Poland could lose EU funding because is can't spend it

The result could have been even better if the country was more effective in using funds coming from Brussels. Absorption of structural funds stood at 57% of the assigned amount for 2004-2006, but centrally managed investments are ailing, as Poland has used only 16% of funds from the Coherence Fund, which is the worst result of all the new EU member states. "If countries do not manage to use small amounts from the 2004-2006 budget, I cannot imagine larger sums anticipated for 2007-2013," said an official of the Directorate General for Budget. Polish ratios will be a significant argument in a discussion concerning reform of the EU budget planned for 2009. If Poland continues to be ineffective in using the funds, EU countries could lower transfers for poorer regions as of 2014. (Rzeczpospolita, pp. A1, B1) M.M.