EU member states may force EU Council to toughen terms for steel and SEZs

The program of restructuring the steel industry and the principle of bringing the Special Economic Zones in line with EU demands will probably not be made stricter. Next week, Poland will hopefully close negotiations with the EU concerning competition policy. In order to complete all negotiations there is a small chance that Poland could be forced to make even more concessions, such as reducing employment in the steel industry, or increasing fiscal benefits for foreign investors. EU member states have increased their requirements due to the difficult situation on the steel market. However, in contrast to member states, the EU Council will probably not increase their demands concerning bringing the Special Economic Zones in line with the Union's rules on state aid to enterprises. (Rzeczpospolita, Oct. 31-Nov. 1 p. B2) A.C.