The model reflects past moves in Hungary and Romania to centralise economic power, often justified as way to improve implementation. Poland’s approach, however, appears more technocratic, with few political figures outside the prime minister and foreign minister elevated.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomed the agreement as a “milestone in regional partnership”, and said it reflected growing bilateral cooperation in strategic infrastructure sectors.
The EC is expected to present the proposal formally as part of its mid-term budget review later this year. The plan must be approved unanimously by all 27 member states and endorsed by the European Parliament. Opposition is expected from net contributor countries and regions facing cuts.
CEE contributions include cross-border logistics, public-private coordination platforms, and green recovery initiatives. Regional forums such as the Three Seas Initiative are also expected to play a larger role in financing and implementation.
The European Commission (EC) published long-term budget allocation plans on 17 July, showing Poland set to receive the highest national allocation under the 2028-34 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), totalling EUR 123.3bn.