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Poland concerned about rising protectionism in Europe after Macron win

PR dla Zagranicy
Roberto Galea 13.06.2017 12:44
Poland has warned against rising protectionism in Europe following a decisive victory for French President Emmanuel Macron's party in the first round of parliamentary elections.
Polish President Andrzej Duda (L) with French President Emmanuel Macron. Photo: KPRPPolish President Andrzej Duda (L) with French President Emmanuel Macron. Photo: KPRP

Macron has called for a “protection agenda” for the European Union that includes a "Buy European Act" and regulations to prevent strategic companies from falling into non-European hands.

Konrad Szymański, Poland's deputy foreign minister in charge of European affairs, told reporters in Berlin on Monday that other EU governments might adopt a more protectionist stance to support Macron.

“The future development of the EU's single market is causing the biggest concerns for us,” Szymański said.

“We do not want to pay the price for the Macron victory,” he added, referring to a debate in EU countries that governments should fight back against rising populism by making concessions on the openness of markets.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said last month she was open to Macron's proposal to create a level playing field between EU countries and other international trade partners.

Szymański told the Polish Press Agency that his talks with German government officials focused on energy and climate policies.

He added that his visit was a step towards discussing “difficult matters in bilateral consultations” as was agreed during recent talks between Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydło and Merkel. (mk/pk)

Source: Reuters, PAP

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