The issue of diminishing competitiveness of the European Union will not be resolved with increasing centralisation and consolidation. We need more focus on regional investment. As far as the new EU financial perspective is concerned, both Member States and local governments need to have at least as much of a say when it comes to investing EU funds as they have today.

The holiday season is underway and we are not slowing down as we keep strengthening the Polish economy. In August, it will be possible to apply for more than PLN 100 billion from European funds and under the RRP. Projects in areas such as entrepreneurship, energy, ecology, science, education, social economy and social innovation will be eligible for funding. This will be to the benefit of, among others, entrepreneurs, research and educational institutions and non-governmental organisations.

The Economic and Financial Affairs Council(ECOFIN) adopted a draft revised EU Council’s Executive Decision approving changes to the Poland's recovery and resilience plan.

On 1 July this year, the European Commission approved on Poland's proposal to revise the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), which our country submitted to the Commission on 30 April 2024.

On 25 June 2024, Prime Minister Donald Tusk – at the request of Minister of Development Funds and Regional Policy Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz – appointed Jacek Karnowski as Secretary of State at the Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy.

Poland triggered 35 out of 56 investments from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan for almost half of the RRP's value in our country; we negotiated a revision of the RPP with the European Commission. At the end of August or at the beginning of September, we want to submit the second and third application for payment and at the end of the year we should receive the next tranche of money under the RRP, said Minister Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz during the annual meeting with the European Commission. It summarised the first outcomes of the implementation of the Polish RRP.

The Ministry of Digitalisation, together with the Digital Poland Projects Centre, is launching the “Digital Development Clubs” project, which aims to improve the digital competence of Polish citizens. Funded by the European Funds, Digital Development Clubs will educate on the use of new technologies. The first pilot phase will involve 64 municipalities, which can apply for funding to launch the clubs – the funding will amount to PLN 31 million. The project aims to develop the public's digital skills and increase social inclusion.

A discussion about the development priorities of Poland up to 2035 and the Social Climate Plan 2026-2032 were the main topics discussed at a round table held at the Ministry of Development Funds and Social Policy. It addressed the strategic challenges related to the introduction of the new European emission trading system ETS2. The Minister for Development Funds and Regional Policy, Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz attended the talks.

Poles increasingly expand their knowledge and skills. This positive trend was discussed today during the consultation on Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), an initiative to support the professional and personal development of adult Poles. With IKR, every adult will be able to actively invest in their career development and skills. The round table event was attended by Deputy Minister Monika Sikora and representatives of the European Commission, key ministries, Marshall Offices, representatives of social partners, NGOs, training companies, public employment services, provinces and academics.

On 26 April 2024, the Sejm adopted the Act on ensuring that business entities meet accessibility requirements for certain products and services, which transposed an EU directive, known as the European Accessibility Act (EAA), into Polish law. This is the beginning of the next phase of building an accessible and inclusive society. The new legal act, its opportunities and challenges were discussed at the conference titled “Polish Accessibility Act – Inauguration”.