Business News from Poland October 2025
- Tania Sen
- 23 godziny temu
- 31 minut(y) czytania
In this issue: Economic Update | Brief Business News in Manufacturing, IT, Science, Logistics, Retail & FMCG | Energy Market Insights | Housing & Construction | Defense Sector Update | Finnish Companies Spotlight | Politics & Society | News from Ukraine | Events & Fairs
Polish public debt growing
In Q2 2025, Poland recorded the second-fastest public debt growth in the EU, the leader in this comparison was Finland. Poland’s ratio reached 58.1%, still well below the EU average of 81.9%. The debt nears 1.87 trillion PLN (approx. 438 billion EUR) as of September 2025, rising by 15.7 billion PLN (around 3.71 billion EUR) in one month. Domestic debt makes up 80% of the total, while foreign liabilities account for 20%. The rise is linked to slower revenue growth and especially to massive investments in the defense. Source, Source, Source, Source, Source
Poland's trade balance: Positive with Germany, negative with the USA
According to the latest data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS), Poland's foreign trade turnover reached over 237 billion EUR in the first eight months of 2025. However, the trade balance was negative, with imports exceeding exports by 5 billion EUR. While exports to Germany remained more or less stable, imports from countries like China and South Korea saw significant increases, contributing to the overall trade deficit. Notably, Poland recorded a negative trade balance with the United States, amounting to 4 billion EUR during the same period. Source
Wages grow more slowly, fewer workers in Poland
According to the latest data, Poland’s Well-Being Index fell slightly as wage growth slowed and employment declined. Average wages rose by about 7.5% year-on-year - less than last year’s pace - while over 45,000 jobs have disappeared since early 2025. Wages are still growing faster than prices, meaning real incomes raising over 4% currently. Source
Production data from September shows growth
Poland’s industrial production grew by 7.4% year-on-year in September 2025, according to GUS. The growth was partly due to an extra working day but also reflects a broader recovery trend. Seasonally adjusted data showed a 5.7% year-on-year and 4.1% month-on-month rise. Key contributors included machinery, metals, motor vehicles, and electronics. Economists see the results as a positive signal for Poland’s manufacturing sector. Source, Source
Poland's food exports continue to grow
In the first half of 2025, Poland's food exports increased by 7.9%, reaching 28.2 billion EUR. Growth is driven by strong demand for processed products like chocolate, poultry, and dairy, as well as Poland’s position as a leading EU exporter of meat, dairy, and grains. Poland currently ranks 7th among the largest EU exporters of agri-food products and 3rd among countries with the highest positive trade balance. Government support, investment in food processing, and international promotion have strengthened Poland’s reputation for high-quality products. Since 2020, the value of food exports has increased by nearly 60%. Source
Polish domestic consumption has increased
Poland’s consumer demand is growing faster. By the end of September 2025, retail sales rose by 6.4% compared to last year. People bought more cars, furniture, and home appliances. Inflation is low at 2.9%, and wages went up by 7.5%, helping households to spend more. Source, Source
MANUFACTURING
Hanwha Ocean (South Korean shipbuilder) will invest 94 million EUR in Poland’s shipbuilding and maritime economy under "Orka" program - around 1300 jobs to be created. Source
Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa (JSW), the largest producer of metallurgical coal in Europe used for steelmaking, reported net loss - approx. 480 million EUR in the first half of 2025. Source, Source
Orlen (energy group, Poland-owned) proposed a non-binding offer worth approx. 233 million EUR to buy all shares in Grupa Azoty Polyolefins, aiming to expand its polymer and petrochemical portfolio by mid-2026. Source, Source
Famak (industrial equipment manufacturer, Poland) is preparing to supply key components for the country’s first nuclear power plant project. Source, Source
ArcelorMittal Poland (steel producer, India-owned via ArcelorMittal Group) is implementing a about 115 million EUR investment program to upgrade its Polish operations. In addition, ArcelorMittal announced a deal with Sweden’s Trafikverket "to melt and reuse old rails". Source, Source
Cognor (Polish steel manufacturer) finished a 183 million EUR upgrade using AI and robotics to automate production and reduce energy use. Source, Source. See also an article about Cognor launching a new rolling mill in Siemianowice. Source.
China processed 92% of global rare earth metals in 2024. The EU and Poland still rely heavily on Chinese imports, with 64 critical products tied to China. Source
Pella Capital (investment group, PL) bought Karton-Pak (cardboard packaging producer, PL) and plans further acquisitions, aiming for 230 million EUR in annual revenue. Source
Arlen (Polish textile group) will expand its Żyrardów facility for 103 million EUR to increase output and improve logistics. Source. Additionally, Arlen announced they will be a clothing supplier for Belgium police.
Homag Polska (German-owned, machinery) became its group’s leading unit and is hiring engineers for a new factory in Poland. Source
Bioceltix (Polish biotech firm) plans to raise 9.9 million EUR for product development and international growth. Source, Source
Green Factory (vegetable processor, Poland-owned) finalized the acquisition of Eisberg units in Poland, Hungary, and Romania from Bell Food Group (Switzerland). Source, Source
Polish company U Jędrusia, which makes chilled ready meals like dumplings and crepes, expanded its production and now aims to grow exports. Source, Source
Milarex (Polish seafood processor) was bought by Pangea (Norwegian investment group) to grow its presence in Europe’s fish market. Source, Source.
Wawel (chocolate maker, Poland-owned) will spend approx. 23.7 million EUR to modernize its factory in Dobczyce thanks to Krakow Technology Park. Planned to be completed by the end of 2027. Source
Grupa Żywiec (beer producer, Netherlands-owned) will end production at its Namysłów brewery in early 2026. Brands from Namysłów will still be brewed at other company sites. Source
Henryk Kania, former chairman of the supervisory board of the Henryk Kania Meat Processing Plant (meat producer, Poland) filed a formal complaint against an unnamed discount chain, alleging unfair practices. Source
IT SECTOR
Only 16% of Polish companies use AI, and most others don’t plan to adopt it. Firms in large cities are more likely to use AI than those in small towns or rural areas. Source
In Q4 2025, 38% of IT firms in Poland plan to hire, while 27% may cut jobs, showing mixed employment signals in the tech sector. Source
A new AI factory will be built in Poland with 32 million EUR in EU and national funding to support tech local development. Source
Benefit Systems (Polish wellness and fitness services provider) grew faster than expected and now uses AI to boost user engagement. Source, Source
Swedish Vitec Software Group bought 80% of Polish software company NMG, which builds IT systems for energy and industrial clients. NMG earned about 8.3 million EUR in 2024 and had around 2.1 million EUR net profit. Source, Source
Polish startups received around 490 million EUR in funding over three quarters of 2025, driven by venture capital backed by PFR Ventures and the FENG program. Source, Source
CGI (IT services, Canada-owned) signed a conditional deal to acquire Comarch Polska (software company, Poland-owned). Source
Seven former Comarch executives launched 3 Hazel Tree Partners (consulting firm, Poland-owned). They help businesses with digital strategy, AI, cybersecurity, and satellite data. Source
Minerva (IT platform, Poland-owned) raised approx. EUR 2.5 million from Finnish VC OpenOcean. Source
Intentee (AI software, Poland-owned) got funding from Kogito Ventures. Their platform helps organizations build AI tools without the need of developers. Source
Bielik AI (AI model developer, Poland-owned) partnered with Beyond.pl (data center operator, Poland-owned) to launch an AI Factory in Poznań. It will host computing for Bielik’s Polish-language LLM. Source
Gaming Factory (Poland) announced that its racing title Japanese Drift Master will launch on Xbox Series S|X on 21 November 2025. Source
Komputronik (IT retailer, Poland) signed an agreement with Euvic and WB iTotal to raise ~1.16 million EUR through a new share issue. Euvic will acquire 75% of the new shares and buy additional shares from the main shareholder. Source
Lynx Trail Capital (search fund, international ownership: USA, Germany, Israel) acquired 100% of Icea, a Poznań-based SEO/SEM agency. Amarant Capital Family Office is a key investor. Source
Vitvio, a startup co-founded by Polish entrepreneurs, receives about 7.1 million EUR in funding to develop its AI-native platform for content makers. Money partially backed by ElevenLabs’ founder. Source
Prosecutors estimate that the head of Cinkciarz.pl (online currency exchange office, PL) caused over 28 million EUR in losses to clients; he’s been wanted since July. Source, Source
Softiq (Poland, IT services) won a 22.6 million EUR ZUS contract to develop and maintain the PUE platform, beating Comarch and Axians. Source
PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC, TECHNICAL, FINANCIAL AND OTHER SERVICES
Poland’s space sector is growing fast, with over 400 companies now involved in satellite, rocket, and aerospace tech. Source
VeloBank (Polish bank) plans to recruit dozens of new franchise partners to grow its retail network. Source
INVL Private Equity Fund II (Lithuania), IFC (World Bank Group), and ACP (Austria) invested in Polmed Group (private healthcare provider, Poland) to develop oncology services. Source
Mo-BRUK (Polish waste processing company) will acquire shares in Eco Point PSA. Source
DeepTech Capital Consortium was formed by Polish VC funds to invest jointly in deep tech, life sciences, and space tech startups. Source
TMF Group (professional services, Netherlands-owned) acquired Nordgain (or NOEWE - accounting and payroll firm, Lithuania-owned), expanding its reach into the Baltic-Nordic region. Source
Polish citizens can now use a qualified electronic signature directly in the mObywatel app (digital ID platform, Poland-owned). This allows secure signing of official documents without physical paperwork. Source
Vinci (France-owned, infrastructure and energy) will invest 1,1 billion PLN (~260m€) in Polish growth companies. Focus areas include energy, transport, and digital services. Source, Source
BGK (Poland, state development bank) will boost export and investment support to 1.6 billion EUR by 2030 to help Polish companies grow, including roughly 900m€ earmarked to expansion in Africa. Source
TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS
GDDKiA (Polish General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways) will announce ~2.8 billion EUR in road construction tenders in 2026. Projects include highways and bridges. Source
Ryanair (Irish airline) opened a 130 million EUR crew training facility in Kraków to support its operations in Central Europe. Source
PKP Cargo (Polish rail freight company) planned to pay about 13.3 million EUR in overdue benefits by 8th of October 2025, completing about 24 million EUR in total payouts this year to employees affected by layoffs, and voted to replace the restructuring manager. Source, Source
Poczta Polska (national postal service, Poland) is investing in advanced sorting technologies to improve mail handling and logistics. Source
Panattoni (industrial real estate developer) started building a large logistics center in Łódź. The site will cover 150 thousand sq metres. Source
Laude Smart Intermodal (Polish logistics firm) is negotiating to buy a German company and plans to invest in the Black Sea region. Source
Government programs like “NaszEauto” and charging infrastructure helped boost adoption of electric vehicle registrations in 2025 by 75%. Source
Poland’s electric car fleet passed 100,000 fully electric passenger vehicles, driven by rising demand and government incentives. Source
Electrip Polska (EV charging operator, Poland-owned) aims to reach profitability at its stations by year eight. The company plans to grow fast: 60 stations by the end of 2025, and over 1,000 by 2029. Source
Amazon (e-commerce and logistics, U.S.-owned) is hiring over 8 thousand new employees across its Polish operations, offering record hourly wages and ~470 EUR starting bonus for seasonal workers. Source
Wrocław Airport has suspended operations until early December due to runway reconstruction. Source
RETAIL & FMCG
Discount chains now hold 47% of Poland’s FMCG market, reshaping retail dynamics and pressuring traditional stores to adapt pricing. Source, Source
Nearly 70% of Polish consumers now shop online, marking a steady rise in digital purchasing habits. Source
According to new data, 61% of Polish online retailers sell outside the country. Most target EU markets, especially Germany, Czechia, and Romania. Source
IKEA (Swedish furniture retailer) launched a second-hand platform in Poland to support the circular economy and offer used furniture online. Source
Smyk (Polish children’s retail chain) plans an IPO and to raise 33 million EUR by issuing new shares to fund growth and reduce debt. Source, Source
CCC (retail, Poland-owned) was accused by Ningi Research of inflating earnings through questionable sales practices, causing its stock to drop. Source, Source, Source
Grupa Salling (retail group, Denmark) marked 30 years of Netto in Poland and confirmed that the country plays a central role in its future expansion plans. Source
Aldi (retail chain, Germany) continues its expansion in Poland, currently operating 384 stores and planning to exceed 400 by the end of the year. Source
Colian (Polish sweets company) joined with Gubor (German chocolate maker) in May 2025. Now, Gubor will close its factory in Cadolzburg and move machines to Poland. Colian plans to build a big new plant in Opatówek. Source, Source
Kupiec (Polish food producer) sees rice and chocolate wafer exports as a key growth area, looking for international markets. Source
Oshee (Polish sports drink brand) switched to carton packaging to avoid Poland’s new deposit system, while Ustronianka (mineral water producer) released a 3.001-liter bottle that falls outside regulated limits. Source
Biedronka (Polish supermarket chain) introduced Tomra recycling machines in stores, made in Poland by Scanfil. These devices allow customers to return bottles and cans for rewards. Source
Allegro faces competition from the Chinese online sellers that are gaining ground in Poland’s e-commerce market. Source
Ares Management (US, investment firm) and Slate Asset Management (Canada, real estate investor) jointly acquired 36 retail parks in Poland for over 300 million EUR from German-owned Trei Real Estate. Source
Electricity prices got high in Autumn
In September 2025, Poland recorded the second-highest electricity prices in Europe at 107 EUR/MWh. The increase was driven by low wind and solar output, higher demand, and expensive emission permits reaching 80 EUR/t. Gas prices also rose, affecting power generation costs. Compared to August, prices jumped by 20%. Poland’s energy market remains volatile, with renewables underperforming and fossil fuels facing regulatory pressure. The situation raises concerns about affordability and supply stability heading into winter. Source
Poland became a leader in battery storage technologies
Poland is now a leader in battery energy storage across the EU. By 2024, it installed 274 MW, mostly connected with small rooftop systems. Another 4.3 GW is contracted for 2027-2029. A 262 MW facility in Żarnowiec is under construction and will be one of Europe’s largest. The country’s rapid growth in storage capacity supports grid stability and renewable integration. Investments are driven by regulatory incentives and rising demand for flexible energy solutions in industrial and residential sectors. Source
Griffin battery storages
Griffin Group Energy (Polish energy storage company) plans to build a large battery installation in Jawor. The system will store 50 MW of electricity and is expected to be operational by 2026. The project is part of a broader plan to create 1.5 GW of storage capacity across Poland. The company wants to support grid stability and renewable energy use. Total investment in the Jawor site is estimated at around 44 million EUR. Source
Estonians investing
Skeleton Technologies (energy industry, Estonia-owned) plans to invest up to 3 billion EUR in Poland. The company will build a supercapacitor factory, AI-powered energy systems, and a research center, using its patented curved graphene technology. These systems support energy, defense, and AI sectors.
On 7th of October 2025, CEO Taavi Madiberk presented the plan at the “Building high-tech industry in Poland” seminar hosted by InnoEnergy and Polityka Insight. At the event Skeleton’s role in the Polish Industrial Cluster Program was mentioned. Source, Source
PGE moves to fully control nuclear energy subsidiary
ZE PAK (energy company, Poland-owned) signed a conditional agreement to sell its 50% stake in PGE PAK Energia Jądrowa to PGE (state-owned utility, Poland). The deal is expected to close by 27 November 2025. Full ownership will allow PGE to lead research and site analysis for future nuclear power plants. Bełchatów is the top candidate for development, but other locations will also be reviewed to manage risks and ensure strategic planning. Source, Source
Orlen cutting carbon emission
Orlen Termika (Polish heat and power producer, state-owned) announced a tender for Europe’s largest flue gas (hot exhaust released after burning fuel, often reused for energy recovery) heat recovery system at its Żerań plant in Warsaw. The installation will reclaim 145 MW of thermal energy and cut carbon emissions by 137 thousand tons yearly. It will also reduce natural gas use by 33 million square metres. The recovered heat will support district heating. Completion is planned for late 2029. This project is part of Orlen’s broader plan to phase out coal by 2035 and modernize its energy infrastructure. Source
Poland allocates 180 million EUR for biogas plant subsidies
NFOŚiGW (National Fund for Environmental Protection, Poland) will launch a new subsidy program offering 800 million PLN (~180 million EUR) to support biogas plant investments starting in H1 2026. The funding aims to accelerate Poland’s transition to renewable energy, reduce agricultural waste, and improve energy independence. Grants will be available for both new installations and upgrades of existing facilities. Source, Source
Biogas expansion backed by loan
Neo Bio Energy (renewable energy developer, Poland-owned) received 17 million EUR from BGK and PKO Bank Polski to expand agricultural biogas plants in Lublin and Silesia. The full investment may reach 50 million EUR and cover seven sites with 24 MW capacity after upgrades. This is Poland’s first joint bank financing in the biogas sector. Neo plans to grow its portfolio to 23 fermentation plants by mid-2026. Source
Meva Energy secures 40 million EUR from EIB for biomass gasification
Meva Energy (cleantech firm, [Sweden-owned]) received 40 million EUR from the European Investment Bank to build modular biomass gasification plants. The first Polish unit will serve IKEA and convert waste into renewable gas. Source
Sweden’s Lantmännen Energi to take control of Ekobenz
Lantmännen Energi (biofuels, Sweden) is set to acquire a controlling stake in Ekobenz, a Polish biofuel producer, as confirmed by ARP (Polish state agency). The move strengthens Polish-Swedish cooperation in renewable energy and supports the development of advanced biofuels in Poland. Ekobenz specializes in converting bioethanol into synthetic gasoline, and the acquisition is expected to boost innovation and production capacity. Source, Source
Japan launches 370 million EUR program to scale perovskite solar cells by 2030
From 2025 to 2030, Japan’s NEDO will fund research to improve perovskite solar cell efficiency and reduce production losses. The goal is to match the cost of silicon-based solar energy by 2030. Tests will be done on rooftops and ground setups. Polish startup Saule tried to develop this tech but stalled due to funding issues. Now, Japanese firms Ricoh, Daiwa House, and NTT Anode Energy will lead efforts in printing, installation, and energy optimization. Source, Source, Source
French Norwegian partners and a Polish biogas producer
TotalEnergies (French energy group) and HitecVision (Norwegian investor) formed a partnership to support Polska Grupa Biogazowa (Polish biogas producer) in reaching 2 TWh annual output. The deal strengthens Poland’s renewable gas sector and aligns with EU goals for energy independence. TotalEnergies and HitecVision will provide capital and expertise to expand biogas infrastructure. The move reflects growing interest in decentralized energy sources and sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. Source
Apple will have solar power in Poland
Apple Polska signed a 19-year agreement to buy solar energy from a 40 MW plant in Resko, Poland. The facility will supply 75% of its output to Apple and is operated by Greenvolt Power. The deal supports Apple’s goal to run all European operations on clean energy. The company already sources renewables in Spain and Italy. This long-term contract highlights Poland’s role in powering global tech firms with locally produced green electricity. Source
Lyten bought site in Gdańsk
Lyten (US company in energy storage) bought Northvolt Dwa in Gdańsk, Poland, a 25,000 square metres site producing battery systems. The factory will become Lyten’s main EU hub for lithium-sulfur energy storage. Production will restart in 2025. Earlier, Scania took over Northvolt’s other Polish unit. Lyten also acquired Northvolt assets in Sweden and Germany worth about 4.7 billion EUR. Source
Eneris plans major investments in Poland’s energy and waste sectors
Artur Deli, who made his fortune in satellite tech, returned to Poland to build Eneris (Poland-owned, waste and energy services). The company now aims to become a top player in waste processing and clean energy. Eneris will invest in recycling, energy recovery, and possibly micro-nuclear solutions. Source, Source, Source
Polimex-Mostostal plans to grow by joining large energy and gas projects
Polimex-Mostostal outlined a new strategy focused on energy, petrochemicals, and gas infrastructure. It expects to cross 2.3 billion EUR in revenue between 2026-2028, with a 4%+ operating margin. Dividends are not planned before 2029. The company sees growth in nuclear energy, the CPK airport project, and Ukraine’s rebuilding. Expansion is planned in Germany, Scandinavia, Romania, and Bulgaria. They may also enter railway infrastructure and consider acquisitions. Source
Bumech signed secured a credit line from MS Fundacja Rodzinna
Bumech (Poland, mining and energy services) will launch biomass production, with plans to invest 2.6-3.5 million EUR and supply 200,000 tons by 2027. is diversifying into renewable fuels and signed a biomass supply deal worth 37 million EUR. It aims to produce 300,000 tons of pellets annually within two years. Source
Fortum modernizing the Zabrze plant
Fortum (Finland, energy provider) will invest 85 million EUR to reduce emissions at its Zabrze heat and power plant in Poland. The project includes replacing coal with cleaner fuels and upgrading systems to meet EU climate goals. The company plans to modernize the plant’s technology and improve energy efficiency. Source
New investments from GreenYellow in Poland
GreenYellow Polska (Polish branch, renewable energy provider, part of French company) will invest over 100 million EUR in solar, energy storage, and efficiency projects using an as-a-service model that lets companies access clean energy without upfront costs. Source
Housing market by beginning of October: mortgages, rental, offers have grown
At the end of September and beginning of October there was the highest housing activity in Poland in nearly two years. Buyers returned to the market, driven by lower rates and better financing. Developers launched new projects, and listings moved faster. Warsaw, Wrocław, and Gdańsk were most popular.
Mortgage applications in Poland rose sharply in September 2025. Banks received more requests, and the average loan value increased. The change follows interest rate cuts by the central bank. Buyers are more active, especially in urban areas. Credit conditions improved, and banks eased approval criteria.
Poland’s rental market grew in September 2025 as well, with more listings, higher tenant activity, and rising demand for mid-sized apartments. The largest increases were in Trójmiasto (+29.5%) and Kielce (+28%). Two-room flats over 40 square metres were most popular. Rental prices rose in Olsztyn and Bydgoszcz (+7% yearly), but fell in Rzeszów (-6%). Warsaw remained the most expensive at approx. 1,080 EUR. Source, Source, Source, Source, Source, Source
Unibep wins modular housing deal in Germany
Unibep’s subsidiary Unihouse (modular construction, Poland-owned) secured a 35.7 million EUR contract to build eight apartment buildings in Frankfurt. The project includes 160 units and will be completed by mid-2027. Unibep operates across Europe and specializes in residential, industrial, and public buildings. The deal strengthens its position in the German housing market. Source
Nowy Port -project in Gdańsk
Develia (Polish real estate developer) signed a public-private partnership deal for the Nowy Port 2030 project in Gdańsk, valued at 2.4 billion EUR. The mixed-use development will include housing, offices, and public spaces. Construction is planned in phases through 2030. The agreement involves local authorities and private investors. Develia will lead design and execution, aiming to revitalize the waterfront area. The project supports urban renewal and sustainable infrastructure in northern Poland. Source
Poland and Ukraine signed a letter of intent
Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz signed a letter of intent with Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal to deepen cooperation. Source
Two Norwegian F-35 fighter jets landed in Poznań, Poland, on 3d of October 2025
They are part of NATO’s air defense mission to protect Polish and allied airspace. The 332 Squadron from Ørland Air Base leads the operation. Two more jets will arrive later. Norwegian soldiers and technicians are also deployed. This is Norway’s second F-35 mission in Poland. The team will work closely with Dutch F-35 forces during the deployment. Source
Fuel deal as a step for stronger defense
Poland signed a preliminary agreement to connect its fuel infrastructure to NATO’s pipeline system, marking a major step in national defense and energy security. The deal between NATO’s Investment Office and PERN S.A. (Polish fuel logistics operator) includes building 300 km of pipelines from the German border to Bydgoszcz and new fuel depots for allied forces. Estimated at 4.6 billion EUR. Source
Defense firms receive nearly 690 million EUR for air defense
Four companies from Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (state-owned defense group, Poland) will get approx. EUR 690 million from the Capital Investment Fund. The money supports the Narew program, Poland’s short-range air defense system. The biggest share goes to PIT-Radwar (radar systems, Poland) for a new plant near Warsaw. Other recipients are Jelcz (military vehicles), ZM Tarnów (weapons), and WZU (missile maintenance). Funds will help expand production, labs, and facilities. Source
PGZ doubles Piorun missile output, produced by Mesko
PGZ (defense group, Poland-owned) plans to double annual production of Piorun portable anti-aircraft missiles from 1,300 to 2,600 units by 2029. Manufactured by Mesko, the missiles are used by Poland and exported to NATO countries including the U.S., Sweden, and Norway. The system proved effective in Ukraine and is now one of Poland’s top defense exports. Source, Source
PGZ and Rheinmetall: UAVs
PGZ (Polish state-owned defense group) and Rheinmetall (German arms manufacturer) will create a joint venture to build armored recovery vehicles, engineering platforms with mine-clearing capabilities, and bridge-launching systems. The partnership aims to establish a European Support Vehicles Centre in Poland, enhancing regional defense production. Source
PGZ-Anduril deal: missile factory in Poland
Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ, Poland-owned, defense) signed an agreement with Anduril Industries (US-owned, defense tech) to co-develop and produce the Barracuda-500M cruise missile. The project includes a new factory in Poland and aims to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank. The missiles will be locally built with Polish suppliers and feature autonomous systems. Source
Tusk announced repurposing Rafako and restructuring JSW for defense sector
Poland will transform Rafako (energy equipment firm, Poland-owned) into a defense plant under the Racibórz Component Factory venture. It will produce military vehicle chassis for missiles and radars, creating over 500 jobs. Full production is expected by early 2027. Prime Minister Tusk also confirmed restructuring plans for JSW (coal producer, Poland-owned), aiming to stabilize finances and explore defense applications. PGZ may support JSW’s transition. The government is working to limit steel imports and return approx. EUR 370 million to JSW, linking industrial renewal with national security. Source, Source
Bumar-Łabędy receives significant defense investment
Bumar-Łabędy (armored vehicle producer, Poland-owned) signed a deal with PGZ to expand its production capacity in Gliwice. The agreement, worth 195 million EUR, is funded by Poland’s Capital Investment Fund. The project includes upgrades for manufacturing wheeled and tracked vehicles, plus chassis for Krab howitzers. The plant will also improve energy efficiency and modernize its infrastructure. This investment strengthens Poland’s defense industry and supports NATO’s eastern flank. Source
Arlen expands protective gear factory in Żyrardów
Arlen (protective clothing manufacturer, Poland-owned) signed a 110 million EUR contract with Kontur Budownictwo to expand its production site in Żyrardów. The project includes building a two-story facility and upgrading operations. Completion is expected by August 2026. Arlen supplies gear to uniformed services and recently joined the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The expansion will boost production capacity and support growing demand for safety equipment. Source
Rubicon Partners backs Polish ammunition producer
Rubicon Partners has invested around 2.3 million EUR in Polish Innovation Labs (ammunition manufacturer, Poland-owned). The funding will help the company expand its production capacity. The firm aims to produce up to 90 million units of ammunition annually, mainly for defense purposes. Source
MatrixSpace gets funding for radar tech expansion
MatrixSpace (sensor technology company, U.S.-owned) raised approx. EUR 17.2 million in a Series B funding round led by OTB Ventures and Raptor Group. The company develops compact radar systems used in drones, robotics, and defense. MatrixSpace focuses on AI-powered sensing solutions that work in all weather and lighting conditions. The investment highlights growing interest in advanced sensing technologies for autonomous systems and security applications. Source
Polish Atlas Ward and Finnish Temet partner on civil defense shelters
Atlas Ward (construction group, Poland-owned) launched a new company focused on civil defense shelters and signed a strategic deal with Temet (shelter systems, Finland-owned). The partnership will deliver protective infrastructure across Poland, using Finnish technology. The shelters are designed for both military and civilian use, enhancing national security. The move responds to rising threats and aims to build long-term resilience in urban areas. Source
KNL and Radmor S.A.
KNL (Finland, Cognitive HF communications) and RADMOR S.A. (Poland, military radio systems) presented their Cognitive Networked HF technology at the MND-NE headquarters in Elbląg, Poland. The demo showed strong, autonomous HF connections across Poland and even to Finland, over 1,300 km away. Soldiers tested the system’s speed and reliability in real conditions. Source
Polish-Romanian AI drones
Orbotix, a Polish-Romanian defense technology company, secured 6.5 million EUR in funding to begin production of AI-supported drones. The capital came from private investors and will be used to scale manufacturing and improve autonomous systems. Orbotix focuses on unmanned aerial vehicles for military and surveillance use, integrating artificial intelligence to enhance navigation and targeting. The company plans to expand its R&D and enter new markets in Europe. Source
Bumech and Nordic Air Defense partner on drone integration
Bumech (mining and engineering firm, Poland-owned) signed a cooperation deal with Nordic Air Defene (defense tech, Sweden-owned) to jointly develop and integrate unmanned aerial systems for armored vehicle support. The partnership includes shared production, R&D, and supply chain development across Poland, Sweden, and Ukraine. It aims to enhance multi-layered defense capabilities, especially in response to drone threats seen in Ukraine. Source
JR HOLDING invests in Polish drone manufacturer
Farada Group (unmanned aerial systems producer, Poland-owned) will be acquired by JR HOLDING ASI S.A. for approx. EUR 4.6 million. With planned upgrades, the total investment will exceed approx. EUR 7.6 million. The company builds drones for military and civilian use. Source
Poland and Norway together develop anti-drone tech
Poland’s Advanced Protection Systems (radar and defense tech, Poland-owned) and Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (air defense systems, Norway-owned) signed a strategic agreement to develop anti-drone systems. The partnership will focus on protecting critical infrastructure and military assets in Poland and Norway. It combines radar and missile technologies to counter growing drone threats. The systems will be tailored for NATO’s eastern flank and may expand to other allied countries. Source
Swedish-Polish military deal
Poland and Sweden signed a 1.2 billion EUR agreement to supply 155 mm artillery shells for European defense. The deal involves Nammo (ammunition producer, Norway-owned) and Mesko (arms manufacturer, Poland-owned). It’s part of EU efforts to boost military readiness and support Ukraine. Polish Defense Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz said the contract strengthens European security and industry. Production will be shared between both countries. Deliveries are expected to start in 2026. Source
Poland-Finland host civil protection conference
On 8th of October 2025, Warsaw’s Fire Academy hosted a two-day Polish-Finnish conference on civil defense and public safety. Officials, rescue services, and researchers from both countries discussed evacuation planning, shelter infrastructure, and joint projects. The event focused on sharing Finland’s experience in building protective systems and improving Poland’s emergency readiness. It also aimed to boost cooperation in crisis response and community resilience. Source
WB - EU SAFE program
WB Electronics (Poland, drone manufacturer) is considering going public on the Warsaw Stock Exchange to expand production and scale operations using EU SAFE program funding. After the war in Ukraine began, its sales doubled to 683 million EUR, driven by demand for FlyEye and Warmate drones used by the Polish army. Source
SalesPatriot fund and SalesPatriot House in Warsaw
SalesPatriot (Poland/USA, defense tech start-up) raised 4.7 million EUR in seed funding led by CRV, with support from Y Combinator and Paul Graham. The company builds software that automates procurement in defense and aerospace, already used by Pentagon contractors. It opened an R&D hub in Warsaw called SalesPatriot House, which will drive global expansion and tech development. Source
Earlier in this newsletter - news from Finnish companies
Fortum modernizing its Zabrze plant by 85m€
Temet in partnership with Atlas Ward regarding to civil shelters
KNL showcasing their solution in Poland
Polish-Finnish conference on public safety
Open Ocean, a Finnish VC, investing in Polish Minerva
Allegro Smart! + Wolt deal for Polish customers
Allegro (Polish e-commerce platform) partnered with Wolt (Finnish delivery service) to expand its Allegro Smart! offer. They launched a partnership that gives Allegro Smart! users one-year access to Wolt+, enabling free express deliveries on everyday items. The move responds to rising demand for fast, bundled services, as 72% of Polish online shoppers already use q-commerce. Source
Finnish Saxdor increasing the production capacity in Poland and Finland
Saxdor Yachts (motorboat manufacturer, Finland-owned) has grown fast, reaching 100 million EUR in revenue in under five years. The company builds luxury motorboats and is now doubling production in Larsmo, Finland, while expanding als its factory in Poland. Saxdor also launched an AI-powered co-pilot system, a first in the industry. Read interview of Saxdor CEO Erna Rusi in our publication. Source, Source
The Biomass & RDF Forum in Zakopane, Poland, took place on 23-24th of October 2025
This was the 15th edition of the event, organized by Powermeetings.eu in Zakopane, Poland, and focused on biomass and RDF technologies in heating and ecological energy to discuss trends, regulations, and innovations in the bioenergy sector. Pinja (Finland-owned, digital solutions) joined the event to share how digital tools help solve key problems in bioenergy. These include tracking raw materials, cutting costs, and meeting EU rules. Pinja showed how centralizing data, automating reporting, and improving delivery planning can boost efficiency and support green growth. Jarkko Jukarainen from Pinja and our Spondeo colleague - Andrzej Wiśniewski made a visit as well. Source
Finnlines will be present at TransLogistica Poland 2025, taking place 4-6th of November in Warsaw
Rafał Kwapisz, Managing Director of Finnlines Polska, announced that the company will once again take part in the fair. He invites visitors to stop by for a chat and coffee. Representatives from Finland, Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Poland will be available at the Finnlines stand. The event is held at EXPO XXI Warsaw, and is one of the largest logistics and transport exhibitions in Central and Eastern Europe. Source
Team Finland’s visit to Poland
Team Finland will lead a business delegation to Poland from 25th to 28th of January 2026. The visit focuses on energy transition and security, including civil protection and sustainable heating. Finnish companies will meet Polish partners, officials, and learn from peers already active in the market. Poland’s economy is growing fast, offering strong demand for Finnish expertise. The trip is open to firms of all sizes. Registration closes on 14th of November. Participation fees range from 825 EUR to 970 EUR plus VAT, excluding travel and accommodation. Source
Biedronka’s recycling machines produced by Scanfil
Biedronka will install around 3,000 TOMRA recyclomats in Poland by the end of 2025. These machines will be made locally by Finnish company Scanfil Group at its Myslowice factory. The rollout supports Poland’s new deposit return system, launching in 2025. Spondeo’s founder Tuomas Asunmaa visited the factory in September. Read more in Biedronka’s press release. Source
Finnish Tevella acquired by a Polish company Moje Bambino
Moje Bambino (Poland, makes and sells school furniture and learning tools) bought 51% of Tevella (Finland, supplies furniture and materials to schools and daycare). Tevella keeps its Finnish team, warehouse, and 49% family ownership. It has 40 staff and made about 10 million EUR in 2024. Moje Bambino works in 15 countries and exports to 60. Tevella will now use Bambino’s factories and designs. Finnish customers will get better prices and service. Both aim to improve learning spaces across Europe. Source
Bottle return system transition has been launched
On October 1st, 2025, Poland launched a nationwide deposit system for drink containers. Consumers now pay a refundable fee of 0.11 EUR for plastic bottles and cans, and 0.22 EUR for reusable glass bottles. Retailers that have over 200 square meters space must accept returns, while smaller shops can join voluntarily. Coca-Cola HBC Polska (beverage producer, local branch) adapted packaging and joined the system already. Source, Source
Animal protection and ban on fur production
Poland is going to ban fur farming starting in 2026, ending operations for mink and fox breeders. The government cited animal welfare and environmental concerns. Industry groups criticized the decision, warning of job losses and compensation demands. Poland was one of Europe’s top fur producers, with thousands employed in the sector. The law includes a transition period and financial aid for affected businesses. Animal rights groups welcomed the idea as a right ethical step. Source
Social security and freelance contractors
Poland’s Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) will count civil contracts toward employment tenure, but only if contributions were paid. This change affects people with “umowa zlecenie” contracts, common in freelance and part-time work. The update allows these periods to count toward retirement and other benefits. However, it applies only when full social security payments were made. The reform aims to improve fairness in the pension system and recognize non-standard employment. Source
Pension rates comparison
Poland’s pension system received a “sufficient” rating in a global comparison, placing it in the lower-middle tier. The assessment cited low replacement rates and limited savings as key weaknesses. While the system is stable, it offers modest payouts and lacks incentives for voluntary contributions. The ranking comes from the Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index, which evaluates retirement systems in over 40 countries. Source, Source
Laws help prolong life expectancy and prevent road accidents
Poland recorded the EU’s largest drop in road deaths over five years, with a 35% decrease since 2019. In 2024, the country had 52 deaths per million people, down from 77. The improvement follows new traffic laws, stricter penalties for drunk driving, and better pedestrian protections. Despite progress, Poland still ranks seventh-highest in EU road fatalities. Authorities aim to halve serious road injuries and deaths by 2030 through continued safety reforms. Source
Lifetime driving ban proposed for repeating speed violations
Polish lawmakers are considering a law that would permanently revoke driving licenses after a third serious speeding offense. The proposal aims to improve road safety and reduce fatal accidents. The Ministry of Infrastructure is reviewing the draft. Source
Household rights for unmarried couples
The Polish government proposed legal rights for unmarried couples, including same-sex partners, covering hospital access, inheritance, and tax benefits. The draft law would create a registered partnership status without changing the constitution. Supporters say it addresses legal gaps for non-married households. Critics argue it bypasses traditional family definitions. The proposal reflects shifting public attitudes and aligns with European human rights standards. Parliament is expected to debate the bill in the coming months. Source
Former president Duda joins a fintech firm
Andrzej Duda, who left office in August 2025, joined the supervisory board of ZEN.COM (Polish fintech, Lithuania-licensed). The company helps users make international payments and plans to expand into Asia and the Middle East. Duda will support regulatory work and global partnerships. He said the role continues his mission of promoting Polish innovation. ZEN.COM also partners with Kanał Zero, a Polish YouTube channel where Duda hosts a show. He may join other boards and is working on a think tank. Source
Polish PM claims spyware was used against his family
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the previous government used Pegasus spyware to monitor his wife and daughter. He made the claim during a speech in parliament on October 22d, 2025. Pegasus is a surveillance tool developed by NSO Group (Israeli tech firm). Tusk called the actions illegal and said they targeted private lives. He promised a full investigation and legal steps. Source, Source
Polish journalist in Belarus wins EU rights prize
Andrzej Poczobut, a journalist of Polish origin jailed in Belarus, received the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in October 2025. He was sentenced to eight years for defending Polish minority rights and criticizing the Belarusian government. The award honors people who fight for human rights and free speech. EU leaders praised Poczobut’s courage and called for his release. He is seen as a symbol of resistance against repression in Belarus. Source
Company removed from state tender due to AI generated documents
Exdrog, a Polish road maintenance company, was removed from a public tender in Małopolska. The firm used AI to explain its very low bid. But the AI created fake content and mentioned documents that do not exist. On 26 October 2025, Poland’s National Appeals Chamber (KIO) decided to exclude Exdrog. The company said it only wanted to save time. KIO said bidders must check all documents, even if AI is used. Experts now call for clear rules on AI in tenders. Source
Road transport deal extended with EU
Ukraine and the European Union agreed to extend their road transport deal until 31st of March 2027. The agreement lets trucks move between Ukraine and EU countries without special permits. It helps trade and keeps supply chains stable. Since the deal started, road transport between Ukraine and the EU grew by 55%. Ukraine will update its transport laws to match EU rules. New freight vehicles must use smart tachographs from July 2026. Rules for company reputation and manager training will apply by the end of 2026. Source
A new logistics hub with 10 million EUR investment is being built in Vinnytsia, Ukraine
Construction of a new industrial and logistics center began in Vinnytsia to support food distribution and cross-border trade with EU partners. The project is led by the Vinnytsia Municipal Center for Innovation, with support from local authorities. The total investment is about 10 million EUR. The hub will include production, storage, and office space. It aims to attract investors and support business development in the region. The site covers 2.7 hectares and will be part of the Vinnytsia Industrial Park. Completion is expected in 2026.
Ukrainian author Sofia Andrukhovych presented her novel “Amadoka” in Finnish at the Helsinki Book Fair
During her visit to Finland, Andrukhovych shared how everyday routines help her stay grounded amid war. She spoke about the emotional toll of living in Kyiv under constant air raids and how writing and family life offer stability. The first 300 pages of “Amadoka” have been translated into Finnish by Riikka Toivola and published by Gummerus. The novel explores Ukrainian identity through history and memory, and has been translated into 16 languages. Source
NORDEEP Summit: 2-3d of October, Espoo, Finland
A Ukrainian delegation of deep-tech startups participated in the Nordic Deep Tech Business Summit in Finland. The event led to new investment offers and pilot project agreements between Finnish investors and Ukrainian founders. Source
Will Silpo be in Poland?
Ukrainian retailer Fozzy Group (UA, owns Silpo) may buy Carrefour’s Polish operations, which include 768 stores and 40 malls. The company already runs one Carrefour franchise in Poznań. Fozzy denied plans to expand under the Silpo brand, but the talks on media are still ongoing. Other potential buyers include Dino, Biedronka, and Kaufland. Source, Source
American pianist wins Chopin competition
Eric Lu, a pianist from the United States, won the International Chopin Piano Competition held in Warsaw in October 2025. The event is one of the world’s top contests for classical piano. Lu impressed the jury with his performance of Chopin’s works and received the top prize. He had previously won other major awards and performed globally. The competition, held every five years, attracts young talent from around the world and celebrates Poland’s most famous composer. Source
How ex Nordea’s face Toni Hyyryläinen ended up to be a TV-star in Poland
Toni Hyyryläinen, a Finnish expat, became a TV celebrity in Poland in the 2000s. He starred in the popular show “Europa da się lubić” and later became the face of Nordea’s consumer banking ads. His image was widely seen across Poland. At the same time, he lived a normal life in Helsinki. Today, Toni works in banking, insurance, and digital transformation. Nordea now employs nearly 6000 people in Poland, but no longer offers consumer banking. Source
Past events
Biomass and Alternative Fuels Forum in Heating, Energy and Industry ┃ Zakopane, 23-24th October 2025
Transport of the future - Trends and Innovations in road and air transport ┃ Poznań, 23rd October 2025 Read more
Upcoming events
NOVEMBER
WARSAW INDUSTRY WEEK - the largest trade fair for innovative industrial solutions in Central and Eastern Europe ┃ Warsaw, 4-6th November 2025
TransLogistica - 12th International Transport & Logistics Exhibition ┃ Warsaw, 4-6th November 2025
Rebuild Ukraine - the largest annual event on Ukraine’s recovery ┃ Warsaw, 13-14th November 2025
Puolassa on pöhinää ┃ Helsinki, 17th November 2025
Kalmar Factory Visit ┃ Stargard/Szczecin, 20th November 2025
And other:
II Forum B2B Commerce Transformation, Infoshare Katowice, PRES Polish Real Estate Summit 2025 - Conference in Zakopane, Barrier-free space. Accessibility Forum, ENERGETICS. Trade Fair for Power Industry, GREENPACT, PROTEGA 2025. Trade Fair of civil protection and civil defense, Lublin Book Fair, DECARBONICASTION Expo Poland. The Decarbonization, Zero-Emissions, and Sustainable Energy Management Technology Fair
SUSTAINABILITY EXPO, Warsaw Oldtimer Show. The largest antique vehicle fair in Poland, Warsaw Motor Show, Automotive Parts Expo, eMobility Expo, LABELING-TECH Poland, Packaging Poland, Light-Tech Expo, Fast textile, Electro Instal Expo, Photonics Expo, Food Tech Expo, Clima Tech Expo, Bio Expo Warsaw, Warsaw Medical Expo
DECEMBER
Finish Independence Day by Finnish Trade Guild, Warsaw, 4th December 2025 Read more
10th Biogas Congress, Warsaw, 16-17th December 2025 Read more
