Ministers competent for the industry and the internal market of Member States of the EU chaired by Waldemar Pawlak, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Economy, with the participation of Antonio Tajani, the EU Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry, and with Andrzej Kraszewski, the Minister of the Environment, discussed the issue of the reconciliation between the economic development of the EU and the maintenance of the good competitive position of the EU’s economy as well as the requirements of the sustainable development. The context of the efficient use of resources, which is one of the environmental priorities of the Polish Presidency, was also a significant element of the debate, and was discussed at the informal meeting of ministers of the environment, that took place lat week, also in Sopot.

The efficient use of resources indicates the introduction of actions focused on reducing losses in the flow of materials and energy in so-called closed circulation in the industry, as well as at the household level. Present models of production and consumption have a negative impact on the environment, and thus on human health and life. That is why actions promoting an increased length of products life cycle, facilitating a reuse of elements, an easier recovery, including a recycling of materials and resources, as well as minimizing a useless landfill is so crucial. A close cooperation with the industry will be a key to the success in this field.

It has been indicated during the discussion, that the recent crisis had exposed structural weakness of the European, as well as of the global economy. Overcoming difficulties, we should work together and beyond sector divisions. The future economy of the EU should become more intelligent and balanced, less dependent on the consumption of minerals, but more efficient in the use of resources, and thus less burdensome for the environment and also competitive.

I am very pleased, that environmental issues have been appearing on the meeting of ministers competent for the industry so often. It brings me back the hope for practical implementation of the principle of sustainability, and increasing at the same time the innovativeness and the competitiveness of the European economy. This “green” economy can only be built within the triangle “politicians – industry – society” – said minister Andrzej Kraszewski after the meeting.

The results of the debate that took place during the meeting, will provide an introduction into a formal discussion and into an elaboration of the conclusions of the Council, which the Polish Presidency plans to adopt at the September meeting of the Competitiveness Council in Brussels.