Regulatory/market assessment

摘要

1.Measures for screening foreign direct investment (FDI) have grown more restrictive in the EU, with economic and national-security concerns related to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic accelerating this trend. The EU introduced a new framework aimed at protecting strategic sectors, effective from October 2020. In March 2020 the European Commission recommended that the member states use screening mechanisms to deter predatory takeovers.2.New national legislation in Poland introduced a screening mechanism for FDI inflows coming from non-EU and non-OECD countries, effective from July 2020. Under the new rules, which will remain in place for the next two years, these foreign investments will be reviewed on the grounds of public security, order and health. The mechanism protects Polish companies with revenue of at least €10m (US$11.7m) that meet certain criteria.3.The new Employees' Capital Pension Schemes began a 16-month phase-in period in mid-2019, for firms employing at least 250 workers. A second phase (for firms with 50-249 workers) and third phase (for firms with 20-49 workers) were completed in November 2020. The fourth phase (for firms with fewer than 20 workers) was completed on January 1st 2021.4.A retail sales tax took effect on January 1st 2021, applying on monthly income exceeding Zl17m. Rates of 0.8％ and 1.4％ apply on monthly income up to and above Zl170m, respectively.5.For the 2020 tax year, Poland has two personal tax rates of 17％ and 32％; income of up to Zl85,528 is taxed at 17％ and income exceeding that amount is taxed at 32％. Some individuals (such as the self-employed) are assessed via a flat tax of 19％ if certain conditions are met.6.In January 2020 the UK exited the EU per the terms of a withdrawal agreement finalised in 2019. A transition period, during which the UK retained most aspects of EU membership including participation in the single market and customs union, concluded at end-2020.