War Games or a new economy? - CASE's Maciej Sobolewski during XXIV Economic Forum in Krynica

The increase in military expenditure from 1.95% (guaranteed by Polish law) to the NATO-recommended 2% of GDP, announced lately by President Komorowski, might have a positive impact not only on Polish defense capabilities, but also on our economy. How to ensure that this happens and what exactly might be the economic benefits of the modernization of defense capabilities, were some of the topics discussed during the panel "War Games or a new economy? How to stimulate economic growth in times of danger”, which took place during the second day of XXIV Economic Forum in Krynica.


CASE was represented by our vice-president, Maciej Sobolewski. Apart from him, a number of seasoned experts participated in the debate: Jan Krzysztof Bielecki, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, Secretary of State Zdzisław Gawlik, CEO of AgustaWestland – Daniele Romiti, Business Centre Club expert, and a former First Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces – gen. Leon Komornicki.


They discussed, inter alia, whether ordering equipment from foreign companies would not hurt Polish interest. The consensus was that as long as certain provisions, such as obliging contractors to invest in Poland, are prompted, the economy could still benefit. 

Maciej Sobolewski proposed for example that for the sake of efficiency money from offsetting would only be used to fund undertakings that could not be supported financially otherwise. Moreover, contractors could be required to service the equipment on Polish territory.
 

More detailed information on the debate (in Polish) is available at the official webiste of the 24th Economic Forum.
 

The video of the debate can be viewed (in Polish) on tv.rp.pl