The European Commission has approved Poland’s request for a EUR 7.2 billion payment in EU post-pandemic recovery funds, clearing the way for a new tranche once member states give final approval.
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The Commission said on Thursday it had „positively assessed Poland’s fourth payment request” under its National Recovery Plan, following the satisfactory completion of „30 milestones and 13 targets.”
The EU executive added that „the reforms and investments tied to this payment request will drive positive change for citizens and businesses in Poland, improving healthcare services, digitising administrative processes, strengthening cybersecurity, expanding broadband infrastructure, reforming tax and labour laws, and advancing green initiatives—including hydrogen infrastructure, railway modernisation, and greater access to sustainable transport.”
The approval was conditional on reforms including expanding the powers of the State Labour Inspectorate (PIP) to better protect workers, Poland’s PAP news agency reported.
Funds and Regional Policy Minister Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz said the money, requested in December, is expected to be transferred on June 1.
She added that Poland is set to receive a total of PLN 100 billion (around EUR 23.5 billion) for investment this year under the National Recovery Plan.
Under EU procedures, the Commission must now seek approval from member states, which have up to one month to deliver their opinion before the funds can be disbursed.
Earlier this month, Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki signed legislation reforming the labour inspection system, while referring the law to the Constitutional Tribunal for review.
The reform grants labour inspectors the power to reclassify certain civil-law and business-to-business contracts as standard employment.
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Source: IAR, PAP, ec.europa.eu
Radio Poland