Polish firms fight back against discrimination in EU member states markets

In order to save their own markets, France, Germany, Italy Austria and the Netherlands, in contradiction to European law, demand that Polish companies first apply for permission before they offer services on the old member's national markets. On top of that, when Polish companies do apply they find they are put through a bureaucratic maze of numerous obstacles. Economy Minister Jerzy Hausner has already sent letters on the subject to several EU governments asking them to intervene to prevent discrimination. Polish ambassadors intervened as well, but so far with no effect. For this reason some Polish companies decided to take matters into their own hands and have appealed to the European Commission. Brussels' decision will be a precedent. According to Rzeczpospolita's sources the Dutch authorities, fearing what Brussels might do, began negotiations with the Polish government. (Rzeczpospolita, pp. A1, B1) A.F.