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Poland is poised to receive a €5 billion advance from the EU as part of a program supporting its energy policy, integrated into the National Reconstruction Plan. According to Beata Płomecka, the Brussels correspondent for Polish Radio, changes to the National Reconstruction Plan were agreed upon by commissioners’ cabinets late in the afternoon. The final confirmation is expected from the chiefs of commissioners’ cabinets on Monday, with commissioners officially approving it the following day in Strasbourg. The funds will be transferred pending approval from EU finance ministers next month.
This decision has been anticipated, with Minister of Funds and Regional Policy Grzegorz Puda noting that a positive assessment from the European Commission is expected early next week. The late-afternoon agreements suggest a smooth process, ensuring the approval of the €5 billion advance for the RepowerEU program, aimed at energy transition and reducing dependence on Russia.
Poland’s request for changes to the National Reconstruction Plan was submitted in August, with modifications aligning with RepowerEU’s guidelines. The projects now encompass support for electric power transmission networks, renewable energy sources, energy storage, low and zero-emission buses, and offshore wind farms.
As for the original National Reconstruction Plan accepted in June of last year, Poland has not yet submitted a request for fund disbursement. The Commission emphasizes that funds can only be released if conditions regarding judicial independence are met.