Yesterday, we wrote about some of the future projects that the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Technology are currently working on. Today, we’ll talk about two more changes to come.
And while you’re here, take a look at the two-part roundup of the new changes to the Polish entrepreneurial law we’ve posted earlier this week.
Stop Smog Programme
Smog is a huge problem in Poland. According to WHO, 33 out of 50 cities on the list of most polluted cities of Europe are in Poland. The worst areas include Cracow and the southern Silesia, which is a coal mining region. The pollution is the heaviest in colder months because people use cheap coal and fuels, or even trash for heating. It’s not better in the summer.
The government want to actively fight pollution by introducing their new clean air program. They want to focus on three main aspects: banning the sale of the so-called “kopciuchy”, that is, low-quality furnaces, creating quality standards for solid fuels, and introducing a support programme for poorer citizens.
So far, the government have succeeded with the first item on their checklist: the low-quality furnaces are no longer allowed. Next comes the elimination of the most detrimental fuels, particularly silt and flotoconcentrates. The last part of the scheme is thermo modernisation and refurbishment of residential buildings. Poorer households will receive up to 100% funding for it, while wealthier citizens can enjoy subsidised loans.
New Public Procurement Law
The changes to the public procurement law introduced in 2016 were the first step towards reforming it. Now it’s time for the next one.
We spend 170M PLN on public procurements each year. Thanks to them, the quality of life of the citizens constantly rises. Higher-quality public services, digitalisation of government agencies, or new research facilities are just a few examples of what that money can do.
That’s why it’s important that it is spent in the best way possible and in the most convenient way for each party involved. Here’re the changes the government plans to introduce.
The procurer will no longer have a privileged position. That means the contractors won’t have to accept unfavourable terms. They will also get more protection from the state. Moreover, the new regulation will support SMEs in the public procurement system. The ministry also plans to simplify the laws for procurement below value threshold.
