Mar 18 • 16:45 UTC 🇵🇱 Poland Rzeczpospolita

Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz: Investments should drive development, not just patch needs

The European Commission proposes a centralized one-plan implementation of cohesion policy for EU member states, impacting Poland's approach to regional investments.

In the budget perspective for 2028-2034, the European Commission aims to consolidate the implementation of cohesion policy across member states into a singular, cohesive plan. This strategic shift for Poland involves the creation of the National and Regional Partnership Plan, which will replace the previously used individual plans for economies, infrastructures, or specific regions. The goal is to centralize strategic investments to streamline reforms and project execution across the nation, aiming for equitable allocation among regions, wherein every province will have its tailored plan while maintaining local governance's involvement in both planning and implementation.

The new EU budget is envisioned under different principles than prior iterations, focusing on a unified plan that encompasses necessary reforms and investments, thus significantly reducing fragmented funding sources. Poland, backed by regional marshals across political divides, advocates for a significant portion—over 40 percent—of cohesion policy funds to be accessible to regional offices. This collaborative stance underscores Poland's commitment to regional autonomy while aligning with the EU's broader strategy for development and cohesion.

The proposed centralization of resource management comes as a response to challenges faced during the implementation of the National Recovery Plan (KPO). The emphasis on local governance during both the planning and execution phases signals a move towards a more inclusive partnership model in Poland, potentially setting a precedent for other EU nations in balancing central directives with regional autonomy.

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