Two decisions will be made next week on European funds for Poland, releasing up to EUR 137 billion from the Cohesion Fund and the Reconstruction Fund, European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen has announced.
On Friday, the EC head met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo in Warsaw. The three officials held a joint press conference afterwards.
The EU froze the money due to concerns over the rule of law issues dating back to the previous Law and Justice (PiS) government.
“I am pleased with the action plan you introduced to the member states. It is a very strong statement, a clear roadmap for Poland. Your efforts are determined and are based on the reforms you have launched, as well as the steps you have taken regarding judicial independence,” von der Leyen said, referring to PM Tusk.
“It’s a ton of money; we will use it well,” the Polish Prime Minister said.
EU funds overview
Poland will gain access to around EUR 60 billion in funds designed to help countries bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic and transition away from fossil fuels.
Warsaw will also be able to tap into around EUR 76.5 billion in cohesion funds designed to help raise living standards in the European Union’s poorest member states.
The degree to which EU member states have received funds from the EUR 800 billion Reconstruction Fund varies widely. Some countries have received most of their pot of money. An example is Italy, which has received more than EUR 100 billion in grants and loans. There are also countries – Sweden, Ireland and the Netherlands – into whose accounts Brussels has not yet transferred a single euro.
The EU froze the money due to concerns over the rule of law issues dating back to the previous Law and Justice (PiS) government.
“I am pleased with the action plan you introduced to the member states. It is a very strong statement, a clear roadmap for Poland. Your efforts are determined and are based on the reforms you have launched, as well as the steps you have taken regarding judicial independence,” von der Leyen said, referring to PM Tusk.
She added that EUR 1.4 billion will be directly available to Polish farmers to help them modernize production and enter new markets.We are impressed by Poland’s efforts to restore the Rule of Law as the backbone of its society.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 23, 2024
These efforts are decisive.
Next week the @EU_Commission will table decisions on EU funds freeing up to €137 billion for Poland ↓ https://t.co/9fMlkgLOd1
The EC head reminded that the Common Agricultural Policy provides EUR 22 billion for Polish farmers and announced “more funds in the future.”Europe supports Polish farmers.#NextGenEU makes €1.4 billion available directly to local producers in Poland.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 23, 2024
More will come.
We also support the increase of Ukrainian exports via the Black Sea, towards the world, to relieve your land border. pic.twitter.com/rwv2ygiJyJ
“It’s a ton of money; we will use it well,” the Polish Prime Minister said.
EU funds overview
Poland will gain access to around EUR 60 billion in funds designed to help countries bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic and transition away from fossil fuels.
Warsaw will also be able to tap into around EUR 76.5 billion in cohesion funds designed to help raise living standards in the European Union’s poorest member states.
The degree to which EU member states have received funds from the EUR 800 billion Reconstruction Fund varies widely. Some countries have received most of their pot of money. An example is Italy, which has received more than EUR 100 billion in grants and loans. There are also countries – Sweden, Ireland and the Netherlands – into whose accounts Brussels has not yet transferred a single euro.
Source: PAP, Reuters
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