European Union gives thumbs up to restructuring of state-owned steel mills

Integration Committee reports on perils and opportunities of accession to EU The European Integration Committee (KIE) has published a report outlining the pros and cons of Poland's entry into the European Union (EU). The report details the macroeconomic indicators (GDP growth, foreign trade and inflation) Poland would need to meet in the event of accession. In sectors such as mining and agriculture,where Poland lags significantly behind the EU, the report estimates how much money he government needs to inject into these sectors, including the value of subsidies expected from the EU during the first few years of membership. The report also touches upon Poland's progress in adapting its laws to EU standards. KIE's report is intended to rectify the shortcomings of some controversial regulations, such as the procurement of land by foreigners and Polish language bills. (Rzeczpospolita, page B2) S.M. Yesterday, at a meeting in Brussels, newly appointed Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Bartoszewski assured European Union (EU) officials that Poland will do its utmost to meet the standards required for EU-membership. At the same meeting, Treasury Minster Emil Wasacz discussed the restructuring which has taken place in the steel sector. The minister outlined the revised plans for restructuring the Katowice steelmill, which includes the selloff of the "long-products" division by late September. EU representatives were told the mill's capacity would be adjusted by market needs and would not regulated by the government. The steel sector accounts for 7% of public debt. (Prawo i Gospodarka, page 6) P.S.