Poland’s access to structural funds is slated for May this year, according to Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, the Minister of Funds and Regional Policy, as reported by PAP. She stressed that the European Commission’s release of cohesion policy funds would enable refinancing of projects already completed. It is notable that during the election campaign, Donald Tusk promised to unblock KPO funds the day after the elections.
At the close of last week, the head of the Ministry of FiPR announced that Poland had satisfied the final three conditions needed for full mobilization of the structural funds, namely the 76 billion euros allocated to Poland from the EU budget for 2021-2027. She explained that the crucial element is the rule of law, ensuring citizens have access to independent courts. The other two conditions concern the transport and healthcare systems and are described as technical in nature.
The unblocking process began with a self-assessment document detailing, among other things, how procedures will ensure compliance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights at every stage of program implementation
– she noted. The self-assessment was submitted to the Commission on January 17 of this year, she added.
If a self-assessment were not carried out, the European Commission would not understand that Poland has in principle met or is near meeting all the conditions.
– Pełczyńska-Nałęcz explained.
The minister pointed out that although the process moves at a technocratic pace, once the green light arrives there is little doubt about a positive EC decision. When asked about last year’s competitions funded from the Structural Funds, she said Poland currently has an advance of 3-4%, roughly 8.4 billion PLN, which was transferred last year.
But she added that this is not a lot—“very little,” she observed.
Asked when funds beyond the advance would reach Poland, the minister indicated that the answer is May.
The self-assessment procedure typically takes two to three months, followed by acceptance and the opportunity to submit refinancing applications and process them. Usually this takes about two months, she explained. She noted that the value of the so‑called certified (completed) funds is around €1 billion and this money awaits settlement.
The head of FiPR acknowledged that delays in implementing the Structural Funds are significant, yet she argued that the long‑tested machinery has shown it can function despite political turbulence. She conceded there is a slowdown compared with the previous financial perspective, but described it as far from a disaster.
Structural funds fund the EU’s cohesion policy. In the 2021-2027 financial perspective, they include the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the European Maritime Fund, Fisheries and Aquaculture, and the Just Transition Fund. Poland’s allocation exceeds 76 billion euros.
Pełczyńska-Nałęcz: A revision of the KPO will be presented to the Prime Minister in February
In February, a revised National Reconstruction Plan will be presented to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, according to Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz. She indicated it would be prudent to pause projects that do not yield benefits for Poland.
When asked about the current stage of KPO implementation, the head of FiPR recalled that on December 15 the first financing application for the KPO, amounting to €6.9 billion, was submitted. Previously, there were no funds for KPO implementation, and the prior government attempted to finance projects by pre-financing from the Polish Development Fund, with various results, as some projects raised concerns about eligibility for KPO reimbursements.
– she said.
Pełczyńska-Nałęcz recalled that in December last year Poland received an advance of €5 billion under RePowerEU, part of the KPO, with some of it transferred to the PFR account. This arrangement, she noted, provides liquidity in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance for ongoing activities.
The minister admitted that delays in implementing the FPA (the National Plan) are more pronounced than in the structural funds. The KPO program has a shorter implementation period, with most investments needing completion or at least contract-signing by 2026, which is challenging.
She added that there are also significant delays in reforms Poland should carry out under the program, aimed at rebuilding European economies after Covid and strengthening resilience to future crises, including the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. These reforms, she emphasized, should have begun two years ago.
Asked where the lack of reforms is most evident, the PAP interlocutor cited the preparation of spatial development plans, e-health, and hospital co-financing. Ministries are only now tackling the difficult reform work necessary to invest funds wisely.
The minister was also asked whether there is a scenario in which not all KPO money is used. She stressed that the goal of FiPR is not to spend every zloty. This is a loan, and Poland, like other countries, could not obtain more favorable terms, but projects must be optimized and aligned with reforms that will accelerate development.
– she noted.
Currently, a review of reforms and investments under the FPA is underway. If any projects do not make sense or cannot be implemented well within the program timeline, it is better to abandon them.
– she said.
Pełczyńska-Nałęcz announced that a KPO revision package is being prepared for talks with the European Commission and that she will present the review to Prime Minister Donald Tusk in February. She added that during EC discussions Poland would highlight reforms worth changing or propose reallocating certain funds.
And if loan funds are directed at unnecessary areas with no clear benefit to the Polish state, they must be abandoned.
– she said. She stressed that at this stage it is prudent for Poland not to incur debt for this portion of the funds.
A project that requires intense consideration in the context of the KPO revision is the plan to build the Polish electric car Jizera. Once hailed as a flagship project co-financed by the state, its feasibility and alignment with Poland’s development strategy are now under scrutiny.
She also noted that support for the Clean Air Program is financed from the KPO and structural funds. A PLN 200 million advance has already been allocated to the Clean Air program, a priority, she pointed out.
Other major investments under KPO that make sense include infrastructure initiatives, such as wind farms, solar energy, and transmission networks. These are crucial for advancing a distributed energy program, she stated.
The National Reconstruction Plan (KPO) is a program through which Poland will receive €59.82 billion (PLN 261.4 billion), including €25.3 billion (PLN 110.4 billion) as grants and €34.5 billion (PLN 151 billion) as subsidized loans.
Donald Tusk and Minister Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz have made several statements on KPO, touting successes, particularly regarding the anticipated release of €76 billion from the Structural Funds. In reality, according to the minister, this money is expected to reach Poland in May. The EC’s position remains to be seen, as past experiences show it may differ from initial announcements.
[Citation: wPolityce]
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Citation note: This article references official statements and reports from Polish government ministries and media outlets in connection with EU funds and the National Reconstruction Plan.