Today, during a meeting of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON), an economic dialogue and an exchange of views took place with Andrzej Domański, Chair of ECOFIN and Poland’s Minister of Finance. ECON Vice Chair Marlena Maląg spoke on behalf of the ECR Group during the discussion.
Marlena Maląg noted that the European Commission’s communication “The Road to the Next Multiannual Financial Framework,” published on February 11, indicates that cohesion and agricultural funds are to be channeled into a single national budget linked to reforms and investments. The MEP stated that “this is bad news,” as it means that farmers and poorer regions will be at the mercy of the government’s political decisions rather than relying on guaranteed EU funds. “What’s worse, there will simply be less money to distribute,” added the Polish politician. She also noted that servicing the EU’s debt will consume as much as 20 percent of the budget, and the fund for farmers—which has been independent until now—may be drastically reduced. “Is the concept of a ‘common pot’ an attempt to hide the brutal truth that there may simply not be enough funds for farmers and poorer regions? What is the Polish government’s view on this? Does it support these changes? If so, how does it intend to inform Polish farmers that, starting in 2028, they may receive significantly less money from the EU?” Maląg asked.
The deputy chair of the ECON Committee also addressed Minister Domański’s remarks on the digital euro, asking whether he supports joining the eurozone as soon as possible, as well as what safeguards should be in place to ensure Poland’s economic security.
Andrzej Domański stated: “Cohesion and the Common Agricultural Policy are an absolute priority for us,” adding that on this issue, the Polish presidency has a very clear position, which it has articulated during all discussions regarding the multiannual financial framework. He also said: “This discussion is just beginning, but we will do everything to ensure that the share of cohesion funds and the share of funds for the common agricultural policy are maintained, and that farmers in Poland and other countries are in no way disadvantaged here,” — Domański promised, assuring that “this is an absolute priority.”
The finance minister also stated that the Polish presidency “wants an ambitious budget that matches the European Union’s ambitions.” He said that repayments to the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) “must not in any way limit the EU budget.”
On the issue of the euro, Domański assured that “no work is being done in Poland regarding the adoption of the euro.” “We are acting as the presidency, as an ‘honest broker,’ so we take into account the interests of all member states,” the politician said, noting that although the digital euro has numerous opponents even among eurozone countries, it is important to some member states.
