In a recent interview, Olga Semeniuk-Patkowska, Poland’s deputy minister of development and technology, told PAP Studio that the blame for the Krajowy Program Odbudowy (National Reconstruction Plan) funding shortfall rests with Berlin. Her comments frame Berlin as the key decision maker when it comes to directing the money needed to modernize Poland’s economy and support ambitious digitization, technology, and infrastructure projects.
The discussion coincides with Poland’s ongoing political steps surrounding the Supreme Court, which have implications for the country’s eligibility for European Union funds tied to the reconstruction effort. On Friday, President Andrzej Duda announced that an amendment to the law governing the Supreme Court had been forwarded to the Constitutional Court for constitutional review. The amendment, originally passed by the Sejm on January 13, faced late-month resistance from the Senate, which proposed 14 amendments that the Sejm subsequently rejected. Proponents, including PiS deputies, argued that the measure marks a crucial milestone that could unlock EU funding for the national reconstruction plan.
The issue of whether the KPO funds will reach Poland soon remains central to the debate. Semeniuk-Patkowska asserted that ultimate responsibility lies with Berlin, stressing that Berlin determines both the pace and the scope of financial arrangements related to rebuilding the economy. She pointed to a perceived German reluctance to engage in mediation and consensus on this money, framing it as a barrier to progress for Poland’s recovery and growth initiatives.
Responding to questions about data points and official assessments, Semeniuk-Patkowska emphasized that the KPO concentrates on the core goals of modernization: digital transformation, strengthening the economy, technology adoption, innovation, and a robust construction and renewables program. The fundamental aim, she noted, is to have these initiatives operating in Poland well after the pandemic era, delivering tangible benefits to communities and businesses alike.
From her perspective, the funds from the European reconstruction framework belong to Poland and should be deployed in alignment with national priorities. She underscored that the government’s policy around the KPO is built on merit, focusing on projects that can drive sustainable growth, create skilled jobs, and attract further private investment. In her view, this is not simply an economic exercise but a strategic push to position Poland as a leader in modernization within the region.
When asked about President Duda’s decision to submit the Supreme Court amendment for constitutional review, the deputy minister described it as an autonomous prerogative. She asserted that no one has the right to challenge this presidential step, signaling strong political confidence in the procedure as a safeguard for constitutional integrity and the proper functioning of the judiciary in tandem with EU obligations.
The broader conversation around the Supreme Court amendment continues to unfold as the constitutional process proceeds. The outcome will have implications for Poland’s legal landscape and its appeal for reconstruction funds, with all sides watching how the constitutional review will influence the country’s access to EU support. The discussion reflects a larger tension between national governance decisions and the conditions attached to international funding, a dynamic that remains central to Poland’s post-pandemic rebuilding plan.
Sources and context for these developments remain closely watched in policy circles, as observers assess how the fiscal, legal, and political dimensions interact and shape the timeline for recovery and growth in Poland and the wider region.