Some EU transition periods in environmental protection perhaps avoidable

By the end of March, Poland will present a modified proposal in Brussels for improving environmental protection in accordance with EU standards, possibly avoiding several previously required transition periods after EU entrance. Environment Protection deputy minister Janusz Radziejowski says transition periods may not be necessary in such sectors as energy-fuel and environment-friendly agriculture. Poland will not be able to avoid transition periods in sewage and industrial waste management for financial and technical reasons. According to the Environment Protection Ministry, the cost of essential investments amounts to around euro 34 billion, approximately three-quarters of the national budget, and it would be impossible to invest that much money sensibly in just a few years, even if it possessed it. Poland's investment in environmental protection amounts to the equivalent of 1.8% of GDP, one of the highest in Europe. (Rzeczpospolita, B3, Gazeta Wyborcza, p.17). M.T.