Relations between Poland and the European Union (EU) have become strained in recent years. The question of funds between the parties in this case plays an important role. In other words, financial issues form the basis of the disputes between Warsaw and Brussels. In this context, the disputes on the EU-Poland line and the issues between the EU and Hungary are similar.
On the other hand, the coming to power of the Law and Justice Party in Poland in 2015 was an important turning point in the beginning of the problems between Brussels and Warsaw. The EU claims that the current government in Poland is harming the country’s judicial independence.[1] This is an important element in shaping the EU’s view of Poland. Therefore, the dispute between the parties creates obstacles to Poland’s access to EU funds.
In addition to all these, on 1 June 2022, the EU Commission approved Poland’s economic recovery plan, but announced that it would not pay until reforms were carried out at the judicial point. Within the framework of the plan, it is envisaged that Warsaw will have access to 23.9 billion euros in grants and 11.5 billion euros in loans.[2]
As can be understood, the EU uses financial assistance to Poland as an element of bargaining. In other words, Brussels is trying to make the changes it wants to take place in Warsaw through funds. Especially considering that there is a slowdown in the economies of European countries due to the Russia-Ukraine War, this leaves the Warsaw administration in an extremely difficult situation.
On the other hand, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on September 22, 2022 that Poland will not receive any money from the funds unless it restores the independence of the judiciary in the country.[3]
As it is understood, it seems unlikely that Brussels will make any concessions within the framework of the problem. Therefore, it can be said that the EU is implementing a carrot-and-stick strategy against Poland. In this context, it is foreseeable that the party that will make concessions will be Warsaw rather than Brussels.
Despite all this, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki used the following statements in an interview with the Italian newspaper La Stampa on December 22, 2022:[4]
“Poles and Italians are fed up with the diktats of the European bureaucracy and want real democracy. We want to renew the EU by returning to its founding principles”
It is seen that Morawiecki wants to get the support of the Rome administration with these statements. As a result of the elections held in October 2022, the coming to power of Giorgia Meloni in Italy was evaluated as a positive development by the union members who had some problems with the EU top management. In this context, it can be suggested that the Warsaw government is looking for new allies in the bloc in order to solve the problem in a positive way
On the other hand, on December 29, 2022, the Polish Prime Minister made new statements regarding the funding problem with the EU. In this context, Morawiecki pointed out that the problem with the EU Commission should end, noting that the real dispute is taking place in the east of Poland and stated that the financial support from the EU will mean more money for the Polish Army.[5]
From the statements of the Polish Prime Minister, it can be said that Warsaw wants to take advantage of the war conjuncture in Europe. In this context, Warsaw suggests that it will spend a significant part of EU funds on the Polish Army. Considering that Poland forms the center of anti-Russianism in Eastern European geopolitics, this issue may be instrumental in strengthening Warsaw in terms of defense, as well as increasing its support for Ukraine.
At the same time, it is necessary to focus on Poland’s support to Ukraine throughout the war. Poland ranks fifth in the world and second in the EU with 3 billion euros when all financial, humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine is evaluated.[6]
Moreover, Poland is home to millions of Ukrainian immigrants who were forced to leave the country due to the war. In other words, Warsaw’s support for Kiev is vital both because of its geopolitical position and because of its financial support. In this context, Poland’s solving the problem regarding EU funds in its favor will be a development that the Kiev administration will also welcome positively.
In conclusion, it seems difficult for Brussels to take a step back without getting its wishes from Warsaw on the issue of resolving the funding problem between the EU and Poland. In this context, it can be argued that Warsaw will be the party that will try to find the common ground. The Polish administration’s positive steps towards the solution of the problem may lead to both relief in the country’s economy and increasing its support for the war in Ukraine.
[1] “Ukraine War Prompts EU to Cut Poland Some Slack in Rule of Law Dispute”, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/17/european-commission-ready-to-release-recovery-funds-poland, (Date of Accession: 02.01.2023).
[2] “EU Approves Polish Recovery Plan, but no Payouts Before Judiciary Fixed”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-commission-likely-unblock-polands-recovery-plan-wednesday-2022-06-01/, (Date of Accession: 02.01.2023).
[3] “Poland Will Not Receive EU Funds If Its Judiciary Remains Unchanged: EC Head”, TVP World https://tvpworld.com/62932164/poland-will-not-receive-eu-funds-if-its-judiciary-remains-unchanged-ec-head, (Date of Accession: 02.01.2023).
[4] “Poland and Italy ‘Fed Up’ with EU Bureaucracy, PM Morawiecki Says”, Politico, https://www.politico.eu/article/poland-and-italy-fed-up-with-eu-bureaucracy-polish-pm-says/, (Date of Accession: 02.01.2023).
[5] “Polish PM Wants EU to give $37 Billion Pandemic Recovery Cash to Miilitary, Russia Today, https://www.rt.com/news/569127-poland-eu-funds-military/, (Date of Accession: 02.01.2023).
[6] “Infographic: Who Provides the Most Aid to Ukraine?”, Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/12/9/infographic-who-provides-the-most-aid-to-ukraine, (Date of Accession: 02.01.2023).
