Stéphane Séjourné visits the Baltic Industrial Group. Talks on the future of the European offshore industry

On February 6, 2025, Stéphane Séjourné, Vice President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, visited the facilities of the Baltic Industrial Group in Gdańsk. This visit was a significant stop on his path to announcing the "Clean Industrial Deal," the European Union's new industrial policy. Previously, Séjourné had toured key sectors across Europe, including the steel industry in Ghent (Belgium), the chemical industry in Milan (Italy), the battery sector in Romania, and the automotive industry in Stuttgart (Germany). The visit was attended by, among others, Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, Minister of Funds and Regional Policy; Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk; and Radosław Niedzielski, Acting President of the Industrial Development Agency S.A.

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08 february 2025   |   09:26   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Grupa Przemysłowa Baltic

fot. Grupa Przemysłowa Baltic

The delegation visited Ostrów Island, historically associated with the Gdańsk Shipyard, where they familiarized themselves with the activities of the Baltic Industrial Group and its facilities. The meeting took place at a crucial time for European industry and energy policy, coinciding with the European Commission’s announcement of the Competitiveness Compass—its flagship initiative aimed at driving a technological leap and boosting the European economy. One of its key pillars is building economic resilience and security.

Strengthening Europe’s industrial base

Participants emphasized that Europe’s economic transformation depends on technological sovereignty and the reconstruction of a strong industrial base. A prime example of this is the rapidly developing offshore wind energy market. In Poland, where the offshore wind energy program represents investments worth tens of billions of euros, there is a unique opportunity to build a strong and integrated supply chain. This will not only strengthen Polish industry but also play a crucial role in the European reindustrialization strategy.

- The energy transition, along with investments in renewable energy sources, is currently the greatest challenge for economic growth in our country. By leveraging the legacy of the Gdańsk Shipyard and its strategic location, the Industrial Development Agency S.A. is creating state-of-the-art production facilities capable of meeting the challenges facing Polish and European wind energy. The recent delivery of two power substations for Poland’s first offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea, as well as the construction of a factory for offshore wind towers, confirm that both the Baltic Industrial Group and Baltic Towers are among the top-tier suppliers for the Polish offshore sector, said Radosław Niedzielski, Acting President of the Industrial Development Agency S.A.

- Offshore wind energy is one of Europe’s most important infrastructure projects. We believe that Poland, with its industrial potential and strategic location, can become a key pillar of this initiative. It is a vast market where European companies should play a significant role as preferred suppliers. We are pleased with the European Commission’s openness to dialogue on these critical issues, said Adam Kowalski, President of the Baltic Industrial Group. He added, GPB draws on the long-standing traditions of the Polish shipbuilding industry, combining them with a modern approach to production and industrial development. We are steadily strengthening our position as a national and regional leader, aiming to maximize the involvement of European companies and resources in offshore wind projects, thereby supporting the development of local industry and Poland’s economic growth.

- The energy transition and Europe’s reindustrialization must go hand in hand. Investing in offshore wind energy is not only a matter of energy security but also an opportunity to rebuild European industry and enhance its global competitiveness. As the European Commission, we will support the efforts of Member States and industry to create conditions for greater integration of the European supply chain and maximize the participation of local companies in this strategic sector, commented Stéphane Séjourné, Vice President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy.

Stéphane Séjourné’s visit to the Baltic Industrial Group took place at a particularly significant moment, as Gdańsk hosted a meeting of the College of European Commissioners with the Polish government as part of Poland’s presidency of the EU Council.

Kamil Kusier
redaktor naczelny

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