Poland Exceeds OECD Averages in Tax Collection and Trade Efficiency
Boosting Economic Growth through Electronic Filing System
Warsaw, Poland - Poland has taken a significant step towards boosting its economy by implementing an electronic filing system for VAT and transport taxes. This innovative approach has made it easier for businesses to file and pay their taxes, resulting in a dramatic increase in tax collection. Poland now exceeds OECD averages in this area.
Efficient Trade Procedures
Poland’s customs administration has also seen significant improvements, with irregular payments and bribes becoming less common during import and export procedures. The country’s trading across borders has become more efficient, requiring only one document for both exporting and importing goods - a significantly lower number compared to the OECD average.
Challenges Remain in Public Procurement Sector
Despite these efforts, Poland’s public procurement sector remains plagued by high levels of corruption. Companies have reported that diversion of public funds and favoritism in decisions are common practices. The country’s Central Anti-Corruption Bureau has identified several sectors at risk, including EU funds and public procurement at local and regional levels.
Combating Corruption
Poland has criminalized various forms of corruption, including bribery, extortion, cronyism, patronage, abuse of public functions, influence peddling, gifts, and money laundering. Penalties for committing a corruption crime include imprisonment and fines, with legal entities also liable for corruption.
Media Environment Remains Partly Free
Despite efforts to combat corruption, Poland’s media environment remains “partly free”, with restrictions on freedom of speech and press freedoms. Civil society traditions are strong, but consultation with civil society actors is often formalistic, and pro-government and public media have launched smear campaigns against NGOs.
Progress and Challenges Ahead
Poland has made significant progress in recent years, signing and ratifying several international anti-corruption conventions and stepping up the prosecution of corrupt acts. However, more work needs to be done to address corruption and improve transparency and accountability in all sectors.
Sources:
- World Bank: Doing Business 2018
- World Economic Forum: Global Competitiveness Index 2017-2018
- US Department of State: Investment Climate Statement 2017
- Freedom House: Nations in Transit - Poland 2017
- European Network of Councils for the Judiciary: Independence, Accountability and Quality of the Judiciary, Performance Indicators 2017