Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced this milestone achievement on Thursday, highlighting the funds' dedication to fostering affordable green energy for Polish citizens.
Tusk took to social media to express his satisfaction with the transfer, stating: "The first European transfer is already in the account of the Polish State! More than 20 billion PLN! Done, as promised!"
This funding advance is earmarked for a variety of energy projects in Poland as part of the revised National Recovery Plan. These projects are strategically designed to facilitate the country's energy transition and reduce its dependency on Russian energy sources.
The initiatives covered under this funding include support for electricity transmission networks, the development of renewable energy sources, energy storage solutions, low- and zero-emission buses, and the construction of offshore wind farms.
The disbursement of these funds follows the agreement reached by EU finance ministers in early December. Poland is among the first batch of countries to have their revised reconstruction plans approved by the European Union.
Warsaw's request for amendments to the National Recovery Plan (KPO), including the inclusion of these energy projects, was submitted to Brussels in late August.
For now, the European Commission has sanctioned an advance payment, which, unlike the remaining EUR 55 billion of the KPO, does not hinge on meeting specific milestones. However, one critical condition for the full disbursement, as stipulated by the Commission, is the assurance of judicial independence in Poland.
(jh)
Source: IAR