Multiannual Financial Framework Review: Implications for Poland

The Polish Institute of International Affairs is an analytical institution established by an act of Parliament in 1996 to carry out research and provide expertise in international affairs. PISM disseminates information on contemporary international issues and maintains contacts with academic and political centres in Poland and abroad. The Institute runs courses for public servants, maintains a library (open to the public; 165,000 books and journals), organises conferences, and publishes books, periodicals and documents on Polish foreign policy and international matters.

The funding for PISM comes from the budget. The director is appointed by the prime minister for a term of five years, following consultation with the minister of foreign affairs. The minister supervises the Institute and appoints its advisory council, which includes a representative of the President of the Republic of Poland, academics and officials.Completed 7 March 2017, the mid-term revision of the EU’s finances did not introduce profound changes to the common budget by 2020. However, it did affect other features of the financial framework, including increased flexibility and clearer links between EU finances and Community priorities. This signaled deep reform of spending beyond 2020 and was likely detrimental to Poland’s EU income. Drawing on previous experience with the MFF, the Polish government should use the period before the start of negotiations on the next financial perspective to minimise the risk of negative changes and to promote its budget agenda.