During the ongoing discussions in the EP committees on the priorities of the Polish Presidency, MEPs from the EP Committee on Transport (TRAN) questioned Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak and Secretary of State at the Ministry of Sport and Tourism Piotr Borys about the most important tasks in the area of transport. PiS MEP Kosma Złotowski spoke during the debate.
Addressing Minister Klimczak, Kosma Złotowski referred to the issue of multimodal transport that the minister had mentioned. “Multimodal transport is the best way to reduce costs and protect the environment. Investments of this kind are a priority in all policy documents adopted by the European Commission,” the MEP emphasized, noting that “at the same time, Poland is abandoning such projects.” In this context, Złotowski cited the example of the Bydgoszcz region, where an investment in an intermodal terminal in Emilianów was abandoned, as well as the high-profile case of the postponement of the investment in Małaszewicze. “Why does the Ministry of Infrastructure—contrary to EU logic and, of course, contrary to the policy that the presidency presumably also advocates—refuse to invest in environmentally friendly, modern intermodal terminals?” the MEP asked.
The PiS MEP also raised the issue of a shortage of parking spaces. As he explained, according to the law, drivers should have access to “decent” parking spaces that are safe for their cargo, but also for themselves, where they could take a shower and get proper rest. “There are very few such places in Europe, and it’s impossible to tackle this problem without state or European funding,” Złotowski emphasized, asking, “whether the presidency has any ideas on how to address this and how to begin this fight for decent working conditions for drivers,” because “unfortunately, as of today, there are so few such parking areas across Europe that you can count them on the fingers of two hands.”
Responding to MEP Kosma Złotowski’s question, Minister Klimczak stated evasively that multimodal transport “is an extremely important issue,” but that it is a topic “that can be discussed in Poland.” “Our government certainly approaches this issue with goodwill and great commitment,” the Polish minister stated. He also emphasized that “the issue of parking lot safety in Europe is a universal one” and that everyone who travels across Europe knows there is much room for improvement in this area. “We are aware of this problem, and member states are obligated to address this issue,” he added.
