Poland Advances Deregulation Measures Over Past 14 Months

Poland has introduced nearly 200 specific regulatory changes over the past 14 months aimed at simplifying operations for businesses and citizens, according to a business executive speaking at the European Economic Congress. The executive, who heads a Polish parcel locker company, told Euronews that the deregulation process is accelerating and could serve as a reference point for other European Union member states.

He noted that both the government and opposition parties approached the effort constructively. Of the 500 proposals prepared by a deregulation team in its first 100 days, around 350 received approval to proceed. Nearly 200 changes are already in force.

Key measures include a presumption of innocence for taxpayers and the option to conclude tax settlements directly with tax offices. An increasing number of the changes are also affecting ordinary citizens. One example is the automation of payments for the 800 plus family benefit, scheduled to take effect in June.

"Simple, yet it makes life so much easier," the executive said of the automated benefit payments. The executive has presented elements of the Polish approach in Brussels on multiple occasions alongside experts. He stated that excessive bureaucracy within the European Commission remains a central challenge for the bloc.

"The officials of the European Commission will not deregulate themselves. It will be Europe’s leaders who will have to force through these changes," he said.

The conversation also addressed the growth of the Polish parcel locker operator, which currently provides services in nine countries. The executive said the company aims to make its services available across virtually the entire European Union by the end of next year.

This would cover both shipments originating from Poland to other member states and deliveries to Poland from abroad. Expansion is expected to occur primarily through partnerships with local logistics providers. The executive added that a partnership agreement with FedEx could accelerate the rollout across Europe.

"It takes two to tango," the executive said, referring to cooperation between the business community and politicians on the deregulation measures.