President Karol Nawrocki prepares second referendum on EU climate policy

Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced that he will submit a new request to the Senate for a nationwide referendum on the future of the European Union's climate policy. His first attempt, presented in May, was rejected by the Senate (32 votes in favor, 62 against) because the wording was deemed to contain a predetermined thesis. The president’s office says the referendum is needed to let citizens decide on issues such as the EU emissions‑trading system (ETS) and its impact on energy prices, living costs and industry.

Government spokesman Paweł Szefernaker criticised the European Commission’s recent ETS reform proposal, arguing that the €10 billion industry relief for the EU is far smaller than the estimated €13 billion loss Poland could face by 2034 from the phase‑out of free emission allowances. Opposition figures, including Senate vice‑marshal Magdalena Biejat and Solidarity leader Piotr Duda, have warned that the referendum is a political move aimed at weakening Poland’s EU ties. The Senate is expected to consider the new request in the coming days.