KPO and the Opposition’s Impact on Poland
Poland has put in significant effort to secure funding from the KPO, but the political opposition has repeatedly acted in ways that could delay or deny these funds. European Affairs Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk spoke on Polish Radio 24 about the ongoing dynamics surrounding this issue.
The minister was asked whether Poland will receive money from the KPO. His answer emphasized the considerable work Poland has undertaken while noting persistent opposition efforts that appear aimed at blocking the same funds.
He described the numerous resolutions from the European Parliament as part of a pattern that has persisted since 2016. The minister suggested these actions amount to regular resistance from the opposition, not just isolated disagreements.
According to the European Affairs Minister, the opposition’s posture has done harm to Poland by creating the impression that rule of law and media freedom are problematic across the country. He argued that any pretext can be used to justify blocking measures, including the KPO funds, as institutions in Brussels and other capitals respond to the information they receive. This has, he noted, sometimes led to cautious or delayed responses from European bodies.
– said the Minister of European Affairs.
Belonging to Poland — A Simple Expectation
Szynkowski vel Sęk recalled that a compromise was reached with the European Commission on this matter. The entry into force of the Law on the Supreme Court forms part of that compromise and is currently being assessed by Poland’s Constitutional Court. He expressed hope that the court will view the arrangement positively and recognize that the funds should go to Poland because they belong to the country.
The minister pointed out that if the opposition had not actively opposed Poland in this matter, the measures could have been in place much sooner. The implication is that political stances have a direct effect on the timetable for receiving support from the EU.
National Recovery Plan and Judicial Milestones
Earlier this year, President Andrzej Duda referred a proposed amendment to the Supreme Court law to the Constitutional Tribunal as a preventive check. Law and Justice politicians, who authored the amendment, argued that its passage was essential for Poland to access funds from the EU Reconstruction Fund under the National Recovery Plan after the COVID-19 pandemic. The amendment proposes, among other changes, that disciplinary and immunity cases involving judges be decided by the Supreme Administrative Court instead of the Supreme Court’s Professional Liability Chamber.
The presidential submission asks the Tribunal to examine the constitutionality of several provisions related to judicial independence tests and the transfer of disciplinary and immunity cases from judges to the Supreme Administrative Court. It also questions provisions that permit requests to resume concluded disciplinary and immunity actions, as well as the 21‑day vacatio legis provided by the amendment.
In related remarks, observers note that these legal adjustments are part of a broader debate over Poland’s judicial reform and its implications for EU funding. The outcome could influence how quickly funds from the KPO reach Poland and how the European Commission evaluates Poland’s progress on rule of law standards.
Several political voices have commented on the dynamics, stressing that strong, prompt reforms could help Poland secure the anticipated funds sooner, while opponents argue for a cautious approach to ensure legitimate checks remain in place. The balance between reform and stability remains a central theme in the ongoing discussions about the future of EU funding in Poland.
Ultimately, the discourse centers on whether Poland will secure the KPO funds and how its judicial reforms will be assessed by European institutions. The discussions reflect a broader tension between national governance priorities and the expectations of EU partners regarding rule of law criteria and independent judiciary governance.