Germany, the largest economy in the EU, is not planning to open its labor market to Poles as of May 1 as previously anticipated.

Poland will have to wait two more years - until the middle of 2011 - as German Chancellor Angela Merkel fears the economic crisis. In line with the accession treaty, each of the 'old' EU countries could keep the ban on employment for new member states for five years since expanding the EU.

However, Germany believes that the crisis has created an extraordinary situation, and will use this argument to justify its decision in front of the European Commission. "We already received an unofficial signal from Berlin that the German labor market will remain closed for Poles," said Chantal Hughes, EC spokesperson for employment.

According to some politicians, this situation could negatively affect Polish-German relations, and is likely to see the Polish government intervene with EU authorities.

Source: Dziennik (M.M.)