Polish Minister Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz announced that nearly 12,000 EU subsidy controls were conducted, revealing a 0.1% irregularity rate, with 0.005% for Recovery Plan funds.
Extent of Controls and Irregularities
The Polish Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy conducted almost 12,000 controls of EU subsidies granted to entrepreneurs since 2021. A total of 1,159 controls concerned funds paid out under the National Recovery Plan (KPO). The overall irregularity rate for EU subsidies was 0.1%, while for KPO funds it was 0.005%.
Controls in HoReCa Sector
The ministry carried out 161 controls of KPO subsidies for the HoReCa sector (hospitality and gastronomy). 16 irregularities were detected, and six agreements were terminated. As a result of the controls, subsidies worth nearly PLN 3 million were annulled.
Investigation and Suspension of Payments
In August, payments to the HoReCa sector under the KPO were suspended due to reports of irregularities. It was found that entrepreneurs used the funds to purchase, among other things, yachts, coffee machines, saunas, and ice cream machines. On September 12, payments were resumed for microenterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises that met certain conditions. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating KPO subsidies for the HoReCa sector in Poland.
