Talking about resolutions
What if the Republic of Poland made a few resolutions for 2005? While we wouldn't hear any of the standard resolutions along the lines of lose weight, exercise more, drink/smoke less; we could propose a whole number of equivalents. Here are our favorites.
Judith Gliniecki: Poland has come a long way over the last few years. But 2004 saw an historic event-Poland's economic alignment with the West through its accession to the European Union. Moreover, by the end of 2004, polls were showing that Poles are generally optimistic about the EU. I would like Poland, a country with an ingrained habit of complaining, to resolve to be optimistic about the EU for at least a year.
Paul Fogo: Instead of subsidizing mood rings to verify optimism, I would rather see Poland make a resolution to implement EU regulations in advance of required deadlines. For instance, Poland has until 2015 to fully implement the EU's urban wastewater regulations. Why wait? I would prefer the Wisła to be clean sooner rather than later.
JG: Not only do EU regulations need to be implemented, but the Polish judiciary could use a push as well. I'm not talking about the quality of decisions, just the length of time some cases take. I would like Poland to make a resolution to attempt to make the court system more efficient and expeditious.
PF: It's not only delayed justice that is a chronic problem, but Polish administrative authorities sometimes move at a snail's pace. How can I explain to new investors that the tax authorities need a month to issue a VAT number? Poland should resolve to end unnecessary delays in administrative matters.
JG: The whole complicated bureaucratic process of establishing and maintaining a business, particularly a small- or medium-sized one, needs an overhaul. The Law on Freedom to Conduct Business Activities was hailed as a step towards a one-stop shop for potential investors.
Maybe I've just been in Poland for too long, but I fail to see any practical implications of this supposed simplification over the past year. I vote for Poland to resolve to establish a one-stop procedure for investors in Poland and in general reduce bureaucracy.
PF: Before I embark on my next proposal for a resolution, I need more than a mood ring to monitor my blood pressure. Poland's fiscal situation is a mess.
The Hausner plan, which never did much to curb current expenditures anyway, is getting cut to pieces with respect to the longer-term reforms. Don't get me wrong, Poland is not the only guilty party. The growing U.S. budget deficit and, in particular, the ongoing fall in the dollar against the złoty, isn't helping matters.
JG: Add to that the usual pre-campaign pork-barrel and we get proposals like a maximum personal income tax rate of 50 percent.
PF: I vote that Poland should make a resolution to embark on real fiscal reform, particularly if it is at all serious about entering the eurozone within the next few years.
JG: Paul, let the readers in on a little secret-did you make any resolutions for this New Year?
PF: Just one. To renegotiate my employment contract to be paid in złoty instead of dollars.
JG: I feel your pain. This year, however, I've decided not to make any resolutions. I'm generally an optimistic person, but am cynical when it comes to resolutions. Maybe I should get a mood ring.
Paul Fogo is a senior attorney with the Miller, Canfield, W. Babicki & Partners
Judith Gliniecki is an attorney with Rymar and Partners
Judith Gliniecki: Poland has come a long way over the last few years. But 2004 saw an historic event-Poland's economic alignment with the West through its accession to the European Union. Moreover, by the end of 2004, polls were showing that Poles are generally optimistic about the EU. I would like Poland, a country with an ingrained habit of complaining, to resolve to be optimistic about the EU for at least a year.
Paul Fogo: Instead of subsidizing mood rings to verify optimism, I would rather see Poland make a resolution to implement EU regulations in advance of required deadlines. For instance, Poland has until 2015 to fully implement the EU's urban wastewater regulations. Why wait? I would prefer the Wisła to be clean sooner rather than later.
JG: Not only do EU regulations need to be implemented, but the Polish judiciary could use a push as well. I'm not talking about the quality of decisions, just the length of time some cases take. I would like Poland to make a resolution to attempt to make the court system more efficient and expeditious.
PF: It's not only delayed justice that is a chronic problem, but Polish administrative authorities sometimes move at a snail's pace. How can I explain to new investors that the tax authorities need a month to issue a VAT number? Poland should resolve to end unnecessary delays in administrative matters.
JG: The whole complicated bureaucratic process of establishing and maintaining a business, particularly a small- or medium-sized one, needs an overhaul. The Law on Freedom to Conduct Business Activities was hailed as a step towards a one-stop shop for potential investors.
Maybe I've just been in Poland for too long, but I fail to see any practical implications of this supposed simplification over the past year. I vote for Poland to resolve to establish a one-stop procedure for investors in Poland and in general reduce bureaucracy.
PF: Before I embark on my next proposal for a resolution, I need more than a mood ring to monitor my blood pressure. Poland's fiscal situation is a mess.
The Hausner plan, which never did much to curb current expenditures anyway, is getting cut to pieces with respect to the longer-term reforms. Don't get me wrong, Poland is not the only guilty party. The growing U.S. budget deficit and, in particular, the ongoing fall in the dollar against the złoty, isn't helping matters.
JG: Add to that the usual pre-campaign pork-barrel and we get proposals like a maximum personal income tax rate of 50 percent.
PF: I vote that Poland should make a resolution to embark on real fiscal reform, particularly if it is at all serious about entering the eurozone within the next few years.
JG: Paul, let the readers in on a little secret-did you make any resolutions for this New Year?
PF: Just one. To renegotiate my employment contract to be paid in złoty instead of dollars.
JG: I feel your pain. This year, however, I've decided not to make any resolutions. I'm generally an optimistic person, but am cynical when it comes to resolutions. Maybe I should get a mood ring.
Paul Fogo is a senior attorney with the Miller, Canfield, W. Babicki & Partners
Judith Gliniecki is an attorney with Rymar and Partners
