Business News from Poland May 2026 | Monthly Newsletter
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Topics this month of Business News from Poland May 2026 include: Economic Update and Forecasts for 2026 | Brief Business News in Manufacturing, IT, Science, Logistics, Retail & FMCG | Energy Market Insights | Housing & Construction | Defence Sector Update | Finnish Companies Spotlight | Politics & Society | News from Ukraine | Events & Fairs
Polish GDP grew 3.4% year-on-year in Q1 (quick estimate by GUS)
Poland’s Central Statistical Office (GUS) reported that the country’s GDP grew by 3.4% year-on-year in Q1 2026, slightly faster than in the same period of 2025, when growth stood at 3.2%. This figure refers to non-seasonally adjusted real GDP measured at constant prices.
At the same time, seasonally adjusted real GDP increased by 0.5% compared with the previous quarter, also showing a 3.4% rise compared with a year earlier.
GDP forecasts for 2026 are expecting Poland's economy to remain strong, with GDP growing 3,3-4% in 2026. Inflation is forecast to average around 3%, staying within the National Bank of Poland's target range, which should allow interest rates to remain unchanged at 3.75% through 2026–2027. While geopolitical tensions and energy-market disruptions remain risks, the overall outlook is supported by solid consumer spending, industrial production, and a recovering construction sector. Source Source, Source
Poland debates major shift toward a R&D -driven growth model
A growing debate in Poland is centered around a proposal to increase spending on research and development (R&D) to 3% of GDP by 2030, which would mark a major change in the country’s economic model. Poland currently spends 1.41% of GDP on R&D, below the EU average of 2.24%, although the country has significantly narrowed the gap over the past 15 years. Finland's figure is 3,2% and 68% from private sector.
In the world’s most innovative economies, such as South Korea, Israel, and the United States, most R&D spending comes from the private sector. In Poland, businesses currently account for around 63% of total R&D investment. Supporters of higher spending say stronger investment in science is necessary to improve long-term competitiveness, innovation, and productivity. Proposed measures include more funding for research grants, better salaries for academics and PhD students, and stronger support for scientific institutions. At the same time, fiscal constraints and warnings that moving toward a science-focused development model would require difficult budget choices. Economists stress that creating the right business environment and incentives for companies may be more important than public spending alone. Source
Inflation in Poland - April above expectations; end of rate cuts for a while?
Inflation pressures in Poland increased again in April 2026, with core inflation rising to 3.0% year-on-year, the highest level in six months. Although still within acceptable bounds, the reading came in slightly above economists’ expectations, signaling that underlying price pressures remain persistent.
At the same time, the broader CPI inflation rate rose to 3.2% year-on-year, up from 3.0% in March, the highest level in ten months. On a monthly basis, prices increased by 0.6%. The rise was partly driven by a jump in fuel prices, even though fuel costs later eased due to government-related measures. Food and energy prices also came in higher than expected, reinforcing overall inflation pressure.
According to data from the National Bank of Poland (NBP), there are signs that price pressures initially coming from fuel markets are beginning to spill over into the wider economy, which puts the credibility of achieving the 2.5% inflation target under increasing strain.
Economists note that both the higher-than-expected CPI reading and the rise in core inflation could push the Monetary Policy Council (RPP) toward a more cautious or hawkish tone in its communication. Expectations for further interest rate cuts are already fading, and some analysts even see a growing risk that rates may need to stay higher for longer - or potentially rise again if inflation accelerates further.
Inflation forecasts for the coming months remain highly uncertain, mainly due to the ongoing geopolitical conflict in the Middle East, which has been influencing energy prices. If it continues, CPI could quickly approach or exceed the upper bound of the NBP’s inflation target range.
GUS (Central Statistical Office) data shows that nearly 40 different types of consumer goods and services recorded double-digit price increases since April 2025. Source
Germans recognize CEE as important trade partners
Germany’s (not Polish) latest trade data shows that Poland remains a highly important partner for German companies and is now the fourth-largest export market for Germany.
In the first quarter of 2026, German trade with CEE countries increased by 3.5%, reaching a total value of EUR 141 billion. Poland is strengthening its position within this group, with German officials noting that it has even overtaken China as an export destination for German goods.
Overall, German firms generated significantly higher trade turnover with CEE than with the United States and China combined, highlighting the growing importance of the region for Germany’s economy.
German exports to the four largest markets in the region - Poland, Czechia, Hungary, and Romania - increased by almost €4 billion in the first quarter alone. Strong growth was also recorded in South-Eastern Europe, including Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Slovenia. The only decline was seen in exports to Ukraine. Source
Polish investors remain active in Romania despite economic downturn
Despite suffering a recession and double-digit inflation brought on by strict government austerity measures, Romania remains a prime target for foreign capital - says Puls Biznesu in its article. Many Polish investors are actively entering the market and continuing to allocate direct investments into Romania. Source
y/y salary growth "only" 5,4%
Average monthly gross wages in the enterprise sector fell by 1.3% month-on-month (EUR 2,250), but were still 5.4% higher than in April 2025 in nominal terms, showing that wage growth remains positive despite softer employment trends.
Separately, the average wage in the first quarter of 2026 was officially announced at EUR 2,259 (PLN 9,562.88), a figure used for calculating certain social security and pension-related indicators.
In April 2026, average employment in Poland’s enterprise sector remained broadly unchanged compared with March, but was 0.9% lower than a year earlier. Source, Source
NBP: World's top central bank gold buyer in Q1 2026
The National Bank of Poland (NBP) purchased over 31 tonnes of gold in Q1 2026, accounting for close to 13% of total global central bank demand in the period - the largest volume of any central bank worldwide during the quarter. Total NBP gold reserves now stand at approximately 580 tonnes, against a long-term target of 700 tonnes set by Governor Adam Glapiński, who has consistently framed gold as a credit-risk-free strategic asset independent of other countries' monetary policies. Poland has been the world's largest officially reported central bank gold buyer for two consecutive years, accelerating its accumulation since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Source, Source
Katowicka Specjalna Strefa Ekonomiczna (KSSE) (special economic zone operator, 🇵🇱 PL) - reported record investment commitments of around 564 million EUR (2.4 billion PLN) already in the early months of 2026. The single largest project is a Polish company's planned data centre valued at approximately 446 million EUR (1.9 billion PLN). Planned: defense-related investments; partners in Taiwan and Japan. Source
Corporate bankruptcies rise in Poland in Q1 2026
The number of corporate bankruptcies in Poland increased in the first quarter of 2026, with 108 companies declaring bankruptcy - slightly more than a year earlier. Source
PRODUCTION & MANUFACTURING & FOOD
Chemical manufacturer Grupa Azoty ZCh Police (chemical industry, PL) has proposed reducing its share capital by 264 million EUR (1.11 billion PLN) to cover accumulated financial losses. Source
ABB (power and automation technology, 🇨🇭CH) launched a 23.3 million EUR (100 million PLN) investment program to expand its factory in Przasnysz and to create roughly 200 new jobs. Source
ElectroMobility Poland (state-owned EV manufacturer, 🇵🇱 PL) - Poland's state electric vehicle company has selected Taiwan's Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) (electronics and EV manufacturing, 🇹🇼 TW) as its strategic partner for the production and R&D hub planned in Jaworzno. The facility, targeting a 2029 launch, would initially produce 100,000 vehicles per year (scalable to 400,000) Source, Source, Source, Source
Swedish electric vehicle charging station manufacturer Garo (e-mobility and electrical installations developer, 🇸🇪 Sweden) is closing its plant in Szczecin and consolidating operations in its home country, citing rising labor costs in Poland and a shift toward less labor-intensive, automated production methods. Source
Daikin Europe (heat pump manufacturer, 🇯🇵 JP) officially opened its new production plant in Ksawerów after an investment of 300 million EUR, planning to scale output up to 900,000 units annually by 2035. Source
CSG Polska (industrial solutions group, CZ) finalized its first corporate acquisition by purchasing DOMAR MS (steel mesh and structural grid manufacturer), rolling out an expansion plan that includes scaling operations abroad and increasing the headcount to 300 employees this year. Source
Polpharma (pharmaceutical group, 🇵🇱 PL) has entered into an agreement to acquire an 88.4% stake in Biofarm (pharmaceuticals, 🇷🇴 RO), one of Romania’s top-ten drug manufacturers. Biofarm operates two factories in Bucharest and a research unit, offering a portfolio of over 100 products in the consumer healthcare segment. Source
Fresenius Kabi (pharma, GER) is expanding its pharmaceutical plant in Kutno to strengthen the production of sterile infusion fluids and hospital medicines. The company opened a new quality-control laboratory in 2025 and plans to launch a fully automated production line in September 2026, increasing capacity and improving supply security for Poland and 34 export markets. Source
What's Cooking (ready meals producer, 🇧🇪 BE) is investing around 70 million EUR (300 million PLN) to expand its food production facility in Opole to secure its market leadership. Source
Maczfit (catering and meal-kit delivery, 🇵🇱 PL) has completed a major expansion of its production facility in Szymanów, opening two new production and storage halls in mid-May 2026. The investment consolidates all production under one roof and increases output capacity by 30%. Source
OSM Rawicz (dairy cooperative, 🇵🇱 PL) - a small Polish dairy that nearly went bankrupt has found a new business: cosmetics. The cooperative now uses acid whey (a byproduct of curd production) as the base for its MilkyWhey skincare line. It also partnered with Poznań-based lab Symbiosis. Source
The major dairy and juice producer Polmlek (food and beverage manufacturing group, 🇵🇱 Poland) has already funneled roughly 230 million EUR into technological automation and plans to double this expenditure by deploying an additional billion by the end of 2026. Also the Group is developing modern lactoferrin technology. Source, Source
Makarony Polskie (food producer, 🇵🇱 PL) reported lower Q1 2026 financial results year-on-year, but significantly boosted its net cash and operational cash flows as it awaits UOKiK clearance to acquire Joyfood (ready meals producer, 🇵🇱 PL) while pushing ahead with a 60 million PLN (approx. 14 million EUR) investment program. Source
The meal-prep company Kuchnia Vikinga (boxed-meal delivery and food technology provider, 🇵🇱 Poland) launched a creative marketing campaign based on market research showing that over 70% of Poles love to cook but often lack the time or energy. Source
Bio Planet is launching a public share issue (series E) priced at 32 PLN per share to help finance a major investment in a new packaging/confectioning plant in Leszno. The company plans to issue 100,000–130,000 shares and use the proceeds alongside bank financing and its own funds. The total investment in the facility is estimated at around 33.3 million PLN, and it is intended to expand production capacity, improve efficiency, and support further growth. Source
Jan Spekter (apparel manufacturer, 🇵🇱 PL) owned by In-Trofa, took over the production facilities left by Levi Strauss in Płock after the American giant closed its factory in 2024, leaving 650 sewers without work. Source
KGHM Polska Miedź (copper and silver mining, 🇵🇱 PL) and Freeport-McMoRan (mining, 🇺🇸 US) have signed an agreement to begin cooperation on a copper exploration project with the aim of identifying new copper deposits to support long-term supply chains for the energy transition. Source
IT SECTOR
According to EY research, 37% of Polish service-sector companies have already implemented AI solutions, while a further 34% are currently in the process of doing so - meaning that nearly three-quarters of the sector are either live with or actively deploying artificial intelligence. The most common use cases are document automation, customer service support, and data analysis. Source
A new AI research and competence centre has been launched in Katowice by the Łukasiewicz network to speed up the development and practical deployment of artificial intelligence technologies. It will act as a central “first contact” hub linking business, public institutions, and research units across Poland. The centre focuses on turning AI and cybersecurity research into real-world industrial, healthcare, and public-sector applications. Source
Viktor.com (AI digital workplace assistant, 🇵🇱 PL) raised around 69 million EUR in a funding round led by Accel (venture capital, 🇺🇸 US), reaching an ARR of 13.8 million EUR (15 million USD) within 10 weeks of its public launch. Source
The AI audio startup ElevenLabs (voice synthesis technology platform, 🇺🇸 the U.S.) is partnering with Poland's National Health Fund (NFZ) to launch an automated AI voice assistant this summer. The voice agent will call patients to remind them of medical appointments and facilitate cancellations or rescheduling. Source
Woodpecker.co (sales automation software, 🇵🇱 PL) has initiated a strategic options review to evaluate future growth models and maximize long-term shareholder value. Source, Source
PlumResearch (media analytics, 🇵🇱 PL) has been acquired by Ampere Analysis (media and entertainment analytics, 🇬🇧 UK), one of the leading players in global media intelligence. The founding investors - Tar Heel Capital Pathfinder and Montis Capital. Source
Wisła Kraków (football club and sports technology lab, 🇵🇱 PL) is developing advanced algorithms to boost tech-driven revenues beyond match-day ticket sales. Source
PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC, TECHNICAL, FINANCIAL AND OTHER SERVICES
Poznań University of Technology (academic institution, 🇵🇱 PL) officially launched the IQM (quantum computing, FI) Radiance 5 quantum computer, making Poznań the strongest scientific and technological deep-tech computing center in Central and Eastern Europe. Source READ MORE IN THE EVENT SECTION.
The aerospace and deep-tech company Creotech Instruments (satellite and quantum hardware manufacturer, 🇵🇱 Poland) has successfully closed its Series D share offering, raising approximately 18.7 million EUR. Source
Thorium Space (satellite communications, 🇵🇱 PL) has launched its 2026-2036 development strategy focused on expanding its own intellectual property, active phased array antennas, and specialized ASIC microchips. Source
Another ICEYE (satellite radar imaging, 🇫🇮 FI / 🇵🇱 PL) radar satellite has joined the Polsaris constellation, the satellite cluster operated in partnership with Poland for defence and civil observation purposes. Source, Source
The space robotics developer PIAP Space (satellite servicing and space robotics manufacturer, 🇵🇱 Poland) received a 2.7 million EUR cash injection from the Industrial Development Agency (ARP). The company is using the money to build its "Raven" orbital platform for repairing satellites in space, aiming for a test mission in 2029. Source, Source
Vigo Photonics (infrared detector manufacturer, 🇵🇱 PL) is counting on a marked improvement in results driven by a growing volume of defence contracts, positioning the company for international expansion. Following the completed acquisition of InfraRed Associates (infrared sensors, 🇺🇸 US), management is now seeking a strategic partner or investor in Europe while not ruling out further acquisitions in the US market. Source
Market Pay (payment technology, 🇫🇷 FR, subsidiary of Carrefour) is entering the Polish market. The fintech arm of the French retail giant is looking to invest and grow in Poland, offering payment processing and integrated retail payment solutions. Source, Source
BLIK (mobile payment system, 🇵🇱 PL) has joined a pan-European payment initiative. The Polish mobile payment leader, which processes hundreds of millions of transactions annually, is expanding its cross-border interoperability by joining an EU-level framework. Source
Visa is expanding its presence in Poland by building a global technology and product hub in Warsaw, which is expected to employ several thousand people over time. The centre will focus on AI, cybersecurity, and digital payment innovation, becoming one of Visa’s key global R&D locations. Source
Flow & Partners (corporate financing solutions, 🇸🇪 SE), owned by the 0TO9 group, has expanded into Poland with a new office in Wrocław, offering business financing of up to 46.5 million EUR (200 million PLN) per client. Source
Cinkciarz.pl (online currency exchange platform, 🇵🇱 PL) CEO Marcin P. has been apprehended by law enforcement authorities in the United States following an Interpol Red Notice. Source
PFR Ventures (venture capital fund manager, 🇵🇱 PL) has updated the guidelines for its Biznest program, significantly lowering the formal entry barriers for fund managers and business angel networks and to launch investment funds more easily and provide startups with capital and mentorship. Source
Shell Business Operations has reduced its Kraków workforce by 300 employees to 4,700 as part of a global reorganization and its "ESSA" (eliminate, simplify, standardize, automate) efficiency model, though management confirmed it has no plans to relocate the major European competence hub to India. Source Source
TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS
After two years of operations of Świnoujście-Malmö route, Finnlines has reached a milestone of 200.000 passengers on the route, and 5.000 pets too. Rafał Kwapisz, Managing Director of Finnlines Polska (part of Finnlines, maritime logistics, FI-PL) noted, that company continues to commit to strengthening Poland’s role as a key logistics and transport hub, expanding freight and passenger links across the Baltic Sea region. The growing Świnoujście-Malmö route, alongside new investments in Gdynia, supports trade and more sustainable maritime transport. Source
Polish ferry operators Unity Line, Euroafrica, and Polferries have merged their commercial operations under a new brand called Polsca. The consolidated company plans to expand Baltic routes to Germany, Finland, and Sweden using advanced ships worth 260 million EUR each. Source, Source
Enter Air (charter and leisure airline, 🇵🇱 PL) has notified Poland’s competition authority (UOKiK) of its intention to acquire control over Nekera, a Polish tour operator. Source, Source
The Ministry of Infrastructure (government body, 🇵🇱 PL) is actively opposing plans by the Ministry of Finance to freeze over 7 billion EUR (30 billion PLN) intended for nationwide railway infrastructure projects. Source, Source
PKP PLK (railway infrastructure manager, 🇵🇱 PL) is dealing with a legal dispute over a 1.23 billion EUR (5.3 billion PLN) Rail Baltica tender where Intercor (civil engineering, 🇵🇱 PL) accused Track Tec Construction (rail infrastructure, 🇵🇱 PL) of offering an abnormally low price. Source
ZMPD (International Road Transport Union Poland, 🇵🇱 PL) is calling for the reintroduction of bilateral permit arrangements to restore competitive balance, as Ukrainian trucks now handle a growing share of freight to, from, and across Poland. Source
PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe signed an approximately 254 million EUR (1.08 billion PLN) contract with Strabag to modernize a 32‑km section of railway line 201 between Maksymilianowo and Wierzchucin, planned for completion in 2029. Source, Source
7R Hub Nowa Huta in Kraków - the largest urban logistics complex in Europe has been launched in Poland. Designed to serve last-mile delivery needs in a major metropolitan area, the multi-storey facility combines warehouse space with electric vehicle charging infrastructure and sustainable delivery hub operations. Source
Panattoni (logistics real estate developer, 🇩🇪 DE) will build a dedicated build-to-suit logistics centre for Toyota Motor Corporation (🇯🇵 JP) near Warsaw. The facility will serve as Toyota’s regional distribution hub for Central and Eastern Europe. Source
Polish real estate leaders warn that the country has a critical 12-to-24-month window to secure major investments in global logistics hubs, artificial intelligence and data centers. Source
Mostostal Warszawa (construction, 🇵🇱 PL) has signed a contract worth approximately 156 million EUR (661.4 million PLN) for the expansion of an airport. The contract marks one of the company’s largest aviation infrastructure wins. Source
PESA Bydgoszcz (rolling stock manufacturer, 🇵🇱 PL) has won a tender to supply up to 22 new electric trains for regional operator POLREGIO. The contract value is approximately 228 million EUR (969 million PLN). Six trains are in the base order; 16 more can be added. Source
Pyszne.pl (food delivery platform, 🇵🇱 PL), Poland's largest food delivery platform tested a fully automated delivery chain at the European Economic Congress in Katowice. A humanoid robot was presented - Unitree G1, nicknamed "Pysznek". The company says this model could be standard in the delivery business in 10-15 years. Source
Tatuum (fashion retail brand, 🇵🇱 PL) signed a lease agreement for approximately 18,500 square meters of warehouse and office space at the Marq Logistics Łódź III park to serve as its new centralized distribution hub. Source, Source
PKN Orlen (energy and retail, 🇵🇱 PL) is rolling out its automated parcel locker machines to a major retail store chain. The energy group is expanding its parcel and convenience logistics footprint by placing Orlen Paczka lockers at partner retail locations, intensifying competition with InPost and other parcel network operators in the rapidly growing Polish e-commerce delivery market. Source
Tesco Technology (retail technology hub, 🇬🇧 UK) is expanding its key European technology centre in Kraków, which now employs 350 specialists. Source
TikTok Shop (social commerce platform, 🇨🇳 CN) is making its Polish debut on 15 June 2026, with InPost (parcel logistics, 🇵🇱 PL) and BLIK (mobile payments, 🇵🇱 PL) confirmed as launch partners. Source
InPost (parcel logistics, 🇵🇱 PL) hit a new record in Q1 2026. Its Paczkomat network grew 30% year-on-year to 64,680 machines across Europe. Now they rolled out a new international shipping feature within its flagship InPost Mobile application, allowing users to easily send parcels from Western Europe directly to automated Parcel Lockers (Paczkomat) and companion points across Poland. Source Source
Poczta Polska (postal and real estate services, 🇵🇱 PL - state-owned) aims to generate around 235 million EUR (1 billion PLN) annually from commercialising unused properties. The concept includes transforming historic post office buildings into mixed commercial and cultural venues under the "Polish Post Galleries" brand. Source, Source
The group of Advent International (private equity firm, 🇺🇸 United States), FedEx (logistics corporation, 🇺🇸 United States), PPF Group (investment conglomerate, 🇨🇿 Czechia), and A&R Investments (private investment vehicle, 🇵🇱 Poland) has launched a public tender offer to acquire all shares of InPost (e-commerce logistics and parcel locker provider, 🇵🇱 Poland). The proposed deal values the company's equity at €7.8 billion, offering shareholders €15.60 per share. The share acceptance window is scheduled to run from May 26 to July 27, with full completion anticipated in the second half of 2026. Source
RETAIL & FMCG & E-COMMERCE
Seasonally adjusted retail sales in Poland rose 6.8% year-on-year in March 2026, far outpacing the EU average of 1.9% for the same period, according to Eurostat. Month-on-month, Polish retail turnover expanded by 1.9%, versus 0.3% for the eurozone. Source, Source
Poland's new car market is under significant oversupply pressure, with an exceptionally extended 2025 model-year clearance still running into May 2026. Record registration volumes and intensifying competition have pushed discounts up to 25% of list price on some models. Source, Source
Rex Concepts, operator of Burger King and Popeyes in CEE, reported 43 million EUR (181.9 million PLN) revenue in Q1 2026 and plans to open about 70 new restaurants in 2026 across Poland, Czechia, and Romania. The company debuted on the GPW on 7 May 2026, raising around 450–500 million PLN at 14 PLN per share to support its expansion. Source
Lidl Polska (discount retailer, 🇩🇪 DE) has won a court case related to the Polish retail price war. The ruling comes amid intensifying competition among supermarket chains in Poland, where retailers have been aggressively promoting price-matching guarantees and lowest-price claims. The verdict reinforces Lidl’s ability to communicate its competitive pricing positioning to consumers. Source, Source
Allegro (e-commerce platform, 🇵🇱 PL) has reclaimed the number one position among Polish online shopping platforms in April 2026. It has entered a strategic partnership with OpenAI (artificial intelligence, 🇺🇸 United States) for the upgrade of advanced AI tools (mobile shopping assistants, automated merchant tools, and internal marketing operations). Source, Source
Allegro (e-commerce platform, 🇵🇱 PL) has agreed to cooperate with Itaka (travel operator, 🇵🇱 PL) in the area of travel services. Under the partnership, Itaka's holiday packages and travel products will be distributed through Allegro's marketplace. Source
Superauto.pl (online car sales portal, 🇵🇱 PL) substantially expanded its network of partnered car dealerships in 2025, breaking through a revenue milestone of 233 million EUR (1 billion PLN). Lately they also promote their Silesian Stadium. Source, Source, Source
IKEA (furniture and home goods retail, 🇸🇪 SE) is cutting 240 jobs at its manufacturing plant in Wielbark due to rising production costs and declining orders. Source, Source
Agata Meble (furniture retail chain, 🇵🇱 PL) has initiated the construction of a large-scale distribution warehouse to optimize its retail logistics and supply chain. Source
Pepco Group (discount variety retail, 🇬🇧 UK) generated a base EBITDA of 516 million EUR on 2.5 billion EUR in revenues for the first half of fiscal year 2025/26, planning 600 new stores in Western Europe and expansion trials in Ukraine. Source
Pepco (value fashion retailer, 🇵🇱 PL) is expanding its strategic partnership with DHL Supply Chain (🇩🇪 DE) for logistics and warehousing services. The extended agreement will support Pepco’s continued rapid expansion across European markets, with DHL handling distribution operations to the company’s growing network of stores spanning over 20 countries. Source
Kappahl (fashion retail chain, 🇸🇪 SE) is choosing Poland as its primary test market for innovative store concepts before rolling them out across other European countries. Source
Poland’s consumer protection authority (UOKiK) has charged H&M and Peek & Cloppenburg over misleading discount practices, including improper or missing information about the lowest price in the last 30 days before a promotion. This may have led customers to believe discounts were larger or more genuine than they actually were. Source
The fashion retail giant LPP (clothing manufacturer and multinational retailer, 🇵🇱 Poland) is rapidly expanding its youngest label, Sinsay, by planning to open approximately 900 new locations throughout 2026. Source
Kodano Optyk (optical retail chain, 🇵🇱 PL) plans to open 50 new locations in 2026, accelerating its national expansion. The chain - which offers affordable eyewear and eye examinations - is capitalising on growing consumer demand for value optical retail, competing with both traditional optician chains and emerging online eyewear platforms. Source
Energy intensive companies lobbying for cheaper energy prices
Poland's energy-intensive industries - including steel, chemicals, glass, cement, and paper - are still waiting for substantive government action to lower their energy costs and bring them to competitive parity with peers in other EU member states. The Ministry of Development and Technology has not specified a timeline for the relief measures under discussion. Pressure is now coming from within the ruling coalition itself, with coalition lawmakers openly criticizing the lack of progress - a rare instance of internal friction on this issue. Industry representatives warn that without targeted support, Polish energy-intensive firms cannot compete with EU counterparts who benefit from state aid mechanisms cushioning high energy prices. Source, Source, Source, Source
Decarbonizing Poland's district heating could cost up to 118 billion EUR
The full decarbonization of Poland's district heating sector by 2050 may cost as much as 500 billion PLN (around 118 billion EUR). Poland operates one of the largest district heating networks in Europe, with a significant portion still fueled by coal. Large integrated heating groups have the financial scale and access to capital needed to execute such investments, but smaller, municipally owned heating companies face a considerably harder path - raising systemic concerns about the pace and equity of the transition. The sector remains a critical but challenging piece of Poland's broader energy transformation. Source, Source
Poland's emissions rising despite green investment
Poland’s greenhouse gas emissions are rising despite billions of euros in green investment, with the country remaining among the EU’s highest emitters per capita. The trend underlines the structural challenge Poland faces in its energy transition: coal still accounts for roughly half of its electricity generation, and the rapid build-out of renewable capacity has not yet offset ongoing industrial and heating emissions. Critics point to the slow pace of coal phase-out as the primary obstacle. Source, Source
Polish onshore wind market could reach 50 billion EUR by 2040
The value of Poland’s onshore wind energy market could reach approximately 50 billion EUR (214 billion PLN) by 2040, according to industry projections. The forecast reflects a significant acceleration in wind farm development, driven by the liberalisation of the 10H distance rule, improved permitting processes, and strong appetite from both domestic and foreign investors for renewable energy assets in Poland. Source
Windfall Tax Legislation hits Orlen
Poland's Ministry of State Assets is finalizing a new windfall profits tax targeting fuel producers and crude oil traders, which is expected to pass through parliament by late June. Minister Wojciech Balczun confirmed the levy will cover most of 2026, costing the state-controlled energy giant Orlen (integrated energy and refining group, 🇵🇱 Poland) an estimated 1.38 billion EUR. The surprise regulatory announcement caused the company's stock price to tumble on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Source
Tauron Dystrybucja tender raises local content debate
A procurement process run by Tauron Dystrybucja (electricity distribution, 🇵🇱 PL, subsidiary of Tauron Polska Energia) for a transmission line between Chomranice and Rożnów in the Małopolska region has drawn criticism after the company allowed cable and material procurement from any country worldwide, including outside the EU. Industry experts called for clearer, binding local content rules in energy infrastructure tenders, particularly given the strategic importance of grid buildout. Tauron responded that the tender was issued before the Ministry of State Assets formally published its local content definition, and that the company does apply the mechanism in its current procurement activities. Source
Energa reinvests entire 2025 profit into network development
Energa (electricity distribution, 🇵🇱 PL, subsidiary of PKN Orlen) announced on 5 May that its management board has recommended allocating the entirety of its 2025 net profit to reserve capital, subject to shareholder approval at the General Meeting. Shareholders will again receive no dividend. Energa is directing all retained earnings toward grid infrastructure investments and network expansion as part of the broader modernization of Poland's electricity distribution system. Source, Source
Torpol and Orlen to build hydrogen hub in Szczecin
Torpol Oil & Gas (engineering and construction, 🇵🇱 PL) will build a hydrogen hub in Szczecin for PKN Orlen (energy group, 🇵🇱 PL). The facility is part of Orlen’s broader strategy to establish hydrogen production and distribution infrastructure in Poland. The Szczecin location offers logistical advantages given the port’s connectivity to Baltic Sea trade routes and Northern European hydrogen corridors. Source
Baltica 2: offshore wind turbine foundations installation begins
PGE Group (Polish energy group, 🇵🇱 PL) and Ørsted (offshore wind developer, 🇩🇰 DK) have begun installing turbine foundations for the Baltica 2 offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea. Baltica 2, with a planned capacity of approximately 1.5 GW, is a flagship project in Poland’s offshore wind programme. Once complete, it will be one of the largest offshore wind installations in the Baltic region and a cornerstone of Poland’s energy transition. Source, Source
PSE schedules massive energy grid tenders
Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne (PSE) plans to launch grid tenders worth up to 4.97 billion PLN before the end of June 2027. The company published a full list of these upcoming projects. This investment aims to expand and modernize the national power grid. Source, Source
R.Power secures major solar loans from BGK
Polish independent power producer R.Power SA announced that its special purpose vehicle has signed a preferential loan agreement with state development bank Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) for up to 65 million EUR (PLN 280 million). Financed entirely through Poland's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (KPO) under the “Support for the national energy system” framework, the funding is designated strictly for the eligible construction costs of the 170 MWp Jaśki photovoltaic power plant. The facility utilizes a fixed, preferential interest rate classified as official state aid and will be disbursed upon fulfilling standard conditions precedent. Source, Source
Unihouse to build worker village for nuclear site
Unihouse (leading European, Polish, pioneer in ecological, timber-framed modular construction) signed a contract with American engineering firm Bechtel. Unihouse will build accommodation for 1,000 workers near the future site of Poland's first nuclear power plant. These workers will handle initial preparation tasks. Unihouse is a subsidiary of the Polish construction group Unibep. Source
LVL Energy plans massive data and storage hub
LVL Energy (engineering services, PL) bought land in Dąbrowa Górnicza for a huge new project. The company wants to build a data center and large energy storage facilities. The total cost of the investment could reach up to 435 million EUR. The development includes an advanced colocation data center paired with a massive 200 MW battery energy storage system (BESS). LVL Energy expects to get funding from international investors. Source
Enea receives solar farm funding from KPO
Enea Nowa Energia (one of top 10 Polish energy companies) secured a loan of more than 98.49 million EUR from Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK). The money comes from the National Recovery Plan (KPO). Enea will use this funding to build 11 new solar farms across Poland. Source, Source, Source
Swedish firm Tavion enters Poland with 153 million EUR energy storage push
Swedish renewable energy developer Tavion has officially entered the Polish market, announcing plans to build a portfolio of utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS). The company intends to invest 153.5 million EUR (PLN 650 million) to deploy approximately 200 MW / 400 MWh of storage capacity across the country over the next three years. Source, Source
Construction industry confidence drops to three-year low
The EFL Barometer index for the Polish construction sector dropped sharply to 47.1 points in the second quarter of 2026. This is the lowest result since the end of 2022 and it can be interpreted that Polish construction companies have significantly lower expectations for future sales and financial liquidity. Source, Source
Poland’s building market may pass 118 billion EUR
The value of Poland’s construction market could exceed PLN 500 billion (approximately EUR 118 billion) before 2030, according to industry forecasts. The growth is driven by a combination of major public infrastructure programmes - including roads, railways, and the planned Central Communication Port - alongside private residential and commercial development. Poland’s access to EU cohesion funds and the National Recovery Plan is adding further impacts. Source
New accommodations for students
StudentSpace (private student accommodation, 🇵🇱 PL) has secured approximately 50.8 million EUR (215.8 million PLN) in financing from PKO Bank Polski (banking, 🇵🇱 PL). The funds will support the development of two projects in Warsaw, including a facility on Wołoska Street, together providing around 1,100 students with housing. Source
Big city housing prices decline slightly, in small towns - increased
Housing data from the National Bank of Poland (NBP) in the end of 2025 revealed that final transaction prices for newly built apartments across Poland's seven primary metropolitan markets dipped by 0.3% year-on-year. Actual sale prices settled at an average of 3,260 EUR (14,245 PLN) per square meter. Conversely, aggressive average seller listing expectations continued to climb, pointing to a widening valuation gap between optimistic real estate developers and cost-conscious home buyers.
In the meantime, the price of new apartments in smaller regional capitals is rapidly surpassing 2,800 EUR (PLN 12,000) per square meter. Olsztyn witnessed the sharpest inflationary spike, climbing nearly 19% to reach 3,030 EUR per square meter. Driven by expensive land acquisition and high building costs, housing affordability in secondary regions now mimics the difficult savings conditions traditionally seen in Warsaw. Source, Source
Trójmiasto has the fastest rising flat prices in Poland
Secondary market apartment prices in Poland continued to rise in early 2026, with the Trójmiasto (Gdańsk-Gdynia-Sopot) metropolitan area leading growth nationally. Strong demand from buyers relocating from other cities, a growing tech and business services sector, and limited new supply in prime locations are driving prices in the Tri-City area above the national average. Source
Most land is bought for Poland’s high‑speed rail line
More than 80% of the developed plots along the route of the Central Railway (KDP - Kolej Dużej Prędkości) high-speed rail line have now been purchased as part of the investment preparation process. The land acquisition milestone signals that construction preparations for Poland’s first dedicated high-speed rail line are advancing, with the line expected to connect Warsaw, Łódź, Wrocław, and Poznań. Source
Polish office investments reach four-year high
Poland's Office Real Estate Market secured 248 million EUR in transaction volume during Q1 2026, marking its strongest start to a year since 2022. This performance represents a 35% increase year-on-year and stands 83% above the three-year average, spanning nine total deals across the country. Warsaw heavily dominated the market, capturing approximately 75% (186 million EUR) of the total quarterly value across three transactions, while regional cities hosted the remaining six deals. Source
Mirbud CEO calls for domestic quotas in strategic tenders
Jerzy Mirgos, CEO of the construction group Mirbud (infrastructure and general contracting corporation, 🇵🇱 Poland), stated that over 70% of major Polish construction orders are won by foreign-owned companies. He urged the government to establish a minimum 30% quota for domestic companies in strategic projects, arguing that current financial barriers and international reference requirements unfairly sideline local builders. Mirgos also confirmed that Mirbud is positioning itself for postwar Ukraine reconstruction, actively participating in World Bank-funded pilot road tenders worth 50 million EUR. Source
Polish company Budimex gives best offer for Berlin bridge
Budimex (construction, 🇵🇱 PL) has submitted the most favourable offer in the tender to build the Mühlendamm bridge in Berlin. The win, if confirmed, would be a landmark international contract for Poland’s largest listed construction company, demonstrating the competitiveness of Polish contractors in complex infrastructure projects in Western Europe. Source
Baumit acquires 100% of putty manufacturer Mastermas
German building materials giant Baumit has finalized the acquisition of a 100% stake in Polish putty specialist Mastermas. Active since 1997, Mastermas specializes in ready-to-use finishing compounds utilizing proprietary, finely ground dolomite stone technology. The strategic buyout is aimed at scaling Baumit's competitive presence in the professional indoor finishing segment. Driven by a joint focus on eco-friendly raw materials and ready-made compound market growth, the integration will combine both entities' production networks, though specific transaction financials were not disclosed. Source
New Gołębiewski hotel will open in Pobierowo
Gołębiewski Hotel Group (🇵🇱 PL) is preparing to open its newest flagship property in Pobierowo on the Baltic coast. The Pobierowo resort, expected to be among the largest hotel complexes in Poland, will extend the group’s portfolio of large-format leisure hotels that combine accommodation, conference facilities, aquaparks, and entertainment. Source, Source
A Czech investor has acquired a large commercial property in Poland
The Pasaż Łódzki shopping center (retail asset, 🇵🇱 Poland) has changed hands following its official sale by the investment fund Stage Capital (private equity firm, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom). The asset was acquired by Crestpoint Capital Partners (real estate investment manager, 🇨🇿 Czechia), acting on behalf of a Czech private equity investor. This strategic transaction officially marks the unnamed Czech investor's debut in the Polish retail real estate market. Source, Source
Nawrocki: Poland and Romania are fortresses of NATO's eastern flank
Polish President Karol Nawrocki visited Bucharest for talks with Romanian leadership, declaring that Poland and Romania are the “fortresses of NATO’s eastern flank.” The visit underscored the deepening security cooperation between the two largest states on NATO’s eastern front. Both countries are significantly increasing their defence spending and have been major recipients of allied military assets deployed to deter Russian aggression. Source, Source
Polish Armed Forces receive new armoured recovery vehicles
The Armaments Agency of the Ministry of National Defence and Secretary of State Paweł Bejda announced the commencement of deliveries for a new batch of factory-new tracked armored recovery vehicles (ARVs), the M88A2 HERCULES. Delivered via maritime transport and manufactured by BAE Systems, the heavy-duty technical support platforms will be assigned directly to the subunits of the 18th Mechanized Division. The HERCULES vehicles serve as a cornerstone for the logistical and technical support of Poland's rapidly expanding armored fleets. Source
New F-35 Lightning II completed for Polish Air Force
Another F-35 Lightning II fighter jet for the Polish Air Force has been completed at the Lockheed Martin production facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Poland ordered 32 F-35As in a landmark 2020 deal, and deliveries are proceeding according to schedule. The aircraft will join the growing fleet of fifth-generation fighters that will form the backbone of Poland’s air defence capability in the coming decades. Source
Defense Ministry prioritizes local military purchases
The Polish Ministry of National Defense (MON) is increasing its support for domestic suppliers. Currently, 40% of all spending on military modernization goes directly to Polish defense companies. This marks a positive growth trend compared to previous years. Source, Source
Polish Armed Forces test Łukasiewicz - PIAP EOD robots
Łukasiewicz-PIAP conducted field testing and operator training of counter-IED robots developed. For over 25 years, these domestically produced mobile robots have undergone extensive military testing to support reconnaissance and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) missions. Built entirely in Poland (from initial blueprint to final military deployment) the automated platforms are designed to maximize the standoff distance between operators and explosive hazards, proving their technical reliability and safety under simulated combat conditions. Source
Defense News from Poland
Full News Digest from last 6 months available upon request 👉 Tuomas Asunmaa or tuomas@spondeo.fi
SPCC has elected new Board for 2026-2027
The Scandinavian-Polish Chamber of Commerce (SPCC) has elected its Board for the 2026/2027 term. After four years of leadership, Artur Swirtun (LegalKraft) is stepping down as Chairman to serve as a Deputy Board Member. He is succeeded by Marzena Zahlin (Amrop), a senior international banking executive and former Handelsbanken General Manager. The new executive team includes Vice Chairs Tuomas Asunmaa, CEO of Spondeo (FI, PL), Lech Gniady (DK), and Jan Prejsnar (NO), alongside four Board Members and four Deputy Board Members. Full list of board members listed here. Source
Polish-Nordic partnerships at European Economic Congress, Katowice
The Scandinavian-Polish Chamber of Commerce (SPCC) (business association, PL) hosted the Polish-Nordic Meeting Point at the 2026 European Economic Congress in Katowice. The forum featured high-level diplomatic debates on regional security and energy transition with Norwegian Ambassador Øystein Bø and Swedish Ambassador Martina Quick.
At the chamber’s networking pavilion, corporate members marked collaborative milestones, including IKEA's (furniture retail, SE) 65th anniversary in Poland, wellness diagnostic screenings by Medicover Polska (healthcare services, PL), and sampling initiatives from the Carlsberg Group (brewery, DK) and Fazer (confectionery, FI), Nordea (financial services, FI) drove crucial panel discussions on digitalization and automated competitiveness. Source, Source
Finnish business delegation to the Czech Republic, 4-5 May, Prague
Finnish President Alexander Stubb conducted a landmark state visit to Prague on May 4-5, marking the first formal bilateral visit by a Finnish head of state to the Czech Republic since 1996. Accompanied by a business delegation of 26 Finnish companies from the defense, tech, and healthcare sectors, Stubb met with Czech President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Andrej Babiš to boost mutual trade and address critical European security. Strategic talks focused on strengthening the European pillar of NATO, maintaining robust support for Ukraine, and building independent defense capabilities to counter long-term threats from Russia, irrespective of shifts in US foreign policy. The two leaders also co-opened a Czech-Finnish business forum, addressed the "Europe as a Task" conference, and engaged with students from the College of Europe.
From Spondeo’s part, we were commissioned to support in organizing the program of the Finnish business delegation. Source, Source, Source
Poland's Northern Strategy and what it means for Finland
Poland's Ambassador to Finland, Tomasz Chłoń, has written an article for the Turku-based think tank Centrum Balticum. He describes Poland's Northern Strategy - a plan to build closer ties with Nordic and Baltic countries. The strategy covers politics, the economy, and security. Poland and Finland are both NATO members and share interests in Baltic Sea security. The ambassador says the Nordic-Baltic region is important for stability in the whole area. Source
Baltic Sea Region drives 35% of Finnish exports as Poland trade surges
According to official data from Tulli (customs agency, FI), the Baltic Sea Region now absorbs 35% of all Finnish goods exports, highlighting its geopolitical importance. Half of Finland's top ten export destinations are located in this maritime zone.
While Finland faces a 6 billion EUR regional trade deficit driven by Germany, Norway, and Denmark, exports to Poland surged by 14.6% in 2025, recording the highest growth among top trading partners. This strong upward trajectory has continued into early 2026. Source, Source
Finnish developer YIT with residential expansion in Poland
The Helsinki-based construction group YIT (residential developer and general contractor, 🇫🇮 Finland) plans to scale its Polish operations to sell 1,000 apartments annually within three years. The firm is actively securing land across Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk for its institutional build-to-rent (PRS) pipeline. Additionally, YIT is partnering with Verona Shelters to integrate high-spec civil defense bunkers into its designs while simultaneously repurposing aging Warsaw commercial high-rises into modern residential housing. Source
Stora Enso showcases automated packaging solutions at Warsaw Pack 2026
The Polish subsidiary of forestry and paper giant Stora Enso (renewable packaging manufacturing, FI) concluded its three-day exhibition at the Warsaw Pack 2026 trade fair. The company's technical showcase focused heavily on advanced fiber-based packaging solutions and industrial packaging automation systems designed to streamline supply chains. Source
Wolt aims for double digit growth via retail and e-commerce logistics
The delivery platform Wolt (food and retail delivery network, 🇫🇮 Finland) plans to sustain double-digit revenue growth in Poland by expanding beyond restaurant food into retail delivery and e-commerce logistics. To boost order frequency across 25 cities, the company is focusing on its Wolt+ subscription service, leveraging partnerships with prominent brands like Allegro (e-commerce marketplace and shopping platform, 🇵🇱 Poland), Revolut (financial technology and digital banking platform, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom), and T-Mobile (telecommunications and mobile network operator, 🇩🇪 Germany). Source, Source
Interested in more Finnish Business Success Stories in Poland?
Magyar makes Poland his first foreign destination as Hungarian PM
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar made Poland the destination of his first foreign trip since taking office following his landslide April 2026 election victory over Viktor Orbán. Magyar arrived in Kraków and travelled by EU-funded high-speed train to Warsaw, a gesture laden with symbolism given Orbán’s record of blocking EU funds. Meetings with PM Tusk, President Nawrocki, and the speakers of both chambers of parliament signalled a broad reset in Polish-Hungarian relations - which had deteriorated sharply under Orbán’s pro-Kremlin government. Source, Source
Kraków Mayor dismissed in rare recall referendum
In a historic local vote, the Mayor of Kraków was officially dismissed following a successful recall referendum. Voters turned out to express dissatisfaction over municipal budget deficits and controversial (too green?) urban zoning policies. The city council will now appoint an acting supervisor until snap mayoral elections are held within the next ninety days. Source
Poland may start paying more into the EU budget than it receives
Poland has always received more money from the EU than it has paid in. This may change in the next EU budget period. The European Commission is shifting its priorities. It wants to spend more on defense and industry, and less on regional development funds. Poland gets a lot of money from those regional funds. If the negotiations go badly for Poland, it could become a net contributor - meaning it pays more than it gets back. The result will also depend on how well Polish companies can win EU contracts and funding on their own. Source
Senate rejects Nawrocki's proposed EU climate policies referendum
President Karol Nawrocki has formally submitted a request to the Senate for a national referendum on EU climate policies, proposing the vote for 27 September 2026. The question would ask Poles whether they support implementing EU climate policy that has, in Nawrocki’s framing, raised living costs, energy prices, and business expenses. The initiative is unlikely to succeed: the pro-EU government coalition holds a majority in the Senate and opposition ministers immediately dismissed the proposal. The Senate subsequently rejected it by a 62-32 vote. Source, Source
Migration has brought money to the Economy
Foreign workers and residents are a growing pillar of Poland's economy: in 2025, migrants contributed an estimated 47-98 billion EUR (200-416 billion PLN) to GDP, or between 5.1% and 10.7% of the total, according to the "Migration in Poland" report. With roughly 2 million people set to leave the labour market within a decade due to demographic decline, experts argue that continued inward migration is essential to sustaining Poland's growth trajectory. Source
Poland debates ending automatic citizenship for diaspora descendants
Poland is debating an end to the automatic granting of citizenship to children of Polish emigrants born abroad, according to a report by Bankier.pl. The discussion focuses on introducing a “loyalty” test or active registration requirement, particularly for third or subsequent generations of the diaspora. Proponents argue the change would ensure that Polish passports are held by people with genuine ties to the country; critics warn it could deprive large communities in the West of their existing rights. Source, Source
Era of Polish labour emigration to Germany comes to an end
The era of mass labour emigration from Poland to Germany appears to be coming to an end. Polish wages have risen dramatically over the past decade, narrowing the earnings gap that once drove hundreds of thousands of Poles to seek work across the border. With real wages in Poland growing faster than in Germany in recent years - and the cost of living remaining lower - the financial incentive for economic migration to Germany has weakened substantially. Source, Source
Poland's shorter working hours pilot shows positive early results
Preliminary results from Poland’s pilot programme on shorter working hours are in, and initial findings are broadly positive. Companies participating in the four-day work week or reduced-hours pilot reported stable or improved productivity, higher employee satisfaction, and lower absenteeism. The pilot is informing a wider debate in Poland about whether statutory working hour reductions could be introduced more broadly, following similar experiments in Scandinavia and the UK. Source, Source
Poland funds coking coal giant's restructuring layoffs
The Polish government has signed an agreement to fund one-off severance payments for departing workers at coking coal producer JSW (mining corporation, 🇵🇱 Poland). Minister Wojciech Balczun confirmed that roughly 500 million PLN (approx. 115 million EUR) is earmarked to cover over 1,000 job cuts this year. This state support follows a 142 million EUR first-quarter net loss amid ongoing liquidity problems. Source
Polish society is aging at the fastest rate in the EU
A new demographic report from Eurostat shows that Poland has the fastest-aging population in the European Union. The proportion of Polish citizens over 65 years old grew to 21% last year. This rapid demographic shift poses new challenges for the country. Source
EU Pay Transparency
A majority of Polish employees remain unaware of the imminent EU Pay Transparency Directive, and only 64% of companies report full compliance readiness. Scheduled to take effect in Poland by early 2027, the mandate grants workforce members the right to review average salary benchmarks for comparable roles. Organizations failing to establish transparent pay frameworks risk severe administrative penalties up to 13,700 EUR (PLN 60,000), making transparency a critical tool for future talent recruitment. Source
More news from Ukraine in our full Newsletter Linkedin post
Łatwogang rides a bike across Poland, from Zakopane to Gdańsk
Popular Polish internet influencer Piotr Hancke, successfully completed his highly publicized cross-country charity run from Zakopane to Gdańsk. Spanning hundreds of kilometers, the live-streamed viral challenge mobilized millions of social media followers and raised over 20 million PLN (approx. 4.6 million EUR) in donations. The entire financial yield will go directly toward funding specialized gene therapy treatments for children suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Source
Michelin Guide Poland 2026 honors a record 196 restaurants
The Michelin Guide (gastronomy and tourism, FR) has officially released its 2026 edition for Poland, expanding its culinary map to cover a record-breaking 196 establishments. For the first time in the guide's history, inspectors expanded their scope beyond Warsaw, Kraków, Poznań, and the Tri-City to award stars and Bib Gourmand distinctions across the entire country. This massive expansion highlights the rapid development and soaring international prestige of the Polish fine-dining sector. Source
Night of Museums attracts record crowds
The 21st annual Night of Museums in Warsaw, held on May 16th-17th, drew record crowds across more than 300 cultural and governmental venues offering free late-night admissions. Major highlights included the official debut of the new Museum of Modern Art (MSN) (contemporary art institution, 🇵🇱 Poland) on Marszałkowska Street, alongside first-time participant E. Wedel Chocolate Factory Museum (interactive confectionery museum, 🇵🇱 Poland), which showcased historical exhibits and live production lines. Cultural venues such as the National Museum and the Warsaw Uprising Insurgents' Association hosted exclusive tours, while landmarks like the Presidential Belweder Palace and the PKO Rotunda opened their doors for specialized art showcases, film screenings, and interactive exhibits. Source
Eurovision star Erika Vikman to perform in Warsaw
Finnish electropop sensation Erika Vikman (Eurovision participant in 2025, FI) will make her Polish debut on March 5, 2027, at Warsaw's Proxima club. Organizers Knock Out Productions (concert promotion, PL) announced that tickets start at 28 EUR (PLN 119). Vikman shot to international fame after placing 11th at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest with her massive synthpop hit "Ich komme." Source
PAST EVENTS
Impact’26, May 13-14th, Poznań
The 2026 edition of Impact took place on 13-14th of May in Poznań, bringing together global leaders from politics, business, technology and culture. The programme includes 94 hours of debates, nearly 650 speakers, 9 stages and 25 thematic tracks, including new paths on AI, startups, health and philanthropy. Among the announced guests are Daron Acemoğlu, Amal Clooney, Kristalina Georgieva, Scott Galloway, Olga Tokarczuk and Justin Trudeau. The event focused on geopolitics, the economy, technology, security and contemporary culture. Source, Source
Spondeo attends WKK Meeting: BIM PLUS, 21st of May
Weronika from Spondeo recently attended the May meeting of the Wielkopolski Klub Kapitału (WKK), hosted at the ultra-modern €38.5 million (PLN 170 million) BIMs PLUS logistics complex in Swadzim, where regional business leaders gathered to share pioneering local and global projects. Host Michał Kuźmiak demonstrated how BIMs PLUS is revolutionizing B2B logistics through its 26,000 m² facility, automated 24/7 parcel lockers, and self-service professional shops, while Przemysław Kieliszewski unveiled plans for the new 1,200-seat Poznań Musical Theatre set to open in 2029. The evening took an adventurous turn with Mariusz Niewiadomski, CEO of Dekpol Budownictwo, who went behind the scenes of building the eco-conscious Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station under extreme weather conditions before its 2027 launch. Source
Temet at civil defense solutions at Protega Fair, 20-21 May, Poznań
We recently attended the inaugural Protega civil defense and security fair in Poznań. Although relatively compact, the event provided highly focused networking opportunities. Spondeo engaged in valuable discussions with industry leaders, including Finnish protective equipment manufacturer Temet and major general contractor Atlas Ward, exploring the rapidly growing sector of infrastructure security, shelter construction, and specialized dual-use engineering in Poland. Source
IQM’s launch of Quantum Computer in Poznan’s University, May 26
During the official launch of the new quantum computer at the Poznań University of Technology, Sylwia Barthel de Weydenthal from IQM Quantum Computers (quantum computing hardware manufacturer, 🇫🇮 Finland) stated that Poland is officially entering the deep-tech first league. Weronika Asunmaa, Co-Founder of Spondeo attended the ceremony and noted that the development places Poznań directly on the global map of the technological arms race for computational dominance. This milestone shows a growing scientific collaboration between Finland and Poland, marking a major step forward for deep tech in Central and Eastern Europe. Source
Municipal Services Transformation Congress, May 12, Wrocław
On May 12, Anna Golińczak from Spondeo recently attended the Municipal Services Transformation Congress in Wrocław. The event, opened by Wrocław Vice-President Ryszard Kessler and Fortum Poland CEO Piotr Górnik, centered on urban decarbonization, public transport upgrades, and municipal data integration.
A key highlight was the international keynote by Erik Hagelskjaer from the City of Copenhagen, who detailed how the Danish capital leverages a "triple-helix" partnership model between municipal authorities, citizens, and utility companies to accelerate the green transition.
Following strategic panel debates, the congress shifted to hands-on workshops exploring decentralized energy infrastructure, interoperable data sharing, and infrastructure alignment models inspired by collaborative urban practices in London. For Spondeo, the event offered critical insights into Poland's rapidly growing district heating, water management, and smart city sectors. Source, Source
Finnish Business Breakfast in Warsaw
Traditional Finnish Business Breakfast was organized on May 21st at the Warsaw residence of Ambassador Päivi Laine, co-organized by the Finnish National Section of the SPCC. Geopolitics took center stage. Journalist Witold Jurasz delivered a thought-provoking keynote on international relations and geopolitics. Source
Planmeca hosts Finland-CEE Business Association annual meeting
On May 18, 2026, healthcare technology leader Planmeca (dental equipment, FI) hosted the Finland-Central and Eastern European Countries Business Association’s Annual Meeting. The association elected its new board, Juha Y. as Chair and Janne Sykkö as Vice Chair. Board members Tuomas Asunmaa, Sami Hautala, Harri Hämäläinen, and Päivi Carina Käri-Zein. Attendees toured the facility with Planmeca executives, exploring the 1.2 billion EUR group's advanced 3D imaging and digital dental units sold across 120 countries. Source
Upcoming events
JUNE
🧺 Finnish Summer Picnic, June 13th, Warsaw
Join fellow SPCC members and families for the annual Finnish Picnic, featuring lawn games, kids' activities, and chillout zones.
Agenda Highlights:
12:00 | Registration Open
13:00 | Mölkky & Darts Tournaments
14:00 | Kids' Golf Academy
15:30 | Prize Lottery & Awards
Registration Details:
SPCC Members: Free
Non-Members: PLN 200 (around 47.30 EUR - Adults) / PLN 100 (23.65 EUR - Children)
Deadline: Register or cancel by June 9, 2026, at 12:00.
Details: Link
Other events in June:
WARSAW CONSTRUCTION AND ENERGY WEEK, FUTURE ENERGY WEEK POLAND, PCI DAYS, POLAND & CEE RETAIL SUMMIT WARSAW FLOOR EXPO, WINDOW-TECH EXPO, GLASS-TECH POLAND, WARSAW HOME FURNITURE, ANIMALS & VETERINARY DAYS, LASER TECH POLAND, PARKING EXPO POLAND
SAVE THE DATE
MSPO (Defence, 8-11 September, Kielce)
The Food Safety Congress 2026: September 10th, 2026, in Warsaw, Poland
The Food Safety Congress is an international conference gathering food safety professionals, regulators, manufacturers, packaging suppliers, and certification bodies. It provides a platform for sharing best practices, regulatory updates, and innovations in food quality and safety management. Polish and international participants are invited to attend to stay current with EU food safety requirements and global industry standards. Source
ReBuild Ukraine: Construction & Energy (12-13 November 2026, Warsaw | Expo XXI)
ReBuild Ukraine (annual international exhibition and conference for Ukraine reconstruction, organized by Premier Expo, 🇺🇦 UA) returns to Expo XXI Warsaw on 12-13 November 2026 for its 5th edition, focusing on construction, energy, infrastructure and housing recovery. Polish construction groups active at previous editions include Budimex (🇵🇱 PL), Polimex Mostostal (🇵🇱 PL) and Erbud (🇵🇱 PL) - all of which have positioned Ukraine reconstruction as a strategic growth area. Source
Finnish pavilion info by EastCham Finland: https://www.eastcham.fi/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Presentation_Rebuild-Ukraine-2026.pdf Source
Business News from Poland May 2026
Spondeo
Carefully curated by our team with help of AI-powered translations and summaries
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