The European Commission applauded Poland's decision to allow two historic shipyards to be sold, which would end an era of "disproportionate" subsidies.

Poland stands to recover millions of euros in state aid made to the shipyards at Szczecin and Gdynia, Euronews.net reported.

But, Neelie Kroes, European Commissioner for Competition said the plan will also "maximize opportunities for viable economic activity to continue at those sites."

"Even more important," he said, the plan would end "the disproportionate distortion of competition caused by the huge subsidies received by those shipyards in recent years."

Union leaders in Poland have demanded to meet with government officials. The government said up to 60,000 jobs could be at risk at the shipyards and in complementary businesses.