Poland will likely receive substantial aid from the EUR 72-billion Social Climate Fund, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, “and this is not the only support it will receive,” she added.

According to the Dziennik Gazeta Prawna (DGP) daily, the European Commission has put forward the Fit for 55 package, which aims to bring the European Union closer to realising its climate goals.

The purpose is to revise the EU’s 2030 climate and energy laws to convey the 55% net emissions reduction target that the EU set for 2030. Asked whether the Fit for 55 package may result in protests against the European Green Deal, Ms Von der Leyen said to avoid any unrest, the EC first planned to introduce the Social Climate Fund.

The objective is to reduce electricity bills for small businesses and low-income households, help people finance the purchase of a ‘cleaner’ vehicle and install zero-emission heating systems.

When asked by DGP as to how everyone will be able to afford an electric vehicle, not just the wealthiest, Ms Von der Leyen added: “We have nine major car producers that have already announced that they will only produce emission vehicles by 2035 or sooner. The more ‘clean’ models come on the market, the more prices will fall. And we will invest in charging infrastructure.”

Moreover, in reference to a growth strategy within the European Green Deal, the EC president said it would generate new jobs, reduce emissions and bolster natural environment protection. "We must do this in a fair and socially just way," she stated.

The EC chief continued: “The European Green Deal will become a source of wealth and opportunities for Poland as well. We are investing billions in the creativity and innovation of companies. This could create 1 million green jobs in the EU by 2030 and 2 million green jobs by 2050. There is no doubt: there will be a huge demand worldwide for pioneering technologies developed and implemented in Europe.”