Overview

• The European Union will transfer the first 5 billion euros in funding to Poland by the end of the year. The funds were previously frozen due to democratic backsliding under the previous government.
• The funds are part of a larger tranche that was held up due to laws passed by the previous national conservative government that eroded the independence of judges.
• The money is aimed at helping EU nations recover from the energy crisis that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year, and reduce their dependence on Russian fossil fuels.
• The funds will start to flow due to pledges by the new Polish government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, to restore the rule of law.
• EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her satisfaction with the commitment of the new Polish government to restore the rule of law and address concerns expressed by the European Court and the Commission.