The implementation of the National Reconstruction Plan (KPO), the implementation of EU programmes from the financial perspective 2021-2027, the future of the Cohesion Policy after 2027 and the Polish Presidency in 2025 were the most important topics discussed during the visit of the Minister of Funds and Regional Policy (MFiPR) Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz to Brussels.
“We have ambitions to accelerate a lot this year. After the first KPO application, which was presented at the end of last year, we would like to submit four more in 2024 for up to PLN 120 billion. There are two application windows and we would like to use each of them twice,” said Minister Pełczyñska-Nałęcz.
The Commissioners with whom the head of the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy spoke emphasised that Poland is a leader in the effective and transparent use and investment of European Funds.
Minister Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz’s conversation with EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Nicolas Schmit concerned the MFiPR’s cooperation with the EC on the European Funds for Social Development programme. They also discussed future priorities and the effective use of cohesion policy funds by beneficiaries after 2027.
Minister Katarzyna Pełczyñska-Nałęcz also met with EU Commissioner for Cohesion and Reform Elisa Ferreira and Director-General Celine Gauer, who heads the European Commission’s Task Force for Reconstruction and Increasing Resilience. The talks focused on the implementation of cohesion policy in the 2021-2027 financial perspective and the smooth implementation of the KPO.
Meanwhile, European Commission Vice President Vera Jourova, in an interview with Polskie Radio, gave a good assessment of the Polish government’s plan to unblock the National Recovery Plan (KPO).
However, the deputy commissioner was cautious in answering the question of whether the plan to repair the judiciary alone would be enough to disburse the money, or whether reforms must be implemented, and for that, the president’s signature would be needed on the laws adopted by the parliamentary majority.
Adrian Andrzejewski