TikTok Shop launches in Poland; EU nations divided on China tech and climate policy

TikTok Shop is set to launch in Poland on June 15, intensifying competition in the country's e-commerce market. The platform aims to attract sellers with low commissions and customers with a generous 30-day return policy, potentially disrupting established players like Allegro. Experts note that TikTok's significant user base in Poland could shift market dynamics, especially as the European Union prepares to reinstate customs duties on small shipments from China.

Meanwhile, Poland is leading a coalition of Central and Eastern European nations, including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece, in opposing the European Commission's proposed reduction of free CO2 emission allowances for industry. These countries advocate for freezing the number of free allowances at last year's level, countering Brussels' plan for a slower phase-out of the support system. However, countries like Spain and Sweden express concerns that these changes could weaken the EU's climate policy.

In a separate development, Germany and Spain are resisting EU plans to designate Huawei and ZTE as high-risk suppliers in telecommunications infrastructure. German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche warned that aggressive actions against China could harm European exports, particularly for German companies heavily reliant on the Chinese market. This dispute highlights the EU's ongoing struggle to form a cohesive policy on economic engagement with Beijing.