European Commission launched another infringement procedure against Poland, accusing the government of a deficiency of real advancement in the implementation of reforms requiring the payment of EU funds. Although Warsaw declares its readiness for dialogue, Brussels signals that patience is over.They're on the line. tens of billions of euros from the National Recovery Plan and Cohesion Policy.
New procedure, old problems: European Commission charges against Poland
On Thursday, the European Commission informed of the initiation subsequent infringement proceedings against Poland, focusing primarily on the deficiency of implementation Key reforms in the area of the regulation of law. This includes:
- Independence of the judiciary "The EC underlines that despite political declarations, legislative changes do not meet EU standards.
- Milestones with KPO – their implementation remains incomplete and any provisions have not been implemented in practice.
- Signalling protection system and operation public mediawhich, according to Brussels, do not warrant sound democratic standards.
The reservations are not new, nevertheless formalisation of the procedure means escalation of political and legal pressurewhich may lead to further blocking of EU funds.
European Commission: "Effectives, not intentions"
EU officials leave no illusions about the assessment of the situation. Although the Polish government has taken action to improvement justice, Brussels considers them insufficient.
– It is not a question of intention, but of real results," said 1 typical of the European Commission.
The formal commitments made by Poland were not decently implemented by the ECwhich raises serious doubts as to the credibility of the reforms declared by Warsaw.
The hazard of failure of funds not only from KPO
Although the biggest focus is on measures from the National Recovery Plan (NRP)Brussels warns that the hazard of restrictions may besides cover another sources of fundingincluding:
- Cohesion policy funds – key to regional infrastructure improvement and local investment.
- Appropriations from the budgetary position 2021–127, including energy transformation, digitisation and environmental protection.
In its authoritative communication, the Commission indicated:
– Poland has inactive not fulfilled its obligations under EU conditionality mechanisms.
This means that in the coming weeks it is possible take further legal steps, including referral to the EU Court of Justice.
The reaction of the Polish government: surprise and disappointment
The authorities in Warsaw do not hide surprise by the Commission decision. Deputy Minister for Funds and Regional Policy acknowledged that the Brussels step is "unexpected and incomprehensible", while pointing out that dialogue with the EC will continue.
– Work continues, any changes are ready, others are underway. We request to give time," he said in the Sejm.
However, this argument does not convince all – especially in the context of months of delays in the implementation of commitments.
Opposition: "We pay the price for 2 years of fake activities"
Opposition representatives besides took the floor. Member of the civilian Coalition stated that it was precisely the deficiency of determination of the erstwhile government that led to the current situation:
– We've lost 2 years to fake activities. Now we pay the price in the form of blocked billions," she commented.
According to many commentators, current coalition ruling heirs crisis of trust that has grown over the years And that cannot be solved by declarations of good will alone.
Euro billions inactive out of reach
Poland has not yet received most of the funds from KPO – over EUR 50 billion remains formally approved, but blocked for failure to meet the conditions of payment. In addition, there is simply a hazard that part of the appropriations will be lost from the current budgetary position until 2027.
It is not only a political problem – it is simply a real threat to hundreds of investment projects, at both local and national level. The following may be affected, among others:
- modernisation of transport infrastructure,
- energy and environmental programmes,
- support for entrepreneurs and local governments.
Pressure increases – decisions before the end of summer
The European Commission announced that expects “measureable progress” by the end of the summer. If Poland does not accelerate reforms, subsequent stages of the procedure can be launched in autumnand that could mean:
- referral to the EUSC,
- further blocking of funds,
- deepening the crisis of assurance in Warsaw.
The current infringement procedure is another chapter in the long-term dispute between Poland and the EU institutions. This time, however, Not only are democratic values at stake, but besides concrete moneywhich can decide on the economical improvement of the country.
Time for action is limitedand further hold can lead to irreversible losses, not only in financial terms, but besides in political and imagery.
Continued here:
The European Commission is launching a procedure against Poland. The threat of the failure of EU funds is getting closer
