The European Commission has notified the government of its responsibilities regarding the spending of KPO funds, and Poland has already begun actions in this regard. What does this mean for recipients of the grant?
European Commission: Poland Must Take Action
Commissioner Maciej Berestecki informed in an interview with RMF FM that “Poland has an obligation to carry out explanatory measures” concerning the controversy over the spending of KPO funds. He stressed that EU member states are responsible for ensuring corrections and, if necessary, “initiating legal proceedings to recover misappropriated funds.” The European Commission will verify whether projects meet the criteria when Poland submits its payment request in November. EU funds are disbursed only after the respective investments are executed. If the situation is not remedied, Brussels will intervene.
Donald Tusk Denies Desire to Recover KPO Funds
Donald Tusk addressed the situation during a speech on Friday in Łeba. He stated that “he will not accept any waste of KPO funds” and wants the Polish Development Agency (PRA) to conduct a thorough assessment of every Polish zloty spent under the program. He expects swift decisions, including the recovery of funds where expenditures were unjustified, and will demand removal of funds where they were evidently abused. Meanwhile, Minister of Funds and Regional Policy Katarzyna Pełczyńska‑Nałęcz announced that the ministry is reviewing and amending all contracts that raise concerns.
KPO Scandal Unfolds
The Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy published a map showing companies that received KPO grants. Netizens and journalists discovered that the funds earmarked for the HoReCa sector (hotels, gastronomy, catering) were allegedly used to purchase items such as yachts, furniture, coffee machines, pools, saunas, a virtual shooting range, and ice cream machines. As a result of irregularities, the former head of PARP, Katarzyna Duber‑Stachurska, was dismissed from her position at the end of July. The prime minister stated that the ministry had been aware of the issue “some time ago.”
