A delegation from the European Parliament’s Budgetary Control Committee, led by its chair Monika Hohlmeier (EPP, Germany), has identified flaws in the system for disbursing EU funds to Poland.
“We want to see EU recovery funds reach as many people and organisations in Poland, given all that they are doing to help those fleeing the war and the damage done by the pandemic. However (...), it seems that there are systemic problems caused by the government that prevent Poland from meeting all conditions for receiving the EU money (and) in particular, there are issues relating to their adherence to the rulings of the European Court of Justice”, Ms Hohlmeier said at the end of the MEPs’ fact-finding mission.
There are several signs that the distribution of public funds, including EU funds, is becoming increasingly politicised and that the complex criteria for receiving EU money prevent fair distribution to all cities and regions, Ms Hohlmeier added. She also criticised the lack of independence of the judiciary and political interference in the work of judges and prosecutors.
Another cause for concern is the current restrictions on Poland’s national court of auditors. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)