EU funds will go to Poland. Brussels already knows how to bypass Andrzej Duda’s possible veto

Poland has committed to introducing over 100 reforms and almost 200 investments to receive funds from the National Reconstruction Plan. The most important changes concern the depoliticization of the justice system. Unofficially, it is known that he declares “understanding” towards Poland if the reforms are delayed due to the conflict between the government and the government.

The European Union is looking for ways to transfer funds to Poland

Therefore, money from EU programs may flow to Poland even if no specific changes in the law are introduced. The key here is the “attitude of the government in Poland” and the “chosen policy direction” in areas such as freedom of speech.

On January 19, EU Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders met in Warsaw with MPs and senators, as well as the heads of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice. He talked with the Polish authorities about what changes to the law should be introduced to restore the rule of law and unblock EU funds.

– We see that the new government is determined to restore the rule of law in Poland – said Didier Reynders and emphasized that he was pleased with the direction taken by the Polish authorities. – I am convinced that Poland can fully rebuild its position as a country that respects the rule of law and support the European Union as one of its largest member states, with the support of all representatives of the Polish authorities – emphasized the commissioner.

Didier Reynders also commented on whether the payment of EU funds will be suspended if the president vetoes the reforms prepared by the government. – What we now expect is for this process to be resumed and for subsequent bills to be submitted to parliament. We hope that we will have support from all representatives of the authorities, including the president, to rebuild the rule of law in Poland. If it doesn’t happen – we’ll see – replied Didier Reynders

According to experts, Andrzej Duda should not sabotage reforms that will enable the transfer of European funds to Poland. However, as reported by the British daily, if Andrzej Duda opposes the proposed laws, it is possible that other ways to unfreeze funds will be used. One of the proposals is to completely unblock EUR 76.5 billion in regular European funds, which were suspended in 2022 due to problems related to the independence of the judiciary.

Poland will be able to receive EU funds intended for post-pandemic reconstruction in the amount of EUR 35.4 billion before they expire in 2026. Let us remind you that Poland is applying for EUR 7 billion from the post-pandemic reconstruction fund. They will probably be paid this spring. In total, Poland is to receive EUR 23 billion this year.

Minister of Justice on cooperation with the European Commission. “We are completing the next steps”

– We want to put an end to the issue of non-compliance with the rule of law in Poland – declared Justice Minister Adam Bodnar after the meeting with Didier Reynders. – What is most important to me, which is why I am so happy about this visit, is the constant assurance that we are in dialogue with the European Commission, that we are taking the next steps to achieve the milestones, that this work is of such an intense nature – said Adam Bodnar.

The Minister of Justice added that he wanted Poland to be able to deal with matters other than violations of the rule of law as soon as possible. – We will deal primarily with such current situations of everyday life and we will not talk about restoring the rule of law, but at some point the rule of law will simply happen. One of the elements of this restoration will also include, among others: separation of the offices of the Minister of Justice and the Prosecutor General, this is also one of the things that is very important to us, emphasized the Polish politician.