Tobiasz Bocheński Challenges EU Commission on Regulatory Burdens Threatening Polish Industry and SMEs Competitiveness

Regulatory Overload Hits Polish Industry and SMEs Hard

Tobiasz Bocheński (ECR) raises an alarm about the growing weight of new EU climate and reporting rules on Polish industry, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). His query directly targets the European Commission, suggesting these regulations risk throttling investments, pushing companies to shrink operations, or even move production outside the EU. Polish energy-intensive sectors and heavy industries are spotlighted as particularly vulnerable, hinting at tensions between environmental goals and industrial competitiveness.

A Question to the European Commission

This parliamentary question, submitted on 17 September 2025, presses the Commission for clarity regarding the combined effects of regulatory measures such as CBAM, CSRD, ESG taxonomy, BAT, and sustainability reporting. It also probes the possibility of easing or delaying obligations for smaller Polish companies lacking the resources of their large Western counterparts.

Concrete Proposals or Declarative Commitments?

In reply dated 21 November 2025, Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis states the Commission has taken steps to ease administrative burdens, including stress tests on legislations and a reinforced competitiveness check. Ambitious targets include cutting administrative costs by 25% overall and 35% for SMEs, aiming to save €37.5 billion by the end of the current mandate. Six omnibus proposals with concrete cost-saving measures are under negotiation, featuring specific relief for SMEs.

The policies emphasize reducing administrative costs as an essential competitiveness strategy, revealing a delicate balance between upholding environmental standards and alleviating industry pressures. The approach seems to prioritize burden reduction for SMEs while maintaining strong regulatory environmental commitments.

Stakeholders in the Regulatory Crossfire

Polish SMEs face potential relief yet must still meet complex new rules, balancing operational costs with compliance. Larger industry players might benefit from streamlined regulations but remain impacted by ambitious environmental targets. EU taxpayers and regulators focus on maintaining environmental goals without stifling growth. Conversely, Polish heavy industry risks investment cutbacks or relocation if regulatory burdens remain high.

Looking Ahead

The Commission’s response signals upcoming detailed policy actions, with the co-legislators actively negotiating relief measures. The quest for reducing regulatory burdens may soon yield concrete legislative steps, likely influencing the competitiveness and sustainability strategies of Poland's industrial base.