"Infrastructure investments as the driving force of the economy". A panel with the participation of Minister of Infrastructure Dariusz Klimczak 

The panel "Infrastructure investments as the driving force of the economy" was moderated by Professor Jana Pieriegud, who emphasized that while much has already been achieved in Poland in the area of modernization, equally much still remains to be done. The discussion was opened with a question about the government's strategic priorities. 

The panel "Infrastructure investments as the driving force of the economy" was moderated by Professor Jana Pieriegud, who emphasized that while much has already been achieved in Poland in the area of modernization, equally much still remains to be done. The discussion was opened with a question about the government's strategic priorities.

Dariusz Klimczak, Minister of Infrastructure, spoke about the necessity of balancing ambitions with current problems. Poland wants to have modern roads and railways that can become a model for other countries. Money is not always the barrier – investment procedures are often a bigger challenge. The sources of funding remain the budget and EU funds, and, as he noted, "the best friend of the minister of infrastructure is the minister of finance".

Piotr Wyborski, President of PKP Polish Railway Lines, pointed out that projects currently underway are worth PLN 80 billion, and the goal is to achieve annual expenditures of PLN 20 billion. The railway acts as a market creator – passenger traffic is growing, and investments are driving the economy. Examples include the modernization of line 201 or KPO [National Recovery Plan] projects increasing speed on many routes. PKP aims to achieve results for passengers as quickly as possible and is conducting a dialogue with stakeholders.

Piotr Rachwalski, Member of the Management Board of CPK [Central Communication Port], reminded that this is the largest infrastructure project in Poland – by 2032 it will cost PLN 132 billion. He emphasized that CPK is not just an airport, but also a railway network – the first such investment in Europe in 20 years. Its goal is to create sustainable transport so that rail becomes the first choice for passengers. Most of the current network was built in the 19th century, which is why close cooperation with PKP is necessary.

Paweł Woźniak, Director General of GDDKiA [General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways], spoke about the need for efficient implementation of investments, which must be in line with EU priorities. Projects should be sustainable, but also proportionate. Addressing the question about autonomous vehicles, he noted that manufacturers must adapt them to existing roads, not the other way around.

Jakub Bińkowski from the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers emphasized that business appreciates the development of infrastructure, as better connectivity of towns increases worker mobility and supports local economies.

In summary, the panelists indicated the conditions for the effective functioning of infrastructure by 2030. Bińkowski spoke about the need to accelerate and simplify processes. Woźniak emphasized the importance of training staff and raising the competencies of current employees. Rachwalski pointed to the necessity of stable funding and considered creating a railway fund. Wyborski noted that the implementation of the investment program is associated with financial and macroeconomic risks, including rising costs. Minister Klimczak summarized that Poland will achieve its goals, but the key will be to avoid conflicts between different modes of transport – rail, roads, and airports must complement each other to meet the needs of citizens.