Europe is facing the twin challenges of accelerating deindustrialization and a flood of Chinese imports, yet the continent remains paralyzed. According to Magdalena Zmitrowicz from Bank Millennium, the European market needs protection, but so far the EU has failed to act decisively.
The warnings are clear: Europe has closed too many production plants over the years, and now the consequences are beginning to show. Meanwhile, Chinese goods continue to pour into the European market, undercutting local manufacturers. Zmitrowicz pointed out that while Poland has many support instruments and programs to boost investments, the broader European picture is grim.
The silent crisis of deindustrialization
– Deindustrialisation in Europe is progressing, so we must invest to reverse it. Europe closed many production plants years ago and is now beginning to feel the effects. In Poland, however, I see many support instruments and programmes – we have a chance to stimulate investment and make a big leap – said Magdalena Zmitrowicz, member of the board of Bank Millennium, during the 18th European Economic Congress.
The expert stressed that protecting the European market is not a choice but a necessity. – We see after the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz what it means not to have access to fuel. We must diversify into all possible renewable sources and gas. The other side is protecting the European market – steel mills and production plants. What good are our excellent producers if we are flooded by products from China? The European market must be protected, absolutely – she added.
Energy independence as a matter of security
The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, which disrupted oil supplies, served as a stark reminder of Europe’s vulnerability. Zmitrowicz warned that without a diversified energy base and strong domestic production, the continent could find itself cut off during any future conflict.
– We cannot allow industry in Europe to disappear, and then become dependent on imports from the US, China or the Middle East. Because we see that when an armed conflict occurs, we are cut off from everything – she cautioned.
For Poland, the situation offers an opportunity. The country already has a range of financial instruments and programmes designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises and industrial modernisation. But the broader European framework must change if the continent is to maintain its industrial base and strategic autonomy.
Źródło: wnp.pl, Fot. wnp.pl
