Polish industry is at a critical stage. Rising energy costs, pressure from global competition, and emission reduction requirements are colliding with the lack of a national strategy for the transformation of this sector. That is why around 30 industrial organisations have submitted a joint appeal to the Minister of Finance and Economy, Andrzej Domański.

The ‘Pact for Polish Industry’ contains proposals for systemic support for measures to develop a modern, competitive and low-carbon economy. The pact combines the interests of energy-intensive industries and the clean technology sector and shows a common priority - to create a clear industrial transformation strategy combined with realistic financing for decarbonisation investments.

The pact is a response to the state's inaction in the face of key challenges facing Poland's transforming economy. Poland, a country with strong industrial traditions and one of the largest economies in the EU, still lacks a comprehensive industrial strategy. Such a strategy should be developed and should address the issue of high electricity prices. Without it, companies do not have stable conditions for making long-term investment decisions and as a result, Poland is losing its competitiveness on European and global markets, comments Jakub Safjański, Director of the Energy and Circular Economy Department at the Lewiatan Confederation.

This is not a first call of its kind. In February 2024, European companies formulated the Antwerp Declaration, demanding that the European Union take decisive action in the face of growing global competition and the need to maintain climate ambitions. In response, the European Commission presented the Clean Industrial Deal, a strategy to support the reindustrialisation of Europe through cheaper energy, increased funding for the transition and the creation of demand for European clean technologies. Work is underway on further legislative packages for individual sectors, with the next ones due to be presented on 10 December.

EU instruments can improve the competitiveness of the European industry. This is also a unique opportunity to modernize the Polish economy. However, active involvement on the part of our government is essential to take advantage of this opportunity - Polish industry needs a transformation leader who will take responsibility for maintaining the competitiveness of the entire sector. Without our own initiatives, we will not be able to use EU funds effectively, launch national financing, or encourage Polish companies to invest in future technologies and the development of new employee skills, emphasises Paweł Wiejski, Senior Public Policy Analyst at the Reform Institute.

The Ministry of Finance and Economy is a key player in the transformation of Polish industry. The transformation of this sector will be a huge challenge, which is why we are calling for the creation of a national programme to support the decarbonisation of industry, using, among other things, EU ETS funds and EU funds, in accordance with the new rules on state aid (CISAF). Only in this way will individual sectors be able to count on adequate support in their pursuit of climate neutrality and competitive advantage, explains Dariusz Dybka, chief advisor at Business & Science Poland.

The key demands of the Pact include:

• developing a comprehensive industrial strategy,
• effective financing of decarbonisation from national and EU funds,
• implementing regulations that reduce energy costs and support investment,
• financing infrastructure and innovation,
• maintaining a constant dialogue between the government and industry.

Industrial transformation is essential for maintaining Poland's competitiveness and strengthening the country's security. Private businesses are doing a lot to modernise energy-intensive plants, produce more efficiently, and emit less CO2. However, this requires huge investments – at a time when we are losing competitiveness due to regulations such as the ETS. That is why we need support – not only from Brussels, but also from the Polish government – including the allocation of real funds for investment in industrial modernisation. We need quick decisions, a stable financing framework and an industrial transformation plan with appropriate regulations. Poland can become a leader in clean reindustrialisation – if we take joint action now, says Piotr Szlagowski-Budacz, Strategy Director at Qemetica (formerly Ciech).

Polish industry is currently facing the need for huge modernisation investments, while at the same time struggling with rising operating costs and fierce competition on international markets. We want to actively co-create solutions that will provide companies with a predictable regulatory environment, access to financing for transformation, and cheaper energy. Polish business is sending us a clear signal that without stable rules and a coherent strategy, it will be difficult to maintain the competitiveness of the Polish economy, adds Jakub Bińkowski, Member of the Board of the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers.

The signatories of the Pact declare their readiness to cooperate with the government to build a modern, innovative and low-carbon economy.

The initiators of the Pact are: Business Science Poland, Reform Institute, the Lewiatan Confederation and Qemetica.

The document was signed by:

• CCUS Poland Association
• Chamber of Commerce for Energy and Environmental Protection (IGEOS)
• Climate-KIC Poland
• Lime Industry Association
• Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Industry Association
• PIRE Polish Chamber of Electromobility Development
• Polish Aluminium Association
• Polish Cement Association
• Polish Chamber of Chemical Industry
• Polish Chamber of Commerce for Renewable and Distributed Energy
• Polish Cosmetics Industry Association
• Polish Energy Storage Association
• Polish New Mobility Association
• Polish Organisation of Oil Industry and Trade
• Polish Photovoltaics and Energy Storage Association
• Polish Union of Plastics Converters
• Port PC Polish Organisation for the Development of Heat Pump Technology
• PSEW Polish Wind Energy Association
• Renovation Wave Association
• Re-Source Poland Hub
• Stainless Steel Association
• The Association of Polish Papermakers
• Union of Employers of Construction Material Manufacturers
• Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers
• Union of Waste and Biomass Fuel Producers
• Wind Industry Hub Foundation