The European Commission announced on Monday that it has positively assessed Poland’s fifth payment request from the National Recovery Plan (KPO), which amounts to €7.9 billion, approximately 33 billion PLN.
As part of the conditions necessary for the disbursement of these funds, Poland has provided teachers with vouchers for purchasing portable computers through the “Laptop for Teacher” program. The European Commission highlighted that over 500,000 Polish educators, accounting for more than 65% of the teaching workforce, received funding for this equipment, with each voucher valued at 2,500 PLN.
Additionally, 16,500 primary and secondary schools were equipped with laptops and tablets to enhance the educational process. These efforts aim to bolster the resilience of educational institutions against disruptions similar to those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote learning was mandated.
Trams for Kraków, Poznań, and Wrocław
This fifth tranche also includes the purchase of 88 trams designated for Kraków, Poznań, and Wrocław. Poland has also adopted a space activity law aimed at supporting the utilization of satellite data, fulfilling one of the commitments required for these funds.
Another significant step was the amendment to the Energy Law, which now ensures a uniform set of rules for connecting to the power grid across the country. These new regulations mandate the publication of available connection capacities and allow for electronic submission of connection requests.
This tranche further encompasses the implementation of smart power transmission infrastructure, with support directed towards the development of data centers for the electricity market.
Evaluation Procedure for KPO Payment Request
Poland submitted its fifth payment request on June 19 this year. Funds from the KPO are released in exchange for completed reforms and investments. Following a positive opinion from the European Commission, the request must be evaluated by representatives of the member states, which is a month-long process.
The Economic and Financial Committee will issue the final position. This advisory body of the European Union is responsible for coordinating economic and financial policies and is composed of experts delegated by the member states.
Total Funding from the Recovery Fund
The European Commission indicated that the approved request raises the total funds provided to Poland from the recovery fund to €42 billion, which represents 76.85% of the total amount allocated in the Polish KPO. The Commission also noted that Poland has already fulfilled nearly 72% of all milestones and goals outlined in the plan.
In total, Poland is set to receive €54.72 billion from the KPO, comprising €25.28 billion in grants and €29.44 billion in loans. The deadline for implementing the plan is this year.
To finalize the entire fund by 2026, member states must complete the planned reforms and investments by August, with the last payment requests to be accepted by the European Commission until the end of September.
