Poland is preparing to exit the World Bank’s main development lending program. The institution’s Board of Directors has approved a new partnership framework with the country, which will run until 2031 and will see regular lending cease at the end of that period.
The decision came as Poland’s position among the leading economies of the European Union strengthened. According to the European Commission, after growing by 3.6% last year, the Polish economy could grow by 3.5% in 2026. This is one of the highest rates in the EU. The country’s unemployment rate also remains one of the lowest in the bloc.
Poland’s real GDP has more than tripled since 1990. Economic convergence with Western Europe has been accelerated by foreign investment and significant remittances from the EU since the country joined the bloc in 2004.
Poland’s Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski told the Financial Times that the World Bank had played a major role in the country’s transformation.
“No further borrowing is envisaged after 2031, barring unforeseen circumstances,” Domanski said.
Anna Bjerde, the World Bank’s managing director for operations, said Poland’s experience could be useful for other countries.
“Few countries have achieved what Poland has achieved. Private investment will be a key factor in the country’s next stage of development,” Bjerde said.
Since 1990, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development has provided Poland with more than $15 billion in financing. In recent years, loans have mostly been directed at environmental projects, including combating floods and air pollution.
Following Poland’s expected withdrawal from the main lending program, regular IBRD loans among EU countries will remain available to Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia.
