The Polish government is preparing a restructuring plan for Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa (JSW), the largest producer of coking coal in the European Union. The company has been facing significant financial difficulties due to rising energy costs, falling coking coal prices, and competition from cheaper imported steel. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the government will present a plan in the near future to rescue the company, which will include specific measures such as cost optimization and funding for voluntary staff reduction programs.
The plan may also involve possible wage cuts, and the prime minister has not ruled out the possibility of the Polish defense industry participating in the transformation of the company. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Poland has been investing in the modernization of its army and defense sector, and Tusk believes that the defense industry could play a positive role in JSW’s activities. This could potentially create new opportunities for industrial cooperation in Silesia, where coal and metallurgical production is traditionally concentrated.
The future of JSW, which is a significant player in the EU’s coking coal market, may be linked to its integration into Poland’s defense-industrial complex. The company recently announced the start of preparatory work for a large-scale business restructuring, aiming to improve its difficult liquidity situation and ensure financial stability in the short and medium term. The management board’s decision, made on October 11, 2025, is a crucial step towards securing the company’s future.
The restructuring plan is expected to be presented soon, and it will be crucial in determining the future of JSW. The company’s financial difficulties have been exacerbated by the current market conditions, and the government’s intervention is seen as a necessary step to prevent the company’s collapse. The potential involvement of the defense industry in JSW’s transformation could provide a new direction for the company and create new opportunities for growth and development. However, the success of the plan will depend on various factors, including the company’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions and the government’s commitment to supporting the restructuring process.