DISINFO: EU provided economic subsidies to Poland to act as a barrier against Russian aggression
SUMMARY
Poland became the largest beneficiary of EU subsidies because it positioned itself as a barrier against Russian aggression. The logic was to promote the Western European way of life [to Russians] by increasing Polish living standards. Many EU politicians followed this logic and provided financial support for Poland.
RESPONSE
It is a conspiracy theory to claim that EU funds are based on Russia-focused political rationale. The "anti-Russian barrier" is not among the factors which are taken into account when it comes to EU funds. The long-term budget - the Multiannual Financial Framework - sets out the EU's long-term spending priorities and limits. The EU budget finances activities ranging from developing rural areas and conserving the environment to protecting external borders and promoting human rights. The Commission, the Council and Parliament all have a say in determining the size of the budget and how it is allocated. EU expenditure and national contributions to the EU budget for the 2014 -2020 financial programming period can be consulted here. In 2018 Poland received €16.34 billion in EU funding and contributed €3.98 billion to the EU budget. Among the EU funds from which Poland benefits the most are Cohesion Policy funds and Common Agricultural Policy funds and subsidies.