Billions of zlotys from the National Reconstruction Plan are blocked by the European Commission due to the conflict over the Polish judiciary. Meanwhile, other countries are already using these measures. We asked local government officials what these funds would change in municipal budgets.
– It is a scandal that these funds are not yet available. Other EU countries are already using them. The government, instead of taking care of Poland, thinks about itself – Mirosław Lech, the mayor of Korycina (Podlasie), the so-called “strawberry basin of Poland”, comments on the lack of money from KPO. He does not hide that the funds would help finance many investments that he cannot afford at present.
Waiting for billions
– Construction of photovoltaic installations to make it cheaper and safer. Expansion, reconstruction, renovation of the gymnasium, sports facilities at the primary school. Restoration of the retention function of the water reservoir in Korycin. Plus a number of other projects: road repairs, early school facilities – lists some of the ideas for spending money from KPO. “It’s a bottomless pit,” he says.
– It’s hard to find other, external money for this. There is no discussion with the government. Decisions are made by people who don’t know what they’re doing. The rulers only think about holding power, believes the mayor.
He also points out that – even if the funds from the KPO would finally reach Poland – it is not known whether they would be distributed fairly. “You have to watch your hands where the money will go,” he says.
Court dispute
The fate of the act in the Tribunal is uncertain, because it is pending there conflict over the term of office of president Julia Przyłębska. This additionally extends and delays the granting of funds. In addition, the EC still argues that Poland must also fully comply with the provisions CJEUin particular the reinstatement of suspended judges.
KPO is PLN 158.5 billion, including PLN 106.9 billion in the form of subsidies and PLN 51.6 billion in the form of preferential loans. In accordance with the EU objectives, a significant part of the budget is to be allocated to climate goals (42.7%) and digital transformation (21.3%).
Main photo source: tvn24