Flood in Poland. Andrzej Domański: We secured two billion zlotys in the budget within 48 hours

– The tragic events related to the flood in our country moved us all. The enormity of the human tragedy required immediate reaction and help, including financial help – said the Minister of Finance.

– We secured PLN 2 billion in the state budget within 48 hours for the implementation of tasks related to combating the effects of flooding. We know that we will gradually increase this amount in accordance with the needs – he declared.

– Our priority is to distribute these funds to those in need as quickly as possible. That is why we are reviewing applications for support from governors without delay. To date, in accordance with the request submitted so far, we have issued a decision enabling the release of funds for the payment of flood benefits to affected people and for support for entrepreneurs in the total amount of PLN 600 million – he listed.

However, he added that “significantly more funds will be needed to finance the reconstruction costs.”

– We also have funds from the so-called general subsidy reserve in the amount of PLN 738 million. This reserve can be allocated in its entirety to local government units that have suffered losses in their assets as a result of flooding. We will divide this reserve together with the local government after a precise estimate of the losses. We know that we will need significantly more funds for the large “Reconstruction Plus” program – he said.

The head of the ministry informed that these funds will be used not only to pay compensation to households, but also to rebuild infrastructure and support entrepreneurs.

– That is why, as part of the 2025 budget, we will propose a significant increase in the amount available for counteracting and removing the effects of flooding. We know that quick and very tangible support is necessary, especially for small, local businesses, which are the source of income for many families and the local community. We need to act here and now, and that is what we are doing – he argued.

The Minister reminded that “in addition to financial support, each entrepreneur may apply for the cancellation of tax liabilities in accordance with the tax ordinance.”

– Flood victims' applications are considered first, and certificates are issued immediately. Victims can of course submit applications at any nearest tax office in the country – he said.

The Minister also announced support for people with loans. – We know that many people affected by the flood are repaying mortgages. We meet with victims whose homes were taken away or destroyed by the flood, and they still have to repay the loans. These are huge human tragedies. That is why we are introducing non-refundable aid for borrowers. All victims who have lost the ability to use their house or apartment, even temporarily, can benefit from the Borrower Support Fund – he said.

– As part of the support, the Fund will repay the due installments for 12 months, and this assistance, I would like to emphasize this very clearly, will be non-repayable support – he said.

– What unites us Poles is the fact that in difficult moments we are able to unite and share with those who need help. From the very first days of the flood, we have seen a huge mobilization among Polish entrepreneurs. Huge funds and donations. That is why we have introduced a zero VAT rate for donations of goods and services transferred to those affected by the flood. Zero VAT covers, among others, food, blankets, clothes, i.e. what is necessary for people affected by the flood. This also applies to free services, such as accommodation or rental of power generators or dehumidifiers, which may prove necessary in this difficult, very difficult situation – he emphasized.

– A regulation has also come into force, thanks to which the zero VAT rate can also be applied to donations of building materials. All this so that we can recover from this great tragedy as quickly as possible – he added.

– The fight against the effects of the flood will last many more months. (..) The budget is ready to finance the removal of the effects of the flood – he declared.