The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has pledged to unblock almost €137 billion (PLN 600 billion) from the Cohesion Policy and the National Recovery Plan, which will boost the Polish economy and investment. The money had previously been blocked due to Brussels’ concerns over the rule of law in Poland.

‘We are impressed by your efforts to restore the rule of law, which is the backbone of a society where everyone follows the rules, people and companies trust the institutions and are able to hold the authorities to account’, said von der Leyen after a meeting with Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Friday 23 February.

During the press conference, the European Commission President indicated that she was very pleased with the Polish government’s action plan, which was presented to member states.

 “This is a very strong statement, a clear roadmap for Poland. Your efforts are strong, they are based on the reforms you have launched and the steps you have taken on the independence of the courts”, she said.

Ursula von der Leyen explained that next week decisions will be made on European funds, (today blocked), which will release up to €137 billion for Poland. This is around 600 billion from Next Generation EU and cohesion funds. 

“The first €6.3 billion would reach Poland in about two months after the decision of the College of Commissioners”, said Deputy Minister of Funds and Regional Policy Jan Szyszko. He added that the first cohesion policy money could reach the country a little earlier. Following Friday’s decision to unblock European funds, the College of Commissioners will formally confirm it this week.

“From then on, we expect that in about two months this money from the first payment request from the KPO will reach Poland and will already start working here. At the same time, more or less at the same time, perhaps a moment earlier, we expect the first funds from the cohesion policy”, said the deputy minister.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński