The European Forum for New Ideas (EFNI) in Sopot is one of the most important events on the map of regional debates about the future of Europe. It is a platform where leading thinkers, economists, politicians, and business leaders meet to discuss key trends, challenges, and innovative solutions shaping the fate of the continent. This year, the Institute of Public Finance (IFP) once again serves as a substantive partner of EFNI, allowing us to actively engage in discussions about the state of Poland’s public finances, especially in light of the current crisis—rising public debt and a record-high budget deficit. A particularly significant highlight of our participation is the IFP-organized panel entitled “Swedish spending, low Irish taxes, a strong army – can we afford it all at once?” which will take place on October 17, the third day of EFNI. This panel is the first in a series of debates devoted to the challenges facing Poland’s public finances, which we plan to continue in the coming months. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Sławomir Dudek, who will be joined by: Can Poland simultaneously sustain high social spending, low taxes, and military modernization? Is the vision of “Swedish spending” combined with “Irish taxes” a feasible strategy—or merely a dangerous illusion? And finally, what should be the plan to repair Poland’s public finances? How can we break the political deadlock? Is it possible to fix public finances without political consensus? Can tax increases be avoided? Is there a realistic chance of reducing social transfers? Or perhaps it’s time to consider a “war tax”? These are the questions we aim to address. Beyond the main panel, IFP experts will also participate in other EFNI sessions, presenting the latest analyses and reports, including the results of the new edition of the Index of Poland’s Economic Credibility prepared by a team of economists under the leadership of Prof. Jerzy Hausner (October 16). The future of the European Union now stands at a crossroads, facing serious internal and external challenges. The discussion on what kind of Union we need today and what decisions must be made to face upcoming challenges will be led by Prof. Danuta Hübner, economist and EU Commissioner for Regional Policy (2004–2009), who has invited, among others, Prof. Paweł Wojciechowski, Chairman of the IFP Program Council. This year’s EFNI will also feature meetings with authors, complementing the panel discussions. We particularly invite you to an evening with Jacek Krzysztof Hinz, centered on his latest book “The Island Not of This World”, moderated by Patrycja Satora, Vice President of the IFP Board. Follow our updates and be part of the discussion.
– Ludwik Kotecki, Member of the Monetary Policy Council and of the IFP Program Council,
– Monika Kurtek, Chief Economist at Bank Pocztowy SA,
– Prof. Paweł Wojciechowski, former Minister of Finance and Member of the IFP Program Council,
– Mirosław Gronicki, former Minister of Finance and Member of the IFP Program Council.
