In the coming years, Poland will allocate billions of zlotys to defense, but small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may not benefit from these funds. Jacek Goliszewski pointed out that formerLack of knowledge about financing and settlement mechanisms discourages smaller companies from participating in defense-related production processes.
“It is necessary to launch an information and advisory campaign for SMEs and to simplify the procedures for examining applications. – he emphasized during the “BCC For The Future” conference.
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Currently, approximately 30 large companies associated with the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) benefit from the Security and Defense Fund and budget funds.. The president of BCC proposed that PGZ should play the role of a coordinator that could involve a larger number of enterprises in production processes. “Cooperation between the state and business in the defense sector should be definitely tightened,” he added.
Defense funds in numbers
Jacek Goliszewski reminded that under the Security and Defense Fund, among others: Over PLN 26 billion has already been allocated for critical infrastructure, engineering and medical equipment and ICT solutions. In 2024, approximately PLN 200 billion is planned to be spent on Poland's defense from the state budget and the Armed Forces Support Fund.
Additionally, Poland is to receive EUR 43.7 billion from the EU SAFE loan mechanism. Countries applying for these funds must submit national defense investment plans, and negotiations on loan agreements are expected to begin soon.
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Business in the face of geopolitical challenges
The president of BCC also referred to the condition of Polish business in times of geopolitical uncertainty. He pointed out that the legal and regulatory environment in Poland does not fully meet the needs of companies. For two years, the organization has been calling for a reform of the tax system and the abolition of reporting burdens. Although the deregulation process is progressing, its effects are insufficient.
Jacek Goliszewski also pointed to the high costs of loans and energy, which are among the highest in Europe, discouraging entrepreneurs from investing. Currently, the level of investment by companies in Poland is only 17.3%. GDP, while in Hungary and the Czech Republic this indicator reaches approximately 27%.
The future of the Polish economy: technologies and AI
This year, the Polish economy advanced to the group of the 20 largest in the world, mainly thanks to domestic consumption and cheap labor. However, as the president of BCC noted, these growth factors are no longer sufficient. In his opinion, to maintain competitiveness and develop the economy, investments in new technologies and artificial intelligence are necessary.
