A priority driving the dialogue is a more innovative Poland. The EU Commissioners welcomed every proposal from Poland as they presented the EU’s financial outlook for 2021-2027 in Poland, highlighting Poland as a key partner in shaping Europe’s future.
“This is proof of European solidarity.”
In Warsaw, the EU Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, described the moment as the opening of a new chapter. She said the work being undertaken in Poland is part of a broader effort to strengthen Europe, noting that only by standing together can the European Union meet shared risks and challenges.
Today marks the formal approval of the latest round of European cohesion programmes. The package totals 76 billion euros in investments for Poland. The aim is to reach people directly; on average, about 2,000 euros per person will flow through these initiatives. Yet the impact goes beyond money. It stands as a concrete sign of European solidarity and the added value Europe brings to Polish citizens.
Ferreira emphasized that this is also an acknowledgment that “we are all connected and standing together.” She reminded that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and that no link should be left weak. The message is clear: the collective success of Europe and the individual progress of member states depend on the cohesion of the community. Today’s adoption of the programme is another cornerstone for Poland, aligning with shared goals and offering a path for the country to lead and inspire others.
“Noted the EU Commissioner.”
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Poland as an example of success
Ferreira highlighted Poland as a case of remarkable progress. She pointed to improvements in economic and social levels since accession to the EU, while also recognizing ongoing challenges and regional disparities across voivodeships and communities. The focus remains on spreading opportunities and creating jobs everywhere in the country. The goal is to remove bottlenecks, push reforms that foster a favorable climate for investors, and ensure the benefits extend to all segments of society.
She stressed the need to prepare every region for the future so that no citizen is left behind. These shared aims form part of the partnership framework between Poland and the European Commission, and today’s step translates those goals into concrete actions under the cohesion programmes.
Ferreira described these programmes as a coordinated package of investments across Poland’s regions.
One core priority is a more innovative Poland. The plan allocates 13 billion euros for innovation, research, and building the competences of workers and businesses. It envisions collaborative efforts among thousands of companies, universities, and research institutions, aiming to generate added value. The commitment remains firm: Poland welcomes proposals from across the country and intends to implement them.
Social and economic development
The EU Commissioner for Employment and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit, joined the inauguration and reminded everyone that cohesion policy has long served to modernize Poland and invest in its people. He cited notable social and economic progress since Poland joined the Union and acknowledged ongoing regional differences. The task, he said, is to keep expanding opportunities and improving the environment for growth across all regions.
Schmit noted that from 2004 to 2020, Poland ranked second in the EU for GDP growth, and unemployment has dropped from 10 percent to around 3 percent in recent years, according to EU methodology. He attributed much of this progress to EU funds supporting businesses and protecting jobs, including about 11 billion euros used to sustain employment during challenging times.
Looking ahead, he said, a new perspective is dawning—one that promises stronger development at national and regional levels. The money will be invested in people, infrastructure, and measures to counter climate impacts on the economy and society. He also expressed appreciation for Poland’s openness toward refugees from Ukraine, especially children, noting the country’s humanitarian response as a testament to shared European responsibility.
The report is attributed to wPolityce, with ongoing coverage from the European Union and Polish authorities.
[Attribution: EU press materials and Polish press agency coverage]