Thousands of Polish workers and farmers protested in Gdańsk against the EU’s Green Deal, calling it harmful to national industries. “We will not allow this!” declared union leader Piotr Duda.
Jesteśmy na antyunijnym proteście w Gdańsku:
— Robert Bąkiewicz (@RBakiewicz) February 7, 2025
🔴 nie dla zielonego ładu!
🔴 nie dla paktu migracyjnego!#NieDlaZielonegoŁadu #NieDlaPaktuMigracyjnego#Polexit pic.twitter.com/9nrDEaD51V
Mass Demonstrations in Gdańsk Against European Policies
On February 6th, as the European Commission gathered in Gdańsk for high-level meetings, thousands of Polish workers and farmers took to the streets in protest. Organized by NSZZ “Solidarność,” the demonstration united representatives from various industries, including miners, steelworkers, and railway employees. The main grievance? The EU’s Green Deal, which protesters claim threatens Polish industries and jobs. Piotr Duda, the head of “Solidarność,” delivered a fiery speech, calling the European Commission “harmful” and accusing them of seeking to undermine Poland’s economic sovereignty. “The Green Deal will affect every family, every citizen, especially in Poland, because we have our own coal, we can heat our homes. The EU wants to close our coal mines. Why? To impose their policies on us. We will not allow this!” he declared.
Political Shifts and Growing Resistance to EU Regulations
The protest also highlighted a shift in political attitudes, with increasing calls for a revision of EU climate policies. Duda referenced a global change in sentiment following Donald Trump’s recent return to office. “Since January 20th, things have changed. Even in Brussels, many officials now admit that the Green Deal must be revised, that we cannot rush it. Even Tusk admits it harms the Polish economy. He finally discovered America!” he stated sarcastically. The growing resistance reflects broader frustrations with EU policies, seen by many in Poland as disproportionately favoring Western European economies. As tensions rise, Poland’s government and workers appear determined to push back against regulations they see as damaging to national interests.