– I’ve got good news. Next week, two decisions will be made regarding European funds that are currently blocked. These decisions will free up to EUR 137 billion for Poland, said the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in Warsaw on Friday (February 23) after a meeting with Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo was also present. – We will make EUR 1.4 billion available directly to Polish farmers to help them modernize production and enter new markets – announced the President of the Commission.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk: We have it, PLN 600 billion
– We have it. This is a very important day. We have worked hard together, said Prime Minister Donald Tusk during a press conference. – We have it. This is PLN 600 billion. This is a mountain of money that we will use well, emphasized the head of government.
The head of the European Commission also commented on the situation surrounding the farmers’ protests. – I really admire the hard work of farmers. But farmers face many challenges and worry about their future, and this is justified. We listen and act, said von der Leyen. She assured that the road transport agreement would be updated. – We should focus on supporting Ukraine and rebuilding its exports to the whole world. We support Ukraine. Ukrainians are fighting for the rule of law, democracy and freedom against tyranny. They fight for our values and security. Therefore, we will support them as long as necessary, she added.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that if necessary, further decisions regarding “effective control” at the border will be made in the coming days. This concerns goods that go to Poland and the EU. – We have to find a solution – he emphasized.
KPO for Poland. When will the European Commission pay the money?
The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo, visited Warsaw on Friday. In the capital they met Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Belgium is leading the work of the Community in this half-year. The talks concerned not only the KPO, but also the farmers’ and Ukraine’s protests.
Ursula von der Leyen, the candidate of the European People’s Party for the second term, is to convince EU governments of her candidacy in the coming months. It has already gained support in Poland, so the talks in our country concern matters important to Warsaw.
It is known that Brussels will accept the first Polish application from the KPO for a payment of over EUR 6.3 billion. However, the procedures must be finalized and a decision must first be made by EU commissioners, which will happen next week. Since there is a session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the Commission meeting will take place on Tuesday. Later, the Commission’s decision should be approved by EU countries. This means that the money can be withdrawn at the turn of March and April.
Polish and EU diplomats said a few months ago that if the KPO is unblocked (a pool of almost EUR 60 billion), the EU cohesion funds will be automatically unblocked. This is approximately EUR 76 billion. The money has been withheld until now because the European Commission accused Poland of lacking independence of the judiciary. The reforms introduced in the justice system by the new government were intended to convince the Commission to unblock it. This week, Justice Minister Adam Bodnar was in Brussels and presented a package of laws to be adopted in the future.
Source: Gazeta
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