ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY: A PROFILE OF POLAND

In recent years, Polish environmental policy has been able to establish a system of economic instruments which raises substantial revenue for environmental investment. The contribution of environmental and resource charges to environmental funds subsidises a number of environmental programmes which are of great importance in the transition period. The concept of specialized environmental funds operating with money restricted to environmental investment has been very effective so far. The Polish experience to date is examined and it is suggested that although experience has been generally positive, some improvements to the present system are required. These should include the revision of poorly monitored emission charges and the introduction of product charges and marketable emission permits. The importance of the Polish experience to the rest of Europe is assessed.