Poland isn't Kuwait yet. Let's calm down our excitement about the oil discovery. And let's remember Germany.

The Canadian-Norwegian exploration company Central European Petroleum (CEP) announced the discovery of crude oil in the Polish part of the Baltic Sea, near Świnoujście.

"The discovery of oil and gas deposits in the Baltic Sea, just a few kilometers from Świnoujście, may come as a surprise. This is especially true considering that for years there has been speculation about the potential for raw material extraction in the Baltic Sea, but without any concrete results," commented Hanna Mojsiuk, president of the Northern Chamber of Commerce in Szczecin.

Poland is not yet the second Kuwait

He emphasizes that before we start calling Poland a second Kuwait, the deposits need to be checked.

- We need to know their resources, energy potential, commercial potential and, of course, what technology will be used to extract the raw materials and whether it will be done in a manner consistent with the nature of the place where the raw material was discovered - adds Hanna Mojsiuk.

In her opinion, if all the information provided by Central European Petroleum is confirmed, the West Pomeranian Voivodeship will be on the highway to economic progress and even more dynamic development.

"Oil and natural gas extraction will further draw the attention of potential energy sector investors to our region, and the economic use of the Baltic Sea basin will expand even further. It also creates new jobs and a huge opportunity for Polish companies to participate in the processes related to the operation of this oil and gas deposit," argues Hanna Mojsiuk.

He recalls that Central European Petroleum has announced its willingness to cooperate with Polish companies, which means that foreign investors see Polish companies as partners for cooperation on their projects.

"Offshore, onshore, and energy are our future. This news is therefore very important to us and could represent an economic and investment breakthrough," says Hanna Mojsiuk.

Difficult relations and doubts on the German side

He points out that the process of obtaining a cross-border environmental decision is necessary, which may be difficult due to the doubts of the German side related to almost all industrial investments taking place in Świnoujście.

"We're counting on a substantive discussion with our partners. Investments cannot be detrimental to the environment, so consultations with the local governments of Wolin, Świnoujście, and the Marshal's Office are crucial to ensure that industrial and energy investments don't backfire on our tourism. I don't see such a threat at this time, but we must do everything we can to minimize it," adds Hanna Mojsiuk.

He emphasizes that there is time for this, as it is estimated that extraction could only begin in 4 years.

"Let's use this time for development, regional promotion, expanded geological research, and social dialogue on this important topic. The voivodeship is getting another opportunity to develop in a segment that is important to it," concludes Hanna Mojsiuk.

Representatives of the German side have already spoken out regarding potential oil extraction on the Polish side.

- Oil and gas extraction is a business whose time is running out - said on Wednesday the spokesman for the German Ministry of the Environment in the context of the discovery of oil deposits in the waters off Wolin Island.