editorial partner Liberte! Friedrich Naumann Foundation

FOR

ABOUT FOR
FOR (Civic Development Forum) was founded in March 2007 in Warsaw by Professor Leszek Balcerowicz as a non-profit organization. Its aim is to participate in public debate on economic issues, present reliable ideas and promote active behaviour.
EU–US Agreement: Humiliation, or Art of the Deal?
Economy
EU–US Agreement: Humiliation, or Art of the Deal?
‘Liberation Day’ marked a real threat to the world, as it risked sparking a global trade war. On 2 April, Donald Trump announced the largest tariff hike since the Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act, 1930. This move reflected Trump’s views on international trade and the global economy: He sees trade as a zero-sum game that the US is losing, and, to him, tariffs are a way to help the American economy and public finances.
Decriminalizing Recreational Marijuana – Small Step in the Right Direction
Politics
Decriminalizing Recreational Marijuana – Small Step in the Right Direction
Due to the activities of the Parliamentary Group on the Decriminalization of Marijuana, the debate on the decriminalization and legalization of recreational cannabis has returned to Poland. The Group plans to present a draft act that would decriminalize the possession of up to 15 grams of marijuana. Current research on drug policy indicates that, from a harm-reduction perspective, the most effective solution is the legalization of this substance.
Government’s Migration Strategy – Illusion of Security Over Growth
Economy
Government’s Migration Strategy – Illusion of Security Over Growth
The government’s migration strategy is disappointing. The long-awaited comprehensive document turns out to be a brief collection of short statements lacking deeper analysis. However, one can hope that this document is merely a starting point for a broader debate on a genuine migration strategy, which will soon be presented. This communication outlines three potential opportunities and three key risks that may arise from the proposed approach.
Digital Tax. Consumers Will Pay for Political War
Economy
Digital Tax. Consumers Will Pay for Political War
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski recently announced plans to introduce a digital tax in Poland on the revenues or profits of big tech corporations operating in the country.¹ The funds raised would be used to subsidize the development of Polish companies and start-ups in the digital technology sector and media.
Delaying Mercosur Agreement Harms Poland and Europe
Economy
Delaying Mercosur Agreement Harms Poland and Europe
After 25 years, negotiations have concluded on a trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, a bloc of South American countries. It aims to significantly liberalize trade between the two regions by eliminating tariffs on 91% of goods, reducing the remaining ones, and removing non-tariff barriers.
Sunday Shopping: In The Interest of Consumers and Employees
Politics
Sunday Shopping: In The Interest of Consumers and Employees
The Sunday shopping ban (initially on selected Sundays, later on almost all) has been in force in Poland since 2018. The bill proposed by the Third Way intends to restore trade on the first and third Sundays of each month, in line with the Coalition’s parliamentary campaign promises. Even restoring trade every other Sunday should be regarded as a step in the right direction.
Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy Is Preparing List of Jobs at Risk from Technological Development
Politics
Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy Is Preparing List of Jobs at Risk from Technological Development
The Minister of Family, Labor and Social Policy, Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, has once again declared that her ministry is working on a list of professions to be protected from the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), along with regulations that would limit or even ban the use of AI in certain jobs. This move could turn Poland into an economic backwater and harm Polish citizens, including those working in the professions in question.