Energy Policies of Poland and the EU: a Search for Converging Interests

Abstract

The strong dependence of Poland’s energy system on coal, as well as the relatively prominent role of the coal mining industry in the country’s economy, are features that distinguish the Polish economy from other EU states. Over the past decade and a half, EU countries have put forward increasingly stringent requirements for limiting greenhouse gas emissions in order to combat global climate change. Against this background, the Polish authorities tried to determine their own line within the Union. Using the example of Poland, we can see exactly how a country that differs sharply from other EU members in a number of important parameters is looking for opportunities to defend its interests, how Brussels and other member countries react to this. In addition, Warsaw is the object of their criticism not only for opposing climate plans, but also for violating the rule of law. The EU is inclined to link these subjects together, which may indicate the universalization of its approach to the existing contradictions. Nevertheless, Poland is able to effectively resist certain requirements of the EU energy policy, forming coalitions of countries concerned about its social consequences.

Keywords

• poland
• european union
• decarbonisation
• coal
• climate policy
• energy policy