Karol Maćkowiak
Facilitation of biogas plants: An overview of the most important changes in legislation
05.09.2024
environmental protection, already in force
We devoted the third article in our series on biogas plants to administrative decisions and other requirements for implementation of biogas projects. In this article, we present the most significant legislative amendments concerning biogas plants that came into effect last year.
Developing a biogas plant: From siting to operation from an environmental point of view
22.08.2024
environmental protection, already in force
In the second article in our series on biogas plants, we discussed the requirements for classification of biogas plants during the development process. This time we will take a look at the obligations that must be performed before such an installation can start operating.
The development process for a biogas plant
01.08.2024
environmental protection, already in force
Growth of agricultural biogas plants is an essential component of Poland’s energy transition. In the second article of our series on biogas plants, we present the most important aspects and pitfalls of the development process for these facilities.
Agricultural biogas in Poland: What you need to know in 2024
04.07.2024
environmental protection, already in force
The energy transition requires decisive actions in many sectors of the economy. This demands a legal framework enabling a shift away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources. In September 2023, regulations for agricultural biogas plants went into effect which are expected to finally unleash Poland’s biogas potential.
The end of greenwashing in the EU?
09.05.2024
environmental protection, ESG & sustainability, already in force
Nearly two years after publication of the European Commission’s proposal, the Greenwashing Directive came into force on 26 March 2024. The main objective of the changes is to protect consumers from deceptive commercial practices.
Q&A: Poland’s deposit-refund scheme
21.03.2024
environmental protection, already in force
Poland is relatively late in establishing a deposit-refund system for beverage containers. After many years of pronouncements by politicians, the act did not enter into force until 13 October 2023. Functioning of the scheme is set to launch on 1 January 2025, leaving little time for businesses to prepare. But questions remain whether the system will start working as the parliament expected on the designated date.
How could the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation change the economy?
21.03.2024
environmental protection, project
EU member states’ tardiness in implementing environmental directives has consequences. It has led to a proposal of an EU regulation on packaging and packaging waste, to harmonise the internal market and eliminate the overproduction of packaging waste in the European Union. This article discusses certain aspects of the proposal that could significantly affect both businesses and consumers.
New automotive emissions reduction targets: Which vehicles will they cover?
07.03.2024
automotive, environmental protection, project
The ambitious climate targets adopted by the European Union at the 21st United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015 (the Paris Agreement) require decisive action across many sectors of the economy. The automotive industry will not be spared, and will soon be subject to a series of new regulations.
Environmental aspects of real estate development: What will 2024 bring?
11.01.2024
environmental protection, real estate, already in force
The environment is a key element of real estate development and construction, and has a major impact on the duration of the process. In 2023, there was increased legislative activity in this area, but we will not know its real impact on the construction process until 2024.
Protecting the environment through criminal law: It is time for new provisions
14.12.2023
environmental protection, criminal, project
According to estimates by Interpol and the United Nations Environment Programme, environmental crime is the fourth-largest area of criminality in the world. Offences against the environment are also a major source of income for organised crime. Countering these phenomena requires developing a common approach at the European level.
A tax on combustion vehicles?
09.11.2023
environmental protection, automotive, project
According to Eurostat figures for 2021, Poland has become the EU leader in cars registered per 1,000 inhabitants, at 687. At the same time, 37% of cars registered in Poland are 10–20 years old, and more than 41% are over 20 years old. Should Poles fear the adoption of a tax on combustion-engine cars?
What is a commercial transaction?
21.09.2023
contract, creditor protection
The question might seem simple. The payment gridlock regulations (the EU’s Late Payment Directive and, in Poland, the Act on Combating Excessive Delays in Commercial Transactions) apply to commercial transactions. Although the regulations have been in force for more than a decade, in practice they still raise numerous doubts.