EU to Release Billions of Euros to Poland, Ending Funding Freeze over Anti-EU Policies
In a significant development, the European Union (EU) has announced that it will soon release billions of euros to Poland, putting an end to the funding freeze imposed by the bloc due to the previous Polish government’s anti-EU policies. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, made this announcement during her visit to Warsaw, where she held talks with Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Von der Leyen expressed her optimism, stating that the decision to release 137 billion euros (about $148 billion) will be made next week in Brussels. This news was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Tusk, who emphasized that this substantial amount of money would be put to good use. He further added, “I have this deep conviction as a Pole that we are restoring historic justice toward a country, toward a nation that in recent decades has done more for the rule of law, for democracy than anybody else in the world.”
Tusk’s reference to Poland’s history of overthrowing communist rule in 1989 and subsequently joining NATO and the EU highlights the country’s commitment to democratic values. Furthermore, last year’s parliamentary elections witnessed a record high turnout of over 74%, resulting in the removal of the EU-sceptic government and its replacement with a pro-EU one.
Von der Leyen acknowledged Poland’s efforts in restoring the rule of law and promoting democratic values. She stated, “These are momentous times in Poland for the promotion of democratic values.” The funds will be sourced from the EU’s Next Generation fund, which aims to assist member states in recovering from the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the cohesion fund, which supports infrastructure development, will also contribute to the released funds.
A significant portion of the funds, approximately 1.4 billion euros ($1.5 billion), will be allocated to support farmers who have been protesting against tax-free imports of produce from neighboring Ukraine. The farmers argue that such imports drive down prices and threaten their livelihoods.
Prime Minister Tusk had previously hinted at the steps his government was taking to reverse the questionable policies of its right-wing predecessors, which paved the way for the release of the funds. The EU had frozen pandemic recovery and cohesion funds for Poland during a standoff with the previous EU-sceptic administration. Moreover, the bloc had initiated a process that could potentially lead to sanctions against any EU member disregarding democratic values.
Following Tusk’s pro-EU Cabinet assuming office in December, Brussels had already released 5 billion euros ($5.4 billion) for clean energy projects in Poland. With local elections scheduled for April, there is a possibility that the current government’s standing across the country will be further strengthened.
During her visit, von der Leyen was accompanied by Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, whose country currently holds the EU presidency. The discussions between the EU officials and Prime Minister Tusk also encompassed European security issues and support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion.
Standing alongside Tusk and von der Leyen, Prime Minister De Croo commended the Polish government for its determined efforts to realign with EU values and policies. Poland’s pro-European coalition, led by Tusk and consisting of three center-left parties, emerged victorious in the parliamentary elections held on October 15. They took over from the right-wing Law and Justice government, which had been in power for eight years and implemented changes to the justice system, reproductive rights, and media regulations that strained relations with the EU.
The decision to release billions of euros to Poland signifies a positive turning point in the country’s relationship with the EU. It not only acknowledges Poland’s commitment to democratic values but also provides much-needed financial support to aid in its recovery from the pandemic-induced economic downturn. As Poland moves forward with its pro-EU agenda, it is poised to strengthen its position within the bloc and foster closer ties with its European counterparts.
