Newsletter February 2026

15 godzin temu
27 minut(y) czytania

Photo: Ice-hockey in Kraków, Poland, Anna Jędrzejewska

Economic indicators in Poland Jan-Feb 2026 - picture by Spondeo

2026 declared the year of acceleration for Poland’s economy

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Finance Minister Andrzej Domański announced 2026 as the “Year of Acceleration,” highlighting Poland as a leading growth engine in Europe. In 2025, Poland’s GDP grew by 3.6 %, outperforming major EU economies.

The government emphasized that investments (also supported by EU funds) will be the main driver of growth in 2026, potentially increasing by 10-11 % - especially sectors such as defense, healthcare, infrastructure and ports, energy transformation (nuclear, offshore wind), space technology, energy storage and energy security systems. Another main driver for the growth is private consumption, it is worth remembering that real wages are rising at their fastest pace in the 21st century. It was mentioned that Poland’s long-term goal is to catch up to the UK in GDP per capita within next 5 years. Source, Source, Source

Poland’s CPI inflation at 2.2 % in January 2026, bit above expectations

In January 2026, Poland’s CPI inflation rose 2.2 % year-on-year and 0.6 % month-on-month, above market expectations of 1.9 % y/y and 0.5 % m/m, according to preliminary data from GUS. Food and non-alcoholic beverages rose 2.4 %, alcohol and tobacco 7.0 %, housing 2.9 %, while transport prices fell 5.9 %. Source, Source, Source

Inflation (CPI) in Poland January-February 2026 - picture by Spondeo

Poland records slight trade deficit in 2025 with exports up 2 % and imports up 3.9 %

In 2025, Poland’s foreign trade turnover reached PLN 1,553.5 billion (EUR 368 billion) in exports and PLN 1,579.7 billion (EUR 374 billion) in imports, resulting in a negative trade balance of PLN 26.3 billion (EUR 6.23 billion), according to GUS (Statistical Office).

Compared with 2024, exports rose 2.0 % and imports 3.9 %. Most trade is with developed countries - 87.1 % of exports (74.8 % to the EU) and 64.4 % of imports (52.6 % from the EU) - while trade with Central and Eastern European countries remains relatively small, at 4.8 % of exports and 1.7 % of imports. Source, Source

Poland’s trade in 2025: Top partners dominate, Germany surplus declines slightly

In 2025, Poland’s top 10 trading partners accounted for 66 % of exports and 61.5 % of imports, similar to 2024. Germany, Poland’s largest partner, saw its share slightly fall to 26.9 % of exports and 19 % of imports. The United States’ share remained stable, with exports at 3.2 % (EUR 12  billion, -1.9 %) and imports at 4.8 % (EUR 18 billion, −0.9 %), leaving a negative trade balance of EUR 6 billion.

Imports from China to Poland rose 13.3 % year-on-year in 2025, reaching EUR 58  billion, according to the Central Statistical Office (GUS). This was the fastest growth among Poland’s major trading partners.

Poland’s trade deficit with China is estimated to exceed €32 billion in 2025, up over 10% from previous year. China’s share of Polish imports is now 9.5%. NBP economists are warning that Polish firms are losing competitiveness in appliances, electronics and automotive components. Source, Source

Main trade partners of Poland - picture by Spondeo

Poland’s registered unemployment rises to 6.0 % in January-February 2026

In January-February 2026, the registered unemployment rate in Poland rose to 6.0 %, up from 5.7 % in December 2025, according to the GUS data. Number wise it sums to 934.8 thousand people registered at employment offices – 47 thousand more than the previous month (+5.3 % month-on-month) and 97.2 thousand more y/y (+11.6 %).

At the end of January 2026, Poland’s registered unemployment ranged from 3.8 % in Greater Poland to 9.9 % in Warmian-Masurian, with the lowest rates in Poznań County (1.3 %), Poznań (1.4 %), and Warsaw (1.5 %).

Unemployment rose for the eighth month in a row, particularly in Silesia, Mazovia, and Greater Poland, mainly due to seasonal layoffs, fewer activation program participants, reduced recruitment, group layoffs, and legal changes. Source

Unemployment rate in Poland - picture by Spondeo

Labor shortages slowing down the growth?

Poland’s strong GDP growth could slow in the coming years due to a shrinking working-age population, according to GUS. Demographic decline is expected to reduce labor supply, and immigration is unlikely to fully offset the gap. Beyond aging, Poland also faces challenges including lower productivity growth and structural pressures on public finances. Rising public debt may limit fiscal flexibility, but experts do not expect drastic budget cuts in the near term. Source, Source

Good month for retail sales

According to GUS data, retail sales in constant prices rose 4.4% y/y in January 2026, with the strongest increases in textiles, clothing and footwear (+17.6%), furniture/RTV/AGD (+10.5%), pharmaceuticals and cosmetics (+9.6%), and press and books (+8.1%). Food, beverages and tobacco grew 4.2%, while sales of cars, motorcycles and parts fell 4.5%. Online retail value increased 10.9% y/y, with its share rising to 9.7% of total sales. Source, Source

EU report warns Poland’s public debt could exceed 100% of GDP

The European Commission’s Debt Sustainability Monitor 2025 warns that Poland’s public debt could reach 107% of GDP by 2036. The report notes that Poland is formally in the medium‑risk group, but its debt is growing at one of the fastest rates in the EU (mainly due to defense investments). Economists caution that without reforms, rising interest costs, weak fiscal discipline and heavy social spending could trigger a debt‑crisis scenario similar to past southern European cases. Source, Source, Source

PRODUCTION & MANUFACTURING

According to Eurostat, Poland’s industrial production rose by 6.9% year‑on‑year by the end of 2025. Forecasts and analysis for 2026 are expected to come later this year. Source, Source

Payment delays have become structural in the metal industry, with unpaid invoices averaging about 23,700 EUR per firm, 96% of companies receiving late payments, and nearly half holding 23,700-47,400 EUR in frozen receivables. Source

Poland’s manufacturing PMI rose to 48.8 in the beginning of 2026, remaining below the 50‑point neutrality line but showing continued improvement. The index increased for the sixth time in seven months. Source

Adient (automotive seating, US/IE) will shut down its large factory in Skarbimierz, Poland, with the full closure planned by 2029. The plant may lay off 80% of the workforce. Source

ElectroMobility Poland (EV manufacturing project, PL) signed a letter of intent with NFOŚiGW (environmental fund, PL) for an investment in Jaworzno worth ~1.07 billion  EUR. Source

JHM Development (residential real estate, PL) acquired a 12.2 ha plot in Poznań for about 86 million EUR. It plans to build over 2,000 housing units. Source

Atlas (construction chemicals, PL) and Jawo (frozen foods, PL) will both invest in new factories and warehouse projects in Silesia to expand production capacity and strengthen regional logistics, announced KSSE (Special Economic Zone). Source

ArcelorMittal Poland (steel production, PL) has launched its own on‑site power generation system at its Silesian plant, reducing reliance on external electricity and improving energy stability. Source

Poland’s agri‑food sector became the country’s largest industrial segment in the last few years, with food production reaching 329 billion PLN (~73 billion EUR) and beverages adding 44.8 billion PLN (~10 billion EUR). Together with agriculture, the sector generated around 9% of GDP, surpassing automotive. Source, Source, Source

LabFarm (cell-based meat, PL) plans a factory in Białobrzeg by 2028. The project will cost around 4.3 m EUR and produce raw material for animal feed, using the company’s proprietary cell line. Source

Purcari Wineries (wine producer, RO), mostly owned by Maspex (food & beverage, PL), made a binding offer to acquire 100% of Serve Ceptura SRL, a winery in Romania’s Dealu Mare region. Source

🇫🇮 HKFoods Poland (PL subsidiary of Fi company, meat producer) seeks to continue investing in its Świnoujście plant and new bacon‑production lines. Source

HKFoods and other Finnish companies on Polish map, by Spondeo

MidEuropa (private equity, UK/LU) will acquire a significant minority stake in Oshee (beverages, PL), strengthening the brand’s position in functional beverages and supporting further international expansion. Source

Mlekpol (dairy cooperative, PL) mentioned at Techmilk (dairy tech seminar), that even a single cybersecurity incident can seriously undermine the trust of customers and business partners. Source

Polsero (dairy producer, PL) plans to invest around 2.37 million EUR this year in new production lines. Source

Unilever will invest PLN 200 million (47 million EUR) in its Poznań factory. This spring, a several million production hall will open (new instant soup and pasta lines under the Amino and Knorr brands). Another 20 million EUR will go to logistics upgrades. The factory is operating for 93 years and employs around 700 people. Source

IT, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

ElevenLabs (AI technology, US/PL), an unicorn with Polish DNA, has achieved a valuation of about 10.2 billion EUR following a mega funding round, setting a record for any tech company linked to Poland. Focus is on voice AI. Source

CGI Polska (IT services & consulting, PL/CA) has officially begun operating under its new name following the acquisition of “Comarch Polska by CGI”, marking the next stage of integration. Source

Otomoto (automotive marketplace, PL) partnered with Inbank (fintech & banking, EE) to offer fully digital car financing on its platform, letting users see options and costs instantly while browsing listings. Source

cyber_Folks (hosting & digital services, PL) together with Sylius (open‑source e‑commerce framework, PL) and BitBag (e‑commerce software, PL) completed the acquisition of 100% of PrestaShop, one of Europe’s largest open‑source e‑commerce platforms. Source

Fitatu (diet app, PL) gained 20 private investors in Poland, including Maciej Zientara (founder of Supernova Group (business, finance, PL). Source

PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC, TECHNICAL, FINANCIAL AND OTHER SERVICES

DL Invest, a developer from Silesia, expanded its portfolio to over 1.2 bn EUR and continues to invest in logistics, industrial projects and data centers, also a project in Bielsko-Biała with partner Boosteroid (Cloud Gaming, US). Source

Creotech Instruments (satellite systems & space technologies, PL) and Eutelsat (satellite communications, FR) signed a strategic partnership to cooperate on secure European satellite connectivity, including work on the IRIS² programme. Source

CloudFerro (cloud & satellite data infrastructure, PL) secured up to 75 million EUR in financing from mBank and Santander BP (banking, PL) to accelerate its European expansion and data‑platform development. Source

BLIK (digital payments, PL) is considering an IPO on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. In 2025 users of Blik have completed a total of 2.9 billion transactions worth 104-105 billion EUR. Source, Source

🇸🇪 Virtune (investment products firm, SE) is planning to enter the Warsaw Stock Exchange (GPW) with new investment products focused on cryptocurrencies. Source

Creotech Quantum (quantum technologies, PL) plans to debut on the Warsaw Stock Exchange on 17 April. Source

DocPlanner (digital healthcare platform, PL) grew from a startup and is preparing for a stock‑market debut after raising around 465 million EUR over 14 years and reaching profitability. Source

Neuromedical (med‑tech, PL/IL) raised about 1.30 million EUR to accelerate clinical development and a 2026 soft‑launch of its Vguard tVNS device, which has shown early cognitive benefits for patients with mild impairment and early‑stage Alzheimer’s. Source

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS

Port Polska (earlier known as CPK, multimodal transport hub in Poland) plans a symbolic groundbreaking this year. The airport part of the project is expected to generate about 35,000 jobs when it begins operations in 2032. Source, Source Six companies submitted bids to build the deep foundations for the passenger terminal. All proposals fit within the 94.5 million EUR budget, and the lowest - 33.6 million EUR - came from Budimex (construction group, PL). Source, Source

Panattoni (industrial real‑estate developer, USA, EU) has started building a major logistics park near Katowice Airport, with Fiege (logistics operator, DE) as the first tenant. They also announced a big logistics and production centre project near Bełchatów, set to become the largest facility of its kind in the region. Source Source

InPost (parcel‑locker logistics, PL) agreed to a 7.8 billion EUR all‑cash takeover by a consortium consisting of Advent (global private‑equity investor, US), FedEx (global logistics & delivery operator, US), A&R Investments (investment vehicle of InPost founder Rafał Brzoska, PL) and PPF Group (international investment group, CZ), offering shareholders 15.60 EUR per share with completion expected in H2 2026. Source

Orlen (energy & logistics, PL) and Poczta Polska (national postal operator, PL) canceled their previous September 2025 agreement for the sale of up to 100% of Orlen Paczka (e-commerce, logistics, PL). Source

Shoper (e‑commerce platforms, PL) integrated its system with InPost International (parcel‑locker logistics, PL), enabling merchants to ship orders to seven European countries directly from the platform. Source

Pyszne.pl (food delivery & B2B services, NL/PL) is strengthening its B2B segment and expanding beyond gastronomy. Recently they also collabed with Burgermeister (fast casual burgers, DE), that will open its next Polish location in Łódź Manufaktura in early Q2 2026. Source, Source

RETAIL & FMCG

Polish retail parks, that have been dominating the market for a long time, now are facing growing competition. Source, Source

Poland introduced a new rule on 17th of February 2026 requiring retailers to display a flag of the product’s country of origin next to all loose fresh fruit and vegetables. Source

🇸🇪 The Swedish fashion group H&M (global fashion retailer, SE) is relaunching the prestigious H&M Design Award (international fashion competition), offering a 150,000 EUR grant, a year-long mentoring program, and the opportunity for the winner’s collection to be sold in selected H&M stores worldwide (including Poland) and online. Source

Nepi Rockcastle (NL) owning shopping centers in Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland, had record profits in 2025. In Poland they advanced its top assets in Olsztyn and Toruń, welcomed global and local brands like Rituals, SNIPES, Pandora, 4F, and MANGO. New CEO Marek Noetzel will be appointed soon. Source, Source, Source

Pepco (retail & FMCG, PL) plans to open hundreds of new stores, expand distribution centers, and develop digital tools including a loyalty app, targeting about 6% revenue growth this year. Source

Kaufland (retail, DE) plans to open 10-15 new stores in Poland in 2026, aiming to exceed 300 locations by 2030, through both new builds and acquisitions, new campaigns (like Kaufland Marketplace, Kaufland Card Xtra). Source, Source, Source

Carrefour (retail, FR) in its new strategy focuses on three core markets: France, Spain and Brazil, after exiting Italy and Romania. For Poland, the group outlines multiple strategic options, ranging from continued growth to partial exit. See also 2025 results published this month. Source

Biedronka (discount grocery chain, PL) is expected to capture around 25% of Poland’s grocery market in 2026 and increase employee salaries. Dino (mid‑format grocery chain, PL) is also planning to continue opening new stores. Source, Source, Source

Popeyes (US fast‑food chain) and Burger King (US fast‑food chain), operated in Poland by Rex Concepts CEE (restaurant operator, PL), are expanding fast and hiring widely, offering salaries from about 1,100 to 3,700 EUR per month plus benefits. Source, Source

Renewables reaching 50%

Poland reached a historic milestone at the end of 2025, with renewable energy sources accounting for 50% of all installed power capacity. Total renewable capacity rose to 37.8 GW, driven mainly by rapid growth in solar and wind installations. Renewable electricity production also hit a record 54.7 TWh, equal to 31.41% of all power generated in 2025. Five years earlier, the share was only 17.8%. Solar capacity grew from 4 GW to nearly 25 GW, while wind increased from 6.4 GW to 10.6 GW, marking a major shift in Poland’s energy system. Source

PSE plan up to 1.21 bn EUR in tenders through Q1 2027

Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne (transmission system operator, PL) plan to announce tenders worth up to ~1.21 bn EUR from March to the end of Q1 2027. For 2026 alone, planned tenders total ~0.99 bn EUR. The largest projects include the 400 kV Gdańsk Błonia-Olsztyn Mątki line (~142 m EUR), the 220 kV Ełk Bis-border (Harmony Link) line (~142 m EUR), and new 400 kV and 220/110 kV substations in Krzemienica, Norki and Wigry. Source, Source, Source, Source, Source

New 50 million EUR gas CHP unit to modernise Gdańsk heating system

PGE Energia Ciepła (heat and power producer, PL), part of PGE Group (energy group, PL), signed a 50 million EUR contract with a consortium of Miko‑Tech (engineering contractor, PL), Smart EPC (energy projects, PL) and Electrum (energy & automation, PL) to build a new gas‑fired CHP unit at the Gdańsk plant, planned for 2028. The project (35 MWe and 39 MWt gas‑engine cogeneration installation) is another step in decarbonising the Tri‑City heating system and complements earlier investments in gas‑oil peak boilers and electrode boilers. Source

Grupa Azoty does changes to the leadership team

Grupa Azoty (chemicals & fertilizers, PL) removed CEO Andrzej Skolmowski and two vice‑presidents, with supervisory board member Aleksandra Machowicz‑Jaworska temporarily taking over. The Ministry of State Assets in Poland said the management change is part of an accelerated restructuring process driven by the group’s difficult financial situation and ongoing creditor negotiations. The ministry also announced plans to recapitalize the company, calling Azoty strategically important for Poland’s chemical sector. See also other updates from the company: here. Source

Updates from Grupa Mosty

Grupa Mosty (renewables & infrastructure, PL) reported ~37.3 m EUR in consolidated revenue for 2025, with the energy segment generating most of the sales. The group plans to add energy‑storage systems of 68 MW / 225 MWh, with first deliveries expected in March. Subsidiary Mosty Magazyny Energii, which issued ~23.7 m EUR in green bonds, aims to debut on Catalyst in Q1. Net financial debt rose to ~45 m EUR at year‑end as the group expands its OZE portfolio. Source, Source

Budimex gets good score in tenders, project in Lwówek

Budimex (construction and engineering, listed on GPW) received the highest scores in two Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne (PSE) tenders, with a total value of over 416 million PLN (≈98.8 million EUR). The first, for upgrading the Gdańsk Błonia station, is worth ≈71.2 million EUR and spans 56 months with a 60-month warranty. The second, building a 400 kV line from Dobrzeń to Pasikurowice-Ostrów, is valued at ≈27.6 million EUR and lasts 43 months.

In addition, Budimex signed a contract with Gaz‑System for the general execution of the Lwówek Gas Compressor Station - Stage I. The deal is worth up to 113.99 million EUR (net), including base scope, conditional scope and indexation. Works begin immediately and will run for 23 months, with a 36‑month warranty. Source, Source, Source

Enea’s gas project in Kozienice

Enea (state‑owned energy group, Poland) has begun building two CCGT gas‑fired units in Kozienice with a total capacity of 1,336 MWe, scheduled for commissioning in March and June 2029. The 1.6 billion EUR project (gas‑fired CCGT units replacing coal capacity) is financed by a Polish bank consortium and involves major suppliers such as GE Vernova (turbines and generators, USA) and Energoprojekt‑Katowice (plant designer, PL). Source, Source

New factory in Lower Silecia, cleaner power focus

Sungrow (renewable‑energy equipment, CN) will open its first European factory in Lower Silesia, creating several hundred jobs and expanding Poland’s role in clean‑energy manufacturing. Source

Polish gas distributor acquired by Irish DCC Energy

DCC Energy (energy, IE) announced plans to acquire 100% of AmeriGas Polska (LPG distributor, PL). DCC Energy, fully owned by DCC PLC and listed in London, focuses on the energy sector. AmeriGas Polska supplies bottled and bulk LPG to households and industry in Poland, holding about 4 % of the national LPG market in 2024, including roughly 10 % in bottled gas and 14 % in bulk. Source, Source

Warsaw opens Poland’s most advanced waste‑to‑energy plant

Warszawska Wytwórnia Energii / MPO Warszawa (municipal waste‑to‑energy operator, PL) has opened a new waste‑to‑energy facility on Targówek, capable of processing around 30% of the city’s waste and built at a cost exceeding 1.5 billion PLN (~355 million EUR). The plant will convert 265,000 tons of waste annually into electricity and heat for up to 50,000 households, making it the largest and most modern installation of its kind in Poland. Source

Construction in winter has slowed down

According to GUS, the housing market slowed sharply in January-February 2026. A total of 14.7 thousand dwellings were completed, which is 8% less than a year earlier. Developers delivered 8.6 thousand units, down 11.4% year on year, while private investors completed 5.7 thousand units, slightly more than in 2025. Building permits and registered construction designs fell by 12.3%, and construction starts dropped by 28.6%, marking one of the weakest January results in recent years. Source

Poles bought over 4000 homes in Spain in 2025

Poles purchased 4 136 homes and apartments in Spain in 2025, staying in the top 10 foreign buyers. Over the past five years, they completed more than 15.5 thousand transactions. Poland’s share of the Spanish housing market rose to 4.26%, peaking at 4.63% in Q3. The most active buyers remain the British, Dutch and Germans. Average prices in Spain reached 2 354 EUR/sq meter, with the highest levels in Madrid, the Balearics, the Basque Country and Catalonia. Source

Now the real estate prices are more public

Poland has opened the Real Estate Price Register (RCN) to the public. It is a major step toward a more transparent housing market. But the data enters the system with long delays. This means RCN cannot show current prices. It is useful mainly for trends and comparisons between locations. Banks, analysts and property portals will use the data to build better valuation tools. Source

NDI Development projects: Gdańsk, Gdynia, Kraków, Koszalin

NDI Development (real estate developer, PL) is accelerating its expansion, adding Koszalin to its portfolio after launching major projects in Pruszcz Gdański and taking a stake in the Międzytorze redevelopment in Gdynia. The company also signed a contract to build a new Park&Ride‑integrated transport terminal in Kraków, improving connectivity in the city’s western corridor. In parallel, NDI Energy is part of a consortium modernising the water‑treatment station in Rumia, while NDI continues work on converting Gdańsk’s historic Groddeck granaries into a five‑star Renaissance by Marriott hotel. The company has now also partnered with Firmus Group (property developer, PL) to develop several hundred hectares in the north, aiming to extend the local tourist season. Source, Source, Source, Source

Norway orders missiles to be produced in Poland

The Norwegian government approved a purchase of missiles worth about 1.5 billion EUR. The rockets can strike targets up to 500 km away, covering bases of Russia’s Northern Fleet. Production will take place in Poland. Delivery schedules and further technical details are expected to be finalized in the coming months.

Earlier, Hanwha Aerospace (Defense products, South Korea) signed a 3.42 billion EUR contract with the Polish Armament Agency for the supply and local production of CGR‑080 missiles for the Homar‑K system, under an agreement executed with the Hanwha‑WB Advanced System joint venture (Hanwha Aerospace & Polish WB Electronics). The 239 mm GPS/INS‑guided rounds, to be manufactured in Poland from 2030, are part of the third Homar‑K phase and include technology transfer aimed at strengthening Poland’s defence industrial base. Source, Source, Source, Source, Source

Kongsberg with 1,4 billion€ contract to deliver Counter‑UAS solutions in Poland

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (Norway), together with consortium partner Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ, Polish Armaments Agency) for the delivery of Counter‑Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS). These systems will enhance Poland’s ability to defend against rapidly evolving threats posed by unmanned aerial platforms. As part of the agreement, Kongsberg plans to invest in expanding its manufacturing capacity and technological capabilities in Poland. Source

PKP PLK looks for 1.5 billion EUR from SAFE program

Poland’s PKP PLK expects to receive funding of roughly 1.5 billion EUR under the SAFE program. The money will support two major rail infrastructure projects important for national defense. Contract announcements and investments have grown threefold since December 2023, highlighting a significant expansion in strategic projects for Poland’s transport and security sectors. Source, Source

More investments under SAFE Defense Program

EU member states have approved Poland’s investment plan under the SAFE defence programme, giving the country access to 43.7 billion EUR in low‑interest loans (3% rate, 10‑year grace period, 45‑year repayment) to finance 139 military‑modernisation projects. The decision finalises the EU approval process and positions Poland for one of the largest defence‑financing programmes in its history, while political debate continues over transparency, loan conditions and potential future leverage from Brussels. Source

🇸🇪 Sweden Boosts Space ISR Capabilities with Iceye Satellites 🇵🇱 🇫🇮

Iceye (space technology, FI-PL) signed an agreement with FMV (🇸🇪 Swedish Defense Materiel Administration, defense procurement, SE) to deliver SAR-equipped satellites, software, and supporting ground infrastructure to the Swedish Armed Forces, providing sovereign ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) capabilities in space, enabling operational task allocation, and strengthening both national and allied collective defense in Europe and NATO. Source, Source

🇸🇪 🇵🇱 Swedish Scanreco opens a factory in Poland, Łódź Voivodeship 🇵🇱

Scanreco (remote machine control expert, Sweden) has four decades of experience delivering over 700,000 systems to more than 100 countries. Specializing in bellypack transmitters and handheld controllers (high functional safety, operator-focused), the company opened a high-volume factory in Poland (Łódź Voivodeship) in 2022, scaling production and serving as a global logistics hub. Through acquisitions of FaberCom and X-sist (Sweden, system integration), Scanreco provides customizable solutions for OEMs. Its G6 platform combines ergonomics, safety, and cybersecurity, while HMI development and ESG-focused practices support operator productivity and sustainable growth worldwide. Source

🇺🇦 🇵🇱 Poland continues funding Starlink terminals for Ukraine

Polish government support for Ukraine’s internet connectivity, provided via Starlink (satellite internet provider, US) terminals since 2022, will continue for at least another year. This year, Poland plans to spend up to 47.4 million EUR on Starlink units for Ukraine, maintaining secure communications amid Russian invasion. Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski also thanked E.Musk on X for shutting Starlinks for Russian soldiers. Source, Source

WB Electronics considers IPO in Warsaw

WB Electronics (defense tech, PL) is considering an IPO on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, with a debut possible in late 2026 or early 2027. At the moment they are selecting banks for the offering, though shareholders have not made a final decision. Interest in defense stocks is rising. WB Electronics’ revenue grew sharply to about 700 million EUR in 2024 from 80 million EUR in 2021. Source, Source

Polish Satim: monitoring tech

Satim from Poland attracts many investors with its unique Earth monitoring technology, useful for defense systems. Interested investors include Safran (aviation and aerospace, France) and Balnord (a Polish VC fund). Satim already works with clients like Iceye (🇫🇮 🇵🇱 satellites) and Rheinmetall (Defensen, DE). The start-up is now considering a new financing round to expand its business and technology. On Feb 26, joined NATO leadership and GEOINT industry experts at NATO Headquarters in Brussels for Spatial Edge: USGIF Day at NATO. Source, Source, Source

Hydraulic tech production

Ponar Wadowice (hydraulic systems for industry and defence, PL) is expanding its production capacity and automating key processes as it builds on earlier work for the Krab howitzer programme. The company has developed its own defence‑grade hydraulic technologies and now aims to scale them for wider use. Ponar also has signed a contract to launch a major investment project focused on building a low‑emission production centre for drive, control and special‑purpose systems. The project is co‑financed by the European Union under the European Funds for Silesia 2021-2027 program. Source

PGZ Stocznia Wojenna (shipbuilding, PL), part of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), is reviving its shipbuilding capabilities after decades focused on repairs and modernization, now constructing advanced vessels for the Polish Navy, including three Miecznik-class frigates, the Ratownik rescue ship. Source, Source

Read here: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/70911869/finnish-business-culture-in-poland-2026

Turku and Gdynia: marine technologies

A Finnish maritime‑focused business delegation is being organised for mid‑April by Business Turku (regional development agency), with a preparatory webinar on 10th of March 2026 led by Team Finland (government trade network). The initiative highlights Poland’s fast‑growing maritime economy centred around the ports of Gdańsk and Gdynia, where demand is rising for Finnish expertise in energy‑efficient technologies, digital systems, environmental solutions and port‑infrastructure modernisation. Source

Superpark activity park brand is looking for Polish investors

Superpark (global indoor activity‑park operator, developed in Fi) is open for investors, real‑estate owners and franchise partners in Poland, promoting its Finnish‑developed concept with 27 parks in 12 countries and more than 2 million visitors in 2025. The company highlights flexible franchise or investor models, a minimum space requirement of 1,000 square meters and a broad activity offering beyond trampolines, and invites interested Polish partners for direct talks and site visits. Source

SolidComp, Savon Yrittäjät, Team Finland visited Poland

A Finnish business delegation visited Poland in January 2026 under the Savon Yrittäjät International Call programme (Finnish SME network) and the Team Finland export‑promotion framework (Finnish government trade network), bringing together over 20 companies and public stakeholders for three days of business‑focused meetings and industrial visits. Read a blog post by SolidComp (Finnish industrial solutions provider) which reported strong interest from the Polish industry in Finnish expertise in digitalisation and operational efficiency. Source

Gridle | Elisa Industriq on BESS market in Poland

The BESS market (battery energy storage systems = large batteries that store electricity for the grid) is growing fast in Poland. Representing Gridle | Elisa Industriq team (energy storage company, FI), Ville Syrjänen and Jaakko Levola joined a delegation to Warsaw, Poland. The visit was organized by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. The delegation was led by Päivi Laine and Ville Tavio. Talks with Polish energy experts and public authorities showed that BESS is becoming important for Poland’s shift from fossil fuels to clean energy. Poland’s starting point is difficult. About 85% of total energy supply still comes from fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas). This means deep system changes are needed. Large-scale storage, grid upgrades to stronger transmission lines and faster permitting are needed to connect more renewables, like solar and wind power. Solar panels have passed 25.5 GW. The market is moving from subsidies to professional solutions that combine solar, storage and smart energy management. BESS capacity in Poland is expected to grow from 0.4 GW at the end of 2025 to 1.3 GW in 2026 and reach 8 GW by 2030 (writes Gridle | Elisa Industriq on Linkedin). Source

ORLEN teams up with Finish partner companies on hydrogen power

ORLEN (energy, PL) is expanding cooperation in renewable hydrogen with Finnish partners: ABO Energy Suomi Oy – renewable hydrogen and energy project developer (Finland) (subsidiary of a German renewables group, working on up to 100 000 t/yr capacity) is advancing large H2 facilities; Nordic Ren‑Gas Oy (developer of renewable e‑methane facilities, FI) builds integrated e‑methane plants from green hydrogen and biogenic CO2; and VolagHy (sustainable aviation fuel project in Kuopio, FI) is scaling synthetic aviation fuel (eSAF) production of about 50 000 t/yr with Nordic expansion plans. ORLEN continues to build its hydrogen storage and transmission capabilities, building on earlier cooperation with P2X Solutions Oy (pioneer of renewable hydrogen production, FI) which runs Finland’s first industrial‑scale green hydrogen and e‑methane plant and targets 1 GW capacity growth. Source, Source

Info on GDPR penalties updated

Last year Poland’s data‑protection authority imposed record GDPR penalties totalling about 14.8 million EUR. The highest single fine reached roughly 6.2 million EUR, which shows clearly a shift toward stricter enforcement, that might follow in 2026. Source, Source, Source

Polish business support for adopting the Euro drops to a record low

A new Grant Thornton (global audit & advisory firm, UK) survey shows that only 23% of executives in medium and large companies want Poland to join the eurozone - a 16‑point drop in a year and the lowest level in the study’s 15‑year history. The decline is linked to the stabilisation of the złoty, which reduces perceived currency‑risk benefits. Most managers do not expect euro adoption before 2032, and 34% believe Poland will not adopt it at all, reflecting rising caution amid macroeconomic uncertainty. Source, Source

Investment support system will have changes

The Polish government is preparing changes to the national investment‑support system (Polska Strefa Inwestycji), with modifications expected to significantly affect how companies obtain incentives and launch new projects. Experts warn that delays in implementing the updated framework discourage investors and call for rapid decisions, noting that Poland has still not introduced the new investment‑support model required under EU rules. Source

Poland-Norway: accelerating cooperation

Poland is accelerating its economic cooperation with Norway, highlighted during NHOs årskonferanse 2026 in Lillestrøm, where Minister of Finance and Economy Andrzej Domański led the Polish delegation. Speaking alongside global leaders like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Børge Brende, Domański emphasized security and long-term economic resilience. Bilateral roundtables focused on energy, defence, space, and dual-use technologies, with PAIH President Andrzej Dycha noting that Norway is a key trade partner. Since 2018, PAIH’s Oslo office has supported over 200 companies annually, fostering collaboration in renewable energy, hydrogen, wind, space, construction, and IT. Norway, a major oil and gas exporter within the EEA, remains strategically important, with ongoing initiatives to deepen institutional and business ties. Source, Source

Sales remains the top hiring category, accounting for one in five specialist job offers

According to Pracuj.pl (work vacancies portal, PL), sales again dominated Poland’s specialist job market in 2025, representing 19% of all 762,800 posted offers, the same share as a year earlier. Candidate mobility remained high, with 78% open to changing jobs and applications rising 5% y/y. Most sales roles were on‑site (68%), while hybrid work accounted for 26% and fully remote for 6%. Pay transparency improved gradually, with salary ranges included in 24% of sales listings. Source

Winter automotive market cooldown

In the beginning of 2026, Poland saw a sharp drop in new car registrations, with fewer than 40 thousand vehicles registered. The Q4 2025 automotive report by the Polish Automotive Industry Association (PZPM) and KPMG in Poland (business consulting company) points out record growth in electric vehicle registrations. In 2025, registrations of electric passenger cars reached historic highs, driven largely by a government subsidy programme that ran through the end of the year, with a notable spike in December-February. Overall, 597,400 new passenger cars were registered, including 350,500 vehicles with alternative drive systems, marking a more than 20% increase over 2024. The quarterly reports track trends in automotive retail, manufacturing, and financial services, based on registration and market data. Source

Polyworking becomes the new norm as one full‑time job stops being enough

A new report from JustJoin.it and RocketJobs.pl claims that 52% of Polish white‑collar workers take on extra jobs, and one in three cannot live on a single salary. Financial pressure is the main driver, with many working 50–60 hours a week, including weekends, nights and even during holidays. Additional work often comes from entirely different fields, while employers face risks of fatigue and lower productivity. For 55%, polyworking is temporary, but 25% see it as a long‑term model. In 2025, beginning of 2026, white‑collar market moved clearly in favour of employers. Fully remote roles fell to 9% of all offers, while mid‑level positions dominated (61%), and junior candidates faced the toughest conditions in years. Companies focused on proven skills rather than potential, partly due to AI automating tasks once done by juniors. Office‑based work rose to 53.5% of offers, hybrid roles held steady, and wage pressure eased outside tech and finance. Source, Source

10% of Poles admit offering a bribe on their own initiative, survey shows

A new survey by BIG InfoMonitor (business information bureau, PL) shows that while 53% of Poles consider bribery completely unacceptable, 10% admit to offering a bribe on their own initiative, and 20% have encountered a suggestion to “pay” to resolve a matter. Women express stronger rejection of such practices than men, who are nearly twice as likely to initiate extra payments, while older respondents (especially those over 55) report the highest incidence, reflecting generational patterns shaped by earlier norms. Source, Source

🇸🇪 🇵🇱 Less Polish people are in Sweden this year, some are moving back

In 2025, more Poles left Sweden than moved there, with a negative migration balance of 349 people, according to Statistics Sweden (SCB). About 2,546 Poles returned to Poland, while 2,197 settled in Sweden, almost 25% fewer than the previous year. Poles are the fourth largest foreign group there with 98,311 people. High unemployment, at 8.8% in 2025, is one of the main reasons for this trend in the country of 10.6 million residents. Source, Source

🇸🇪 🇺🇦 Saab & Ukroboronprom

Saab AB (defense giant, Sweden) and Ukroboronprom (a state-owned defense company, UA, or joint Stock Company “Ukrainian Defense Industry” (JSC UDI)) signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate and strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities. The agreement focuses on aviation technologies and air surveillance systems. In addition, Ukraine is launching ten arms export centers in Northern Europe, the Baltics, Germany, and the UK, focusing on unmanned systems, the largest sector of its defense industry. Full production lines for Ukrainian drones are being established in Germany, the Baltics, the UK, and Poland, integrating Ukrainian technology into the European defense-industrial complex. Source, Source

🇫🇮 🇺🇦 Finland-Ukrainian defense‑tech partnerships expand

Four Ukrainian defense‑technology manufacturers signed a major package of agreements with partners from Finland, Denmark, and Latvia, worth approximately 800 million EUR. The cooperation falls under the Build with Ukraine framework and focuses on long‑term industrial integration in autonomous systems, land robotics, and missile technologies. One of the key deals involves Tencore (Defense, UA) partnering with Insta (FI) to cooperate on manufacturing and technology development for unmanned systems. Remtecnology (Ukraine) and New Paakkola Oy (Finland). are creating a joint company in Finland to expand production of the LEGIT tactical multi-purpose robotic platform. The first aim is to produce 1,500 units. Source

🇺🇦 🇵🇱 Over 200 Ukrainian ophthalmologists receive advanced training in Lublin, Poland

More than 200 Ukrainian ophthalmologists will complete specialist training at the General Ophthalmology Clinic of USK No. 1 in Lublin by June 2026. The program includes diagnostics, cataract and vitreoretinal surgery, simulator training, and practical exercises using animal eyes. Doctors also learn corneal transplant procedures at Poland’s first Eye Tissue Bank, which Ukraine does not yet have. Participants treat many war‑related eye injuries at home, so the new skills are essential. The Polish‑Ukrainian “Health Bridges” project received about 2 million EUR in Interreg NEXT funding. Source, Source

🇸🇪 🇺🇦 CO-HATY wins a Swedish award

CO-HATY (a social initiative from Ukraine) won the 2026 Erskine Award (Ruth and Ralph Erskine Foundation, Sweden) for socially responsible architecture. Founded in 2022 by architects in Ivano-Frankivsk, KO-HATY transforms abandoned buildings into homes for internally displaced people, providing over 1,800 new residences. The team uses inclusive design, circular economy principles, and community collaboration to improve living conditions, combining aesthetics with functionality. Source, Source

🇸🇪 🇺🇦 Swedish program supporting Ukrainian IT ideas

TechStep Sweden (a program from Sweden) invites Ukrainian technology companies to apply for its 2026-2027 edition. Organized by Open Trade Gate Sweden (OTGS), and IT Ukraine Association, the program helps Ukrainian IT companies enter the Swedish market through mentoring, workshops, networking, and study visits. Selected companies will develop go-to-market plans, build business networks, and explore partnerships in Sweden, focusing on Healthtech, Fintech, and GameTech sectors. Source

🇸🇪 🇵🇱 New HQ of Polish institute in Sweden

The new headquarters of the Polish Institute (cultural organization) in Stockholm, Sweden was officially opened on February 5, 2026, by Poland’s Secretary of State Marcin Bosacki. The institute aims to become a center of Polish-Swedish creativity and artistic exchange, and supports close cultural and security cooperation between the two countries. The renovated building features contemporary Polish design, furniture, and art, and the inauguration included a performance by the Polish jazz quartet Blu/Bry and a reception with Polish-inspired cuisine. Source

88 million donuts in one day

In Poland, 88 million pączki (traditional Polish pastries, similar to doughnuts) in a single day are eaten during Tłusty Czwartek (Fat Thursday, a traditional culinary holiday in Poland), with 95% of adults participating, though one in ten throws away excess, creating significant waste for households and bakeries (Too Good To Go study). Most people consume 3-5 pieces, favoring classic rose-filled pączki. Surplus becomes a problem the day after the holiday, when demand drops sharply, leaving bakeries with unsold pastries. Source

Tourism in Poland hits new records

Poland recorded strong tourism growth in 2025, supported by both domestic and foreign visitors. In the first half of 2025, 18.9 m tourists stayed in accommodation facilities, up 11.6% year‑on‑year, according to Statistics Poland (GUS) Główny Urząd Statystyczny. Eurostat data show Poland had the second‑fastest tourism growth in the EU in 2025, with a 7% increase in nights spent compared to 2024. In Q1 2025 alone, more than 8 m tourists visited Poland, a 12.9% rise year‑on‑year. Source, Source

2025: Finnish books published in Polish

Finnish Business & Culture in Poland 2026 - Spondeo

For the 2026 edition of Spondeo’s publication we collected facts about some Finnish books that have been translated into Polish language in 2025. KIRJA Translators Collective, founded in 2019 by participants of Finnish literature translation workshops, promotes Finnish writing in Poland by reviewing, translating and actively showcasing new works to readers and publishers

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