Karbownik highlighted that the government had “inherited an economy that was not growing at all.” Nonetheless, he predicted, following expected growth this year of around 3%, 2005 would see “massive investments in the national budget” as a driving force of growth.
In this respect, he pointed to healthcare and defense as major drivers as well as the development of nuclear power. In addition, he said, large inflows of EU funding would be a significant factor.
On the subject of the possible impact of the Trump presidency on Europe’s economy, Karbownik was cautiously upbeat.
“Donald Trump loves Poland,” he said, going on to emphasize that the president elect is “always optimistic and enthusiastic” about Poland.
In addition, he pointed to EC projections that indicate any transatlantic trade friction would primarily hurt the U.S., not Europe.
“There will be a very intense dialogue when the new administration takes office and certainly our presidency will be part of this dialogue,” he said in reference to Poland’s six months at the EU helm, which start on January 1.
He said Poland would try to ensure the outcome of these discussions
positive for both sides as “with a trade conflict, both sides could lose.”
The deputy minister said the Polish presidency will also address defense spending, as Warsaw has consistently said: “The new administration of Donald Trump is coming, and the Europeans need to spend much more.
“And this is the conversation we’re going to have during the presidency.”
