Poland

For years, the Nordic countries have been cited in Polish public debate as evidence that a larger state and higher public spending are the recipe for prosperity. This analysis shows that the sources of Scandinavian success lie elsewhere: in economic freedom, fiscal discipline, a flexible labor market, and strong institutions.

Local content is one of the most controversial economic policies in public procurement: it is a form of protectionism and discrimination against suppliers from other countries. In its initial phase, the government’s current proposal envisages introducing local content standards into the practices of companies owned by State Treasury. Some of this may fall within a […]

Every June and July, the European Commission publishes studies on the rule of law in individual European Union member states. The Rule of Law Report and the EU Justice Scoreboard show how the situation is changing in areas relevant to the functioning of the justice system, respect for the rule of law and doing business, among other things.

Debate about environmental objectives in the construction sector usually comes down to a familiar conclusion: either climate goals or the sector’s competitiveness. Public and industry discussions often assume that growing environmental requirements mean higher costs, less freedom in design and lower returns on investment. As a result, environmental objectives are sometimes treated as an additional requirement to be met only to the minimum extent necessary for a building to obtain a certificate, rather than as part of a rational design and investment strategy.

The Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs has moved to the next stage of works on the digital tax bill. Another sectoral levy will almost certainly increase service prices for consumers and smaller businesses. The estimated — and probably overstated — tax revenues of PLN 1.7–4 billion will not materially improve public finances, whose problems stem from excessive spending rather than insufficient revenue.

Poland has established a position, unique in Europe, as a shopping hub for people living in the border regions of neighboring countries. Consumers come to Poland from every direction to buy goods and services for their own use.

Why is Poland facing another Constitutional Tribunal crisis? What is the story behind the current events? How is legal argumentation instrumentalized by political actors to legitimize partisan objectives? How does systemic political polarization create or sustain a \"default state of unlawfulness\" within a government?

Unemployment insurance should serve as a financial cushion when someone unexpectedly loses their job, rather than as a system that encourages people to remain outside the labor market at others’ expense. Yet, Lithuania spends around five times more of its GDP on unemployment-related benefits than Poland, while its unemployment rate is more than twice as high. Poland’s experience shows how much labor-market rules and incentives can matter.

Italy’s economic decline was not caused by a single crisis or one disastrous policy decision. Rather, it has been a gradual deterioration spanning decades. This is the picture that emerges from the data: weaker growth, lower productivity, an ageing population, and mounting problems with public finances.

Poland can become one of the best places to live in the world. But it will not get there through a state that constantly regulates more, owns more, and spends more. There are better recipes for development than those presented at the recent political gathering organized around former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.