Polish MEP warns of challenges for EU commissioners Serafin, Fitto, Hoekstra

In Brussels, Polish MEP Bogdan Rzońca has raised concerns about the challenges facing Piotr Serafin, who is nominated to become the new EU budget commissioner. Rzońca, a member of the European Parliament’s Budgets Committee, highlighted that Serafin, a close associate of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, will encounter significant difficulties in his role, especially given the complexities of the EU budget. He will be the second Pole to hold this position, following Janusz Lewandowski. Rzońca also pointed out that the upcoming reforms in cohesion policy, which will emphasize innovation and digital transformation, could lead to reduced funding for infrastructure projects in Poland, the largest beneficiary of EU cohesion funds. This shift in priorities has raised concerns among beneficiaries about the availability of financial resources. Furthermore, Rzońca acknowledged the potential for opposition from Western MEPs regarding Serafin's nomination, given Poland's status as a major recipient of EU funds. He noted that not all member states are eager to take on the budget portfolio due to its inherent challenges. The scrutiny of other commissioner nominees, Raffaele Fitto and Wopke Hoekstra, is also expected to be intense during parliamentary hearings, indicating a broader context of political dynamics within the EU.