Top EU official is in Poland for talks with new prime minister about unfreezing massive funds

The head of the European Union’s powerful Commission was in Warsaw on Friday for talks with Poland’s new prime minister, Donald Tusk, on restoring pro-EU policies that would allow for the bloc to release billions of euros of funds for the country. Brussels froze pandemic recovery and cohesion funds for Poland amid a standoff with the previous EU-sceptic administration. It also launched a process that could lead to sanctions on any EU member disrespecting the democratic values of the 27-member bloc. Tusk, a former EU Council chief, hinted this week, ahead of Friday talks with visiting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, that Poles may hear that day that the tens of billions of euros (dollars) of much-needed funds are being released.