2024-04-17 14:55 update: 2024-04-18, 14:47
Wojciech Tumidalski, Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz. Photo PAP/Paweł Supernak
Poland faces the task of clearly defining its interests and then effectively advocating for them within the European Union, the funds and regional policy minister has said.
Katarzyna Pelczynska-Nalecz said at the 'Poland's 20 Years in the EU' conference, organised by PAP in Warsaw on Wednesday, that "the ability to identify development priorities, such as industrial policy and support for entrepreneurs, will be crucial for the country's success in the EU over the next two decades."
"We must know what we want," she said.
She also mentioned that Poland has made significant progress within the EU over the past two decades, with the GDP doubling during this period.
Nevertheless, challenges still needed to be addressed, such as narrowing the development disparities across Poland by sustaining economic growth and addressing deficiencies in innovation and energy, she continued.
The country is also facing the task of energy transition, which is necessary to maintain competitiveness, Pelczynska-Nalecz said.
President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, during her address at the conference, conveyed her confidence in the EU's ability to effectively address the current challenges with Poland as a member.
She remarked that the transformations that both Poland and Europe have experienced since 2004 have enabled them to harness the strengths of all member states.
Metsola referred to Poland as a cornerstone of Europe, with its citizens being some of the most ardent supporters of the European Union. (PAP)
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