The European Commission has initiated a detailed investigation in order to assess the planned acquisition of Lotos by PKN Orlen amid fears that this merge may affect limit competition in Poland and neighbouring countries. According to EU competition policy Commissioner Margrethe Vestager the proposed takeover of Lotos by Orlen could affect several strategically important energy markets. The Commission will investigate whether the planned takeover would lead to a reduction in competition and higher prices or a smaller selection of fuels and related products for business customers and end consumers in Poland and other Member States.
In an interview for Radio Gdańsk, the CEO of Orlen, Daniel Obajtek argued that everyone will benefit from the merger of Orlen with Lotos saying there would be more investment opportunities, more competition and stable fuel prices. Meanwhile, according to opposition politicians, Pomerania and Gdansk may lose out on the merger.
The Commission has until December 13, 2019 to make a decision.
The President signs package of 100 changes for Polish firms into law
Polish President Andrzej Duda has approved a series of measures aiming to reduce the regulatory burden on firms, and improve the ease of doing business. The changes will provide new firms with a “right to make mistakes”, meaning regulatory bodies will be more lenient towards any accidental breeches of the law by companies formed within the previous12 months.
In addition, the measures include changes to how VAT is applied to imports, a move aimed at increasing the competitiveness of Polish ports, and will extend some forms of consumer protection to very small firms.
This week’s legislation comes as part of wider efforts to change Poland’s business environment.
Earlier this month the President approved the introduction of new types of company ownership, hoping to encourage people to start their own businesses.
Former FM and Conservative MEP Anna Fotyga compains to the European Commission
„The list of allegations against Nord Stream 2 is long.according to MEP Anna Fotyga in a complaint sent to the European Commission Conservative MEP Anna Fotyga has sent a formal request to the European Commission in which she asks about steps by EU institutions regarding environmental threats in the Baltic Sea resulting from the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany.
She emphasizes that the list of accusations against Nord Stream 2 is long and that the scale and seriousness of the threats require decisive action from the EC. In her opinion, deep sea work is causing the movement of sediments is of great concern. Another problem she emphasizes is the amount chemical weapons lying on the bottom of the Baltic.
55 billion cubic meters of gas are due to be sent via Nord Stream 2 annually when ready. Its construction is opposed by Poland, Ukraine, the USA and the Baltic States. The US has threatened sanctions for companies participating in this project.
A sporting a gift for the residents of the Tri-City.
The world’s top volleyball-players will compete for promotion to the Olympic Games at Ergo Arena
Poland’s volleyball-players will start qualifying for the Olympic Games from today in the Tri-City Ergo Arena.
This tournament is a gift for the residents – says Adam Maksim, acting director of the office of the mayor of Gdańsk for sports. – Everyone wanted to play in front of Polish audiences – adds Jacek Kasprzyk, president of the Polish Volleyball Federation. The fact that the pre-Olympic tournament is hosted in Gdansk is a success and a gift for residents.
Promotion to the Games this weekend will only be won by the best team. Others will have to take part in continental tournaments. It will be hard, but we are the world champions says Kasprzyk. With Wilfredo Leon having joined our team, we should not have any problems with winning, although of course anything is possible – he points out.
Event schedule
Friday:
Poland – Tunisia 17:00
France – Slovenia 20:30
Saturday:
Poland – France 15:00
Tunisia – Slovenia 18:30
Sunday:
France – Tunisia 12:00
Poland – Slovenia 15:00
Wartime pictures by legendary Home Army soldier on open-air display in Gdynia
Joachim Joachimczyk immortalized the Warsaw Uprising in his pictures. He took over a thousand photos, but not all of them have survived to modern times. Photographs of Gdynia, the legendary Home Army soldier Joachim Joachimczyk can be seen on Kościuszki Square in Gdynia. This is one of the most important documentaries of the Warsaw Uprising, photographers thanks to whom we can see the faces of the insurgents to this day. He shows everyday life, beautiful moments of the beginning of the uprising and tragic moments. „Joachim” was also a citizen of Gdynia. This is Gdynia’s contribution to the history of the Uprising – explains Dr. Jacek Friedrich, director of the Gdynia City Museum.
„Joachim” together with Secret Scout groups also provided the advancing Polish and allied Red Army with German defence plans for Gdynia in March 1945. This contributed to a faster expulsion of the Germans from the city.
The exhibition will be on show on Kościuszki Square until October 2nd – for 63 days. This is exactly how long the Warsaw Uprising lasted.
The Weather
The unsettled weather will continue for the first half of the day, however, rain and cloud will clear, leaving this afternoon with blue skies and sun. Temperatures could reach 25 degrees Celsius, 77 degree Fahrenheit but feeling cooler overnight. The outlook for the weekend: Saturday some scattered showers, Sunday a return to Summer.
