The European Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into alleged misuse of funds from Poland’s National Reconstruction Plan, focusing on the HoReCa sector of gastronomy and tourism.
European Investigation
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has opened a probe into alleged misuse of National Reconstruction Plan (KPO) funds in Poland, confirming the investigation in an interview with RMF FM on August 14. According to spokesperson Tine Hollevoet, no further details can be released to avoid jeopardizing the ongoing inquiry. EPPO follows a standard procedure: when a crime is reported—whether by national authorities or private entities—the alleged misconduct is assessed to determine if it falls under EPPO’s competence. If it does, the EU‑designated Prosecutor may decide to initiate an investigation. The probe is both accusatory and exonerating, maintaining the presumption of innocence.
Scandal Around KPO
Over recent days, media have highlighted doubts about the proper allocation of KPO funds. Reports suggest that money intended for developing the hotel‑restaurant‑gastronomy sector may have been misdirected for luxuries such as yachts, saunas, and espresso machines. Prime Minister Donald Tusk promised to address all concerns. Consequently, the Warsaw Regional Prosecutor’s Office has begun its own audit of alleged irregularities in KPO funding. A comprehensive report on KPO fund usage is expected in September. Deputy Minister of Funds and Regional Policy Jan Szyszko announced that a crisis staff has been established, supervising inspections at the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development and the five bodies responsible for selecting KPO subsidy recipients. At the end of July, President of PARP Katarzyna Duber‑Stachurska was relieved of her duties.
