Investment, Investment, Investment

At the beginning of his speech, Prime Minister Donald Tusk referenced the 1000th anniversary of the coronation of Bolesław Chrobry, drawing a parallel between the hopes of the Polish ruler at the time and the current aspirations of Poles.

"Bolesław Chrobry demonstrated great courage, political acumen, and vision. What remains in our historical memory is that Poland then advanced to the 'first league' of European nations," said the Prime Minister, emphasizing the start of a new era.

According to the Prime Minister, investment is the key to success. In the current year, investments in Poland will exceed PLN 650 billion, with forecasts suggesting it could reach as high as PLN 700 billion—an all-time record. This result is possible thanks to the unlocking of over EUR 50 billion from the EU's National Recovery Plan.

"In Poland, investments in 2025 will exceed PLN 650 billion. The government is convinced that this is a conservative estimate. Today, I can confidently say that the figure will be closer to PLN 700 billion. And this is a record-breaking amount, unprecedented in the history of the Polish economy," said Donald Tusk.

Finance Minister Andrzej Domański emphasized that Poland is strengthening its position among Europe's top economic growth leaders.

"When we took office, the GDP growth rate was 0.1%. This year, we expect GDP growth to reach nearly 4%," announced the Finance Minister.

Poland must leverage all its strengths and focus on key areas.

Pillar I: Investment in Science

Polish scientists achieve global success and enhance Poland’s reputation abroad. Every zloty invested in research and innovation generates between 4 and 7 zlotys in economic returns.

"If we are serious about a smart and modern economy, we must invest in science. The most crucial competition in the global and European economy today takes place at a very high technological level," emphasized the Prime Minister.

At the end of last year, Prime Minister Donald Tusk allocated PLN 500 million for the development of the National Science Centre. Universities received PLN 1.5 billion, and Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) institutes received PLN 100 million. The government intends to continue supporting scientific development and education.

Together with Senate Speaker Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, the Prime Minister met today with representatives of the scientific community to discuss specific proposals and actions.

Pillar II: Energy Transformation

The government’s plan includes developing transmission networks, which will require PLN 65 billion over the next decade, as well as investments in new power generation capacities, increased support for distributed energy, biogas, heating systems, and energy storage facilities. Additionally, ongoing projects for nuclear power plants and offshore wind farms will continue.

The Prime Minister addressed the status of Poland’s nuclear power plant investment:

"We have made the decision to build the first nuclear power plant, located in the Kashubian region. We have also decided to enable—though this will require private capital investment, as not everything will be publicly funded—the identification of a second potential site for another nuclear power plant," announced Donald Tusk.

According to Minister Andrzej Domański, Poland’s future economic success depends on stable and affordable energy sources, making this one of the most significant challenges the country faces.

"Each of these projects is a step toward stable, secure energy for Polish companies," said Finance Minister Andrzej Domański.

Energy transformation is not a choice but a necessity—and a great opportunity for the Polish economy.

Pillar III: Development of New Technologies

In addition to scientific investments, the government places strong emphasis on developing new technologies. The Prime Minister announced cooperation with companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM.

"The leaders of the biggest technology firms say outright that we have something priceless—openness and determination. Poles impress them greatly," said the Prime Minister.

Later this week, the Prime Minister will meet with the CEO of Google, followed by discussions with the President of Microsoft.

Minister Andrzej Domański noted that Poland is already one of Europe's largest IT talent pools, with 400,000 specialists in the industry. International companies are establishing R&D centers in Poland because of this potential.

"We have secured PLN 140 million for the fastest AI supercomputer, which will be developed by Polish IT experts and engineers. We have also allocated PLN 200 million for the establishment of Poland's first AI factory," announced the Finance Minister.

Modern technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, will determine Poland’s global economic competitiveness. The government aims to build a strong foundation for Polish businesses to compete in this race.

Pillar IV: Development of Ports and Railway Modernization

Transport, logistics, and shipping currently account for 6% of Poland’s GDP. The country is becoming one of Europe’s key logistics hubs, competing with ports in the North and Adriatic Seas.

"Our ports already handle 90% of Poland’s exports and imports. By 2030, we plan to triple their cargo capacity," announced the Prime Minister.

The government has allocated PLN 180 billion for railway modernization to improve freight transport and support port development. Key investments include new railway lines and container terminals, which will reduce transport times and increase logistics efficiency.

Pillar V: A Dynamic Capital Market

The year 2025 is also set to be transformative for Poland’s capital market, with support for investors and deregulation aimed at making the Warsaw Stock Exchange more competitive.

"The Polish stock exchange is already one of the fastest-growing in the world. However, to keep up with the competition, we must create conditions for Polish entrepreneurs that are not just comparable but superior to those of the biggest players," stressed the Prime Minister.

Pillar VI: Business Support and Deregulation

The Prime Minister addressed representatives of the private sector, emphasizing that both small business owners and leaders of major companies will determine the success of Poland’s investment breakthrough. He also highlighted the importance of deregulation.

"Deregulation cannot be an empty slogan. That is why I have invited business leaders to collaborate on specific changes. I turn to Rafał Brzoska: Deregulation must not be a bureaucratic process. You have excellent partners here. We must urgently draft laws that will unlock economic potential. I would like you to prepare the simplest recommendations that do not require legislative changes," said the Prime Minister.

The government’s plan includes eliminating unnecessary administrative procedures, reducing business costs, and increasing tax system transparency.

A Strong, Modern, and Prosperous Poland

The Prime Minister concluded his speech with an optimistic vision, referencing an index measuring societal happiness. He expressed his ambition for Poland to rank among the top 10 happiest nations globally within five years.

"If we have a strong country and happy citizens satisfied with their lives, that will be the most beautiful dream come true. I hope this will happen in the coming years, not decades," he concluded.

Achieving this goal will require the engagement of all economic sectors, with success depending on collaboration between the government, businesses, and society.