Shipyards receive additional help

The extra funds are meant to help cover losses the Gdańsk, Gdynia and Szczecin shipyards have experienced over the years. The Szczecin shipyard will receive zł.385 million in public help, a figure that is non-returnable. It will also receive zł.250 million, which is conditional and zł.200 million that is 100 percent returnable to the Industrial Development Agency, said Grad at a press conference.

Meanwhile, the shipyards Gdańsk and Gdynia will both receive zł.835 million. When asked how that figure divides among the shipyards, Grad replied that it's too hard to show how much public funding helps Gdańsk and Gdynia. "The fund is calculated together. Dividing the fund for the shipyards is difficult at the moment," he said.

When asked to comment about today's manifestations at the Gdańsk shipyard, at which former Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński made an appearance, Grad said, "I treat today's manifestation as irresponsible."

During the manifestation, Kaczyński said that he came to defend the shipyards and give strength to those who also came with the same intention, adding that he hoped his words would give strength.

Kaczyński appealed to the President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso to hear him and not to give the decision that will ruin the Polish shipyards.

"Remember, don't forget, let that decision be a smart one, one that strengthens Poland, its economy and Europe," Kaczyński said.

Grad said that on Wednesday, two meetings will take place between the government officials and investors.

The privatization plans will be submitted to the EC on September 12 and depending on the EC ruling the shipyards might be saved.