Warsaw Business Journal

24/01/2025

Steel & Sustainability: A Powerful Partnership 🌱

As ArcelorMittal Poland celebrates its 20th anniversary, CEO Wojciech Koszuta emphasizes steel’s key role in sustainability.

🔋Steel's Role in Renewable Energy: Steel powers wind turbines, solar panels, and rail infrastructure, helping customers lower their carbon footprint.

🚄 Revolutionizing Rail: ArcelorMittal Poland’s 120-meter-long rails enhance safety and support faster, more eco-friendly trains across Poland.

With a 42% reduction in CO₂ emissions and a goal of net-zero by 2050, steel is driving the green transition.

Marking ArcelorMittal’s 20TH anniversary in Poland, WBJ sits down with CEO Wojciech Koszuta to discuss the company’s forward-looking goals.

21/01/2025

Polish Businesses Gear Up for AI Act – But Are They Ready?

🚀 58% of Polish organizations are preparing for the upcoming AI Act, signaling a growing awareness of AI regulations, according to an EY survey.

⚖️ Key Deadlines: Provisions like bans on social scoring take effect in February 2025, urging companies to act now.

📊 AI Adoption Trends:

41%: Customer service & marketing
5%: Compliance (lagging due to data confidentiality & accuracy demands)

💡 Legal Readiness: 25% report strong knowledge of AI laws, a 5% increase y/y, but compliance remains a critical gap.

The clock is ticking – is your organization prepared for the AI Act?

Business 16:09 20 January 2025 Post by: WBJ 58% of Polish companies have started process of adapting to AI Act Source: Pexels

15/01/2025

🎉 Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence at ArcelorMittal Poland

ArcelorMittal Poland recently marked a major milestone: 20 years of innovation, dedication, and leadership in Poland's steel industry!

To commemorate this incredible achievement, a spectacular gala was held with employees, stakeholders, and special guests, including Lakshmi N. Mittal, Executive Chairman of ArcelorMittal, Geert Van Poelvoorde, CEO of ArcelorMittal Europe, and Marzena Czarnecka, Minister of Industry.

💬 "It has been a very successful 20 years. We’ve invested over 10.5 billion złoty to modernize and transform our plants, ensuring ArcelorMittal Poland remains a crown jewel in the steelmaking industry." – said Lakshmi N. Mittal

As we reflect on these two decades of growth, the commitment, passion, and spirit of ArcelorMittal Poland’s team are what will drive future success. Here's to the next 20 years of excellence!

A dazzling gala marked two decades of innovation and dedication in Poland's steel industry, bringing together employees, stakeholders, and distinguished guests, including Lakshmi N. Mittal, to honor past achievements and look ahead to a bright future.

08/01/2025

"The Polish housing market has matured considerably, with today’s clients prioritizing energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and smart home solutions." – Béranger Dumont

Read the entire interview, where Béranger Dumont of BPI Real Estate Poland reflects on:

🏡 15 Years of Growth: Since 2009, BPI Real Estate Poland has driven innovation in the Polish residential sector, blending sustainability with cutting-edge trends.

🌿 Sustainability at the Core: Client priorities now focus on energy-efficient, environmentally conscious, and smart living spaces.

🌟 PianoForte – A Jewel in Warsaw: Nestled near iconic green spaces like Łazienki Królewskie, this premium development marries urban vibrancy with tranquil luxury.

Read the interview with BPI Real Estate Poland: https://wbj.pl/bpi-real-estate-redefining-warsaws-premium-living/post/144438

03/01/2025

🌐 Boosting Innovation in Poland's Cybersecurity Sector

Exciting news for SMEs in Poland's cybersecurity industry! The Ministry of Digitization has announced funding opportunities of up to €1.8 million as part of the "Digital Europe" program.

🔹 Focus areas: Supporting product and service development, enhancing brand visibility, and achieving certifications.
🔹 Applications: Expected to open between Q1–Q2 this year.
🔹 Facilitators: Managed by the Centre for Digital Poland Projects and the National Cybersecurity Competence Centre.

This initiative, backed by EU and national budgets, is designed to drive innovation and strengthen Poland's cybersecurity capabilities. As Deputy Minister Paweł Olszewski highlights, empowering SMEs plays a vital role in fostering a more innovative economy.

Business Technology 22:12 2 January 2025 Post by: WBJ MC: SMEs may benefit from €1.8 mln to support cybersecurity Source: Pexels

30/12/2024

📊 Polish companies prioritize digital transformation, with poor results

While 84% of Polish companies emphasize digital transformation, only 40% have achieved basic technology adoption—significantly below the EU average of 55%, according to the World Bank.

“Digital skills are essential across all areas, not just IT,” says Joanna Mihułka-Petru, CEO of Altkom Academy. Gaps in data analysis, digital sales, and advanced financial tools hinder progress, leaving many businesses struggling to keep up.

The EY Digital Transformation 2024 report highlights where tech adoption has made the most impact:
✔️ Customer service (47%)
✔️ Sales (43%)
✔️ Logistics (36%)

Polish firms must close the gap to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. 🚀

Despite 84 percent of Polish companies prioritizing digital transformation, only 40 percent have achieved basic technology adoption, compared to the EU average of 55 percent.

27/12/2024

🏙️ By extending the city center to the coastline for the first time, Vastint's Waterfront project reconnects Gdynia to its roots as a harbor city while offering new opportunities for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.

"Waterfront is where the fresh sea breeze meets the buzz of business activity, reconnecting Gdynia to its maritime roots while shaping its future." — Janusz Tybuszewski, Vastint’s Project Manager. 🌊

⚓ The development strikes a balance between honoring Gdynia’s rich maritime history and embracing modern growth. Once a small fishing village, Gdynia rapidly grew into a pre-WWII harbor powerhouse, a legacy the project proudly builds upon.

📍 The Waterfront project is transforming Gdynia’s neglected industrial land into a vibrant, modern quarter. It integrates residential, office, cultural, and leisure spaces to create a dynamic urban environment.

Read the interview with Janusz Tybuszewski, Vastint’s Project: https://wbj.pl/from-harbor-to-hub-the-transformation-of-gdynias-waterfront/post/144436

19/12/2024

📊 Mergers & Acquisitions: Key Insights from EY Survey 💼

A recent EY survey reveals that 56% of companies pursue mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to drive growth, with 73% considering acquisitions a core part of their long-term strategy. Other major drivers include:

- Increasing market share (40%)
- Scaling operations & revenue (38%)
- Acquiring customer portfolios (36%)
- Gaining new technologies (33%)

On the flip side, companies selling their businesses often cite strategic realignment (30%) and funding new goals (26%) as key reasons. Notably, 98% of buyers and 90% of sellers reported satisfaction with their M&A deals.

A positive outlook for growth and strategy through M&A 📈

&A

Business 21:06 18 December 2024 Post by: WBJ Survey: for 56% of companies, mergers and acquisitions a path to development Source: Pexels

17/12/2024

Celebrating 20 Years of ArcelorMittal Poland: A Story of Steel, Innovation, and Sustainability!

"Steel isn’t just a material—it’s the fabric of life, from the bikes we ride to the wind turbines powering our future."

Sanjay Samaddar, Country Head Poland and until recently long-time CEO of ArcelorMittal Poland, calls the company his “third child,” reflecting on 19 years of leadership and transformation.

Over the last two decades, ArcelorMittal Poland has invested PLN 10.5 billion into modernizing its six facilities, cutting CO₂ emissions by 42% and dust emissions by 90%. Through automation, AI, and cutting-edge Industry 4.0 tech, they’re forging a cleaner, smarter future for steelmaking.

Snapshot of ArcelorMittal in Poland:

🔷 Leader in Polish industry and the 2nd largest foreign investor
🔷 Over 9,000 passionate employees, some spanning generations
🔷 Decarbonization goals driving the shift toward cleaner energy

Steel shapes our lives and powers economies. With new technologies and innovation, ArcelorMittal Poland is building a future we can all be proud of.

"Without steel, there is no sustainability."

Read the interview with Sanjay Samaddar, published in the latest issue of Warsaw Business Journal. (link in comments)

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13/12/2024

📢 The December-January issue of Warsaw Business Journal is out!

📰 What’s inside?

Exclusive interview with Sanjay Samaddar, Chairman of ArcelorMittal, on the company’s 20-year dominance in the steel industry.

Insights from top industry leaders: Jerzy Tymofiejew (Rex Concepts CEE), Janusz Wojtas (Trasti), Janusz Tybuszewski (Vastint), and Béranger Dumont (BPI Real Estate Poland).

🔍 2024 Roundup Highlights:

🔷 Poland’s impressive economic recovery, but with persistent inflation and demographic challenges.
🔷 A shifting foreign investor landscape amid geopolitical uncertainty.
🔷 Real estate: mixed signals with return-to-office policies boosting investor confidence, while construction faces a slowdown.
🔷 The first year of the Civic Coalition government: major changes in state-owned enterprises—what’s the impact?

💡 In Tech: Explore the effects of the digital age on children’s social skills.

♟️ Special Feature: Garry Kasparov, chess legend, profiled ahead of CEEQA 2025.

📰 Plus all the usual: news roundup, key figures explained, expert opinions, and top industry events.

🕊️ A heartfelt profile of our dearly departed colleague Ewa Boniecka.

🔗 Don’t miss out—grab your copy and enjoy the read!

11/12/2024

Another major step in Poland’s energy future! 🇵🇱⚛️

Poland’s first nuclear power plant in Lubiatowo-Kopalino just gained momentum with Export Development Canada (EDC) expressing interest in financing nearly PLN 6 billion ($1.45 billion). 🌍💰

This adds to the PLN 75 billion pledged by U.S. partners like the Export-Import Bank and International Development Finance Corporation.

Using Westinghouse AP1000 technology, the 3,750 MWe plant is a major step in Poland’s energy transition, with construction starting in 2028 and the first reactor set to power up by 2035. 🔋

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05/12/2024

✈️ A Year of Breaking Records for Polish Airports! 🇵🇱

Poland’s aviation sector is soaring to new heights in 2024:
✨ Kraków Airport surpassed 10 million passengers
✨ Wrocław Airport welcomed over 4 million
✨ Rzeszów Airport broke 1 million for the first time
✨ Warsaw Chopin Airport is about to greet its 20 millionth passenger

By year-end, Polish airports are expected to handle nearly 57 million passengers, a 5 million increase from 2023, according to Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak.

Major investments are on the horizon, including:
🚀 Expansion at Chopin Airport to accommodate 30 million passengers annually by 2029
🚀 A new runway at Modlin Airport
🚀 Improved rail connections and safety measures

Poland is positioning itself as a hub for modern, efficient, and secure air travel. 🌍 Ready for takeoff? 🛫

Polish airports are expected to handle nearly 57 million passengers by the end of 2024, marking a 5 million increase from last year, Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak announced Tuesday. This milestone reflects strong growth in the aviation sector, with airports like Kraków surpassing 10 mill...

04/12/2024

Do you want to be hired by AI?

A recent Pracuj.pl survey shows how AI is reshaping recruitment in Poland:

📄 31% of workers have used AI to create CVs.
💼 61% appreciate AI-driven job recommendations tailored to their experience.
🧐 However, only 24% support AI autonomously selecting candidates, with 41% expressing concerns and preferring human oversight.

🔍 Key Trends:

38% support AI-recommended candidates, but recruiters should make the final call.
Automated job-matching is especially popular among women (67% vs. 55% of men).
57% value auto-filled CVs using recruitment portal data, but opinions are divided on using broader online data (37% positive, 28% negative).

Conducted by ARC Rynek i Opinia (March 2024), the study surveyed 2,059 Poles aged 18–65.

A Pracuj.pl survey reveals that 31% of Polish workers used AI for CV creation, and 61% appreciated AI-driven job recommendations based on professional experience. However, only 24% support AI autonomously selecting candidates, while 41% express concerns about such decisions, favoring human oversight...

04/12/2024

Do you want to be hired by AI?

A recent Pracuj.pl survey shows how AI is reshaping recruitment in Poland:

📄 31% of workers have used AI to create CVs.

💼 61% appreciate AI-driven job recommendations tailored to their experience.

🧐 However, only 24% support AI autonomously selecting candidates, with 41% expressing concerns and preferring human oversight.

🔍 Key Trends:

38% support AI-recommended candidates, but recruiters should make the final call.

Automated job-matching is especially popular among women (67% vs. 55% of men).

57% value auto-filled CVs using recruitment portal data, but opinions are divided on using broader online data (37% positive, 28% negative).
Conducted by ARC Rynek i Opinia (March 2024), the study surveyed 2,059 Poles aged 18–65.

A Pracuj.pl survey reveals that 31% of Polish workers used AI for CV creation, and 61% appreciated AI-driven job recommendations based on professional experience. However, only 24% support AI autonomously selecting candidates, while 41% express concerns about such decisions, favoring human oversight...

28/11/2024

🏙️ Top deal of 2024: Ghelamco sells Warsaw UNIT to Eastnine for EUR 280 million! 💼

In what marks the largest office transaction in Europe for 2024, Ghelamco has sold the Warsaw UNIT skyscraper to Swedish real estate firm Eastnine for EUR 280 million (over PLN 1.2 billion). The fully leased building, located in central Warsaw, hosts top tenants like Warta, Moderna, CBRE, Amazon, and Imperial To***co.

Rafal Gierczak, Asset Management Director at Ghelamco Poland, emphasized that the sale reflects investor confidence in high-quality, ESG-compliant assets in prime locations.

Eastnine’s CEO, Kestutis Sasnauskas, described the deal as a milestone, with Poland now comprising over 50% of their portfolio. Eastnine, listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, focuses on sustainable office properties in the Baltics and Poland.

Ghelamco has sold the Warsaw UNIT skyscraper to Swedish real estate firm Eastnine for EUR 280 million (over PLN 1.2 billion), marking 2024’s largest office transaction in Europe. The fully leased building, located in central Warsaw, counts Warta, Moderna, CBRE, Amazon, and Imperial To***co among i...

28/11/2024

Christmas Eve bank holiday approved from 2025

The Sejm has passed an amendment to the Act on non-working days, making Christmas Eve a mandatory day off starting next year! This change provides a much-needed break for all employees, including retail workers, who previously worked until 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Additionally, the amendment designates the three Sundays before Christmas Eve as commercial days, allowing retail businesses to operate.

The vote was strong with 403 in favor, 10 against, and 12 abstentions. While earlier proposals to make this change for 2024 were rejected, this new legislation will come into effect in 2025.

This amendment supports both workers' well-being and the retail sector’s operational needs in the lead-up to Christmas.

The Sejm has approved an amendment to the Act on non-working days, making Christmas Eve a statutory day off from work starting next year. The amendment also designates the three Sundays preceding Christmas Eve as commercial days, allowing retail businesses to operate.

26/11/2024

📈 Salaries surge, but employment declines 💼

In October 2024, the average gross salary in the enterprise sector reached PLN 8,316.57, marking a 10.2% increase compared to October 2023 and a 2.2% jump from the previous month. The month-on-month boost comes from bonuses, awards, and overtime pay, according to GUS.

However, while paychecks grow, employment falters:

- A 0.5% year-on-year decline in enterprise sector jobs.
- A 0.1% dip compared to September 2024.

This data reflects businesses with 10+ employees, offering a snapshot of the workforce amid economic shifts. Are wage increases enough to offset declining employment?

In October 2024, the average gross salary in the enterprise sector was PLN 8,316.57, a 10.2% increase compared to October 2023, and a 2.2% rise from the previous month, according to the Central Statistical Office (GUS). The monthly increase was mainly driven by bonuses, awards, and overtime pay. How...

22/11/2024

🛍️ Black Friday & Cyber Monday in Poland: Fading Hype or Changing Habits? 📉

According to the latest Payback study, Polish shoppers are showing a slight dip in enthusiasm for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Only 37% plan to shop this year, down 2 percentage points from 2022, with over 54% still undecided.

But the way consumers spend is evolving:

📂 Top categories: Clothing and shoes (40%), electronics (35%), and cosmetics (26%) still dominate.
💸 Shifting budgets:
- More shoppers (26%) plan to spend PLN 301–500 (up from 23% last year).
- Fewer are aiming for splurges over PLN 800 (down from 22% to 17%).

Interestingly, 23% remain undecided about their budgets, signaling caution in an uncertain economic climate.

These insights, gathered from 562 participants aged 18–65, reflect changing consumer behavior during seasonal sales. Are shoppers more mindful, or is the Black Friday buzz wearing off?

The Payback study reveals a slight drop in interest among Polish shoppers for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with only 37% planning purchases, down 2 percentage points from last year. Meanwhile, over 54% remain undecided.