EU's commissioner meets unions over Gdynia, Gdansk, Szczecin shipyard restructuring

The European Commission said European Union (EU) Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes has met trade unions on behalf of workers at the Gdynia, Gdansk and Szczecin shipyards in Poland.

Kroes reiterated that restructuring plans due to be presented by the Polish government for the shipyards must ensure their long-term profitability, include adequate compensatory measures to limit the distortion of competition caused by the aid and be financed 'to a large extent' from the companies' own resources.

Kroes said that unless the plans to be presented by the Polish authorities comply in full with these requirements, she would have 'no option' but to recommend that the EU executive demand the repayment of aid.

Earlier this month, Polish Treasury Minister Aleksander Grad said he will formally submit a plan for the restructuring of the Gdynia and Gdansk shipyards to the commission by June 26.

He added that he would 'do his utmost' to present a plan for Szczecin shipyard within the same deadline.

Source: http://www.hemscott.com