; tel: +48.22.523.93.56
Organisational matters: Monika Janus-Klewiado tel: +48.22.455.53.37.
Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development: Marek SAWICKI
Anna Pieniazek. mail: anna.pieniazek@minrol.gov.pl ; tel: +48.22.623.26.28.
Defence Minister: Bogdan KLICH
Dagmara Jaroslawska. mail: djaroslawska@mon.gov.pl ; tel: +48.22.684.00.03
Minister for Home Affairs and Administration: Jerzy MILLER
Anna Mytko. mail: anna.mytko@mswia.gov.pl ; tel: +48.22.601.44.27.
Minister for Justice: Krzysztof KWIATKOWSKI
Joanna Debek. mail: debek@ms.gov.pl ; tel: +48.22.52.12.608.
Regional Development Minister: Elzbieta BIENKOWSKA
Piotr Popa. mail: piotr.popa@mrr.gov.pl ; tel: +48.22.461.39.65.
Minister for Infrastructure: Cezary GRABARCZYK
Justyna Moson. mail: jmoson@mi.gov.pl ; tel: +48.22.630.15.33.
Minister for the Environment: Andrzej KRASZEWSKI
Madga Sikorska. mail: magda.sikorska@mos.gov.pl ; tel: +48.22.57.92.722.
Employment and Social Policy Minister: Jolanta FEDAK
Bozena Diaby. mail: bozena.diaby@mpips.gov.pl ; tel: +48.22.661.11.65.
Minister for Health: Ewa KOPACZ
Jakub Golab. mail: j.golab@mz.gov.pl ; tel: +48.22.634.93.03.
Treasury Minister (with responsibility for privatisation): Aleksander GRAD
Maciej Wiewior. mail: maciej.wiewior@msp.gov.pl ; tel: +48.22.695.83.68.
National Education Minister: Katarzyna HALL
Jerzy Barski. mail: jerzy.barski@men.gov.pl tel: +48.22.347.46.46.
Minister for Science and Higher Education: Barbara KUDRYCKA
Ewa Sharman. mail: ewa.sharman@nauka.gov.pl ; tel: +48.22.50.17.166.
Minister for Sport and Tourism: Adam GIERSZ
Jakub Kwiatowski. mail: rzecznik@msport.gov.pl ; tel: +48.22.244.31.11
Minister for Culture and the National Heritage: Bogdan ZDROJEWSKI
Maciej Babczynski mail: mbabczynski@mkidn.gov.pl ; tel: +48.22.42.10.304.
Competition and Consumer Protection Office: Malgorzata KRASNODEBSKA-TOMKIEL (Chair)
Aleksandra Maczynska. mail: aleksandra.maczynska@uokik.gov.pl ; tel: +48.22.55.60.167.
More information is available on the website of the Polish Presidency at: http: //pl2011.eu/