What is Fit for 55 and how does it affect Polish industry?

The Fit for 55 package includes amendments to existing legislation as well as new regulations. The most important legal acts are:

• EU ETS reform – expansion of the EU Emissions Trading System to additional sectors and gradual reduction of free emission allowances,
• Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) – increasing the EU's renewable energy target to 42.5% by 2030,
• Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) – imposing stricter requirements for energy consumption reduction,
• CBAM mechanism – gradual introduction of CO₂ charges on imported goods from countries outside the ETS system,
• New emission standards for vehicles – a ban on the sale of new combustion engine cars starting in 2035,
• Energy Taxation Directive (ETD) – reform of the energy taxation system to promote low-emission energy sources.

The Fit for 55 package includes a range of reforms aimed at accelerating decarbonization across various economic sectors. A key component is the reform of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), which involves gradually reducing the number of free allowances and extending the system to new sectors such as maritime transport and construction. A new ETS II system is also being introduced, covering road transport and buildings, meaning that entities operating in these areas will incur additional CO₂-related costs.

An important element of the package is also the CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism), which imposes additional fees on high-emission goods imported into the EU, such as cement, steel, and aluminum. Its goal is to ensure a level playing field between EU producers subject to the ETS system and companies from outside the EU that are not bound by such strict emission regulations.

Fit for 55 also introduces ambitious energy transition targets. The amendment to the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) sets a goal for at least 42.5% of energy consumed in the EU to come from renewables by 2030. Combined with new requirements under the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), which imposes stricter energy consumption limits, companies will need to implement more efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.

Additionally, the Fit for 55 package introduces new emission standards for vehicles, meaning that from 2035 onward, new combustion engine vehicles will no longer be sold in the EU. This is a step toward electrifying transport and reducing emissions from mobility. Another important element of the reform is the new Energy Taxation Directive (ETD), aimed at restructuring the tax system to favor low-emission energy sources and limit the financing of fossil fuels.

Emission reduction and improved air quality

One of the main goals of Fit for 55 is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. This reduction not only supports climate goals but also improves air quality across EU countries. Sectors such as energy, transport, and industry will have to gradually move away from fossil fuels and adopt cleaner technologies, leading to reduced smog and air pollution.

Increased investment in renewables and new technologies

Fit for 55 puts more pressure on the development of renewable energy sources, as the RED III directive sets a target of at least 42.5% renewables in the EU's energy mix by 2030. Businesses and member states will need to accelerate investments in wind farms, photovoltaics, energy storage technologies, and hydrogen solutions. The growing interest in low-emission technologies creates new opportunities for companies in the energy sector and for producers of modern energy systems, potentially boosting innovation and creating new jobs.

Increased energy independence of the european union

The energy transition driven by Fit for 55 can reduce the EU’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, especially natural gas, coal, and crude oil. Recent years have shown how disruptive unstable raw material supplies and price volatility can be for European economies. Diversifying energy sources, developing renewables, and promoting energy efficiency will help EU countries reduce vulnerability to fuel market disruptions and mitigate geopolitical risks linked to energy imports.

Competitive advantage for companies implementing green solutions

Companies that quickly adapt to the new requirements and implement innovative, low-emission technologies can gain a competitive edge in both European and global markets. Fit for 55 stimulates the green tech sector and rewards businesses that invest in energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction. Thanks to new regulations, EU companies will be able to offer more sustainable products and services, which may increase their appeal to customers and investors in the long term.

Financial support and new assistance mechanisms

The implementation of Fit for 55 comes with the launch of numerous EU funds and support mechanisms to help businesses comply with new regulations. The EU is allocating resources for energy transition, which companies can use to modernize infrastructure, improve energy efficiency, or implement low-emission technologies. For many businesses, access to such funding may be a catalyst for growth and increased competitiveness.

New jobs in sectors linked to the green economy

The energy transition accelerated by Fit for 55 creates new job opportunities in green economy sectors. Growing investments in renewables, energy infrastructure modernization, and new technologies will increase demand for specialists in energy engineering, automation, energy management, and the circular economy. The shift to a more sustainable economic model may also stimulate local supply chains and lead to job creation across various European regions.

Strengthening the position of european companies on global markets

Fit for 55 may also strengthen the position of European companies in international markets. Demand is rising globally for sustainable, low-carbon products and services, giving European businesses a chance to become leaders in this space. By adapting early to strict emissions regulations, EU-based companies can gain an advantage over non-EU competitors that are only beginning to implement similar changes.

One of the disadvantages of the program is the high cost of implementation, particularly for energy-intensive industries that must invest in new technologies. Despite the phased introduction of CBAM, there is also a risk of production relocating outside the EU to countries with less stringent regulations, which could harm the competitiveness of European businesses.

Additionally, insufficient financial support for all sectors, especially those with high emissions, may result in difficulties adapting to the new regulations. The complexity of the legislation and reporting requirements may lead to errors and delays in implementation. Finally, uneven transition progress across EU member states could weaken the coherence of climate policy, and lack of access to adequate technologies may hinder the achievement of targets. Ultimately, the package may raise production costs, affecting the global competitiveness of European industry.

The Fit for 55 package presents a significant challenge for Polish industrial companies, especially in energy-intensive sectors such as metallurgy, cement, chemicals, and paper. It affects them mainly through:

• higher energy costs – the gradual phase-out of free CO₂ allowances and rising fossil-fuel-based electricity prices will increase company expenses,
• the need to invest in decarbonization – businesses will need to implement energy efficiency improvements and switch to lower-emission energy sources,
• CBAM as protection, EU ETS as a challenge – these mechanisms protect EU producers from external competition but also increase the costs of emission reductions,
• opportunities for financial support – companies can benefit from EU funds to invest in renewables and energy efficiency, reducing the cost of compliance with new regulations.

The Fit for 55 package is a key element of the EU's strategy toward climate neutrality by 2050. While it offers significant benefits, such as support for green technologies and promoting the energy transition, its implementation poses serious challenges. High investment costs, the risk of production shifting outside the EU, and the complexity of regulations may present major obstacles, particularly for industrial companies needing to adapt their processes to meet new standards.