The European Commission is not indifferent to the public outcry over the use of funds from the National Recovery Plan (KPO). “Poland is obliged to take explanatory action,” said European Commission Spokesperson Maciej Berestecki in an interview with RMF FM.
The European Commission has requested explanations from Poland regarding the allocation of grants under the National Recovery Plan (KPO). Particular doubts concern projects in the gastronomy and hospitality sectors, including purchases such as mobile coffee machines and yachts. Poland has until November 2025 to submit a payment request, which will allow Brussels to assess whether these projects meet the EU’s KPO criteria.
Polish authorities must explain the KPO scandal
European Commission Spokesperson Maciej Berestecki told RMF FM that Poland is obliged to carry out explanatory actions regarding the awarding of EU grants. This mainly concerns projects from the gastronomy and hospitality sectors, which have sparked controversy. Examples such as the purchase of mobile coffee machines or yachts raise questions about compliance with the assumptions of the National Recovery Plan.
The European Commission emphasizes that so far it has not had the opportunity to review these projects, as Poland has not yet submitted a payment request. Only after its submission will the EC assess whether the projects meet the strict KPO criteria. Importantly, no EU funds have yet been disbursed for these purposes.
Brussels stresses that if irregularities or ineffective actions on the part of the Polish authorities are found, the European Commission may take further steps. In particular, in cases involving financial fraud, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and OLAF (European Anti-Fraud Office) may step in.
As stated in the EC’s declaration: “The Commission reports to OLAF any indications of fraud within the framework of the RRF (Recovery and Resilience Facility)”.
The European Commission works closely with OLAF and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office to monitor potential irregularities in the use of EU funds. This enables a swift response to any signals concerning financial fraud within the National Recovery Plan.