EU analysts critical of Poland's steel and coal sector programme

Despite the fact that negotiation with EU have been concluded, EU analysts have sent their negative opinion to the Polish government on its steel sector restructuring programmes. If their doubts are not clarified, than it might turn out that accession treaty will include only a conditionally closed competition chapter. "We received the opinion from the EU and on Thursday and Friday we will address their concerns. We also hope that the treaty will mark the final closure of the chapter," said Deputy Economy Minister Andrzej Szarawarski. According to Puls Biznesu, the EU hopes for more precise information on investment and output reduction programmes. "A strong Polish steel sector may pose a serious competition threat to the EU. However, we have agreed that companies will be allowed to finish some of their investment projects," added Szarawarski. (Puls Biznesu, pp. 1, 6) M.M.