EU Funds: Poland seized the opportunity, now it's time to level up

Poland is widely regarded as a success story in leveraging European Union cohesion policy funds over the past two decades. However, as the country approaches the EU average and its regions move away from being among the poorest, officials are grappling with how to justify continued significant funding needs.

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We should learn to use these central EU funds, switch from cohesion policy to central instruments, because that's where the biggest money will be available. So far, we don't know how to use them.

Paweł Chorąży, managing director of European Funds at BGK, noted that while Poland excels at utilizing these funds, the challenge lies in demonstrating the ongoing necessity for them. Jacek Karnowski, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy, warned against complacency. He advocated for a strategic shift, urging Poland to learn how to access and utilize central EU funding instruments, which offer greater financial potential, rather than solely relying on cohesion policy.

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Metaphorically: we need to start building engines, not just seats. Focus on innovation, move to a different, higher level.

Karnowski metaphorically suggested that Poland needs to build "engines, not just seats," emphasizing the importance of focusing on innovation and advancing to a "higher level." Regional authorities acknowledge this risk but stress the indispensable role of cohesion funds. Piotr Całbecki, Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship and chairman of the Committee of the Regions' Committee on Natural Resources, stated that half of his region's budget, including investments in hospitals, railways, and bus fleets, comes from these funds. He asserted that without them, the region's development plans would falter.

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Half of our budget is EU funds, mainly from cohesion policy. We invest in hospitals, railways, bus fleets for the entire region – that's half of our investment plan. If they were missing, the voivodeships would practically cease to make sense.

Łukasz Prokorym, Marshal of the Podlaskie Voivodeship, pointed to the evolving geopolitical landscape, noting that Poland's eastern border location, once an advantage, has become a challenge due to the situation in the region. This necessitates support for entrepreneurs seeking new markets. Anna Synowiec, chairwoman of the Lubuskie Voivodeship Sejmik, acknowledged the benefits of proximity to Western markets but also highlighted the need for Poland to develop more advanced capabilities, citing a technology park focused on anti-drone and GPS systems for military use as an example.

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There is no alternative to maintaining the pace of our country's economic development.