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Poland set to be top beneficiary of new EU budget

18.07.2025 12:00
Poland is expected to receive more than €123 billion under the EU’s proposed 2028–2034 budget, making it the largest recipient among all member states.
Audio
Under the proposed 2 trillion EU budget, Poland is expected to receive around 6 of the total allocation - more than countries such as France and Spain - amounting to over 123 billion.
Under the proposed €2 trillion EU budget, Poland is expected to receive around 6% of the total allocation - more than countries such as France and Spain - amounting to over €123 billion. Photo: OLIVIER MATTHYS/PAP/EPA

The European Commission published a detailed breakdown of planned spending late Thursday, revealing that Poland would be the only country to receive over €100 billion.

According to Polish Radio’s Brussels correspondent Beata Płomecka, the allocation would represent a record high since Poland joined the EU in 2004.

Poland leads in draft budget, but tough talks loom

The draft budget, which outlines long-term EU spending priorities, must still be approved by all 27 member states.

Early reactions from several capitals indicate that negotiations could be difficult, with countries such as Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands already signalling opposition to the proposed overall spending and calling for cuts.

Record allocation driven by cohesion and agriculture

According to the Commission's figures, Poland would receive over €123 billion, followed by France with just over €90 billion and Spain with more than €88 billion.

Poland’s share includes more than €110 billion from cohesion and agricultural funds, nearly €2 billion for migration and security measures, and close to €9 billion from the Social Climate Fund to support a just energy transition.

Eastern regions of Poland, which border Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia, are expected to receive additional funding due to heightened pressures related to migration and trade.

If maintained, the proposed allocation would mark the highest level of EU funding Poland has ever received. But with budget negotiations just beginning, and resistance building in some wealthier member states, securing the full amount remains uncertain.

(mp)

Source: IAR/X/@bplomecka/@vonderleyen/@EUinPL

Click on the audio player above for a report by Michał Owczarek