Polish local governments face challenges in autonomy and circular economy

Experts at the II Local Government Development Forum have highlighted significant gaps in the capabilities of Polish local authorities. Participants noted a growing discrepancy between the responsibilities assigned to municipalities and their actual decision-making powers. For instance, local leaders are held accountable by residents for issues such as public safety and infrastructure, even when the necessary regulatory decisions are made at the central government level.

Additional challenges include the need for stable financing and more professional management of municipal companies. In the realm of environmental policy, experts suggest that local governments should play a more active role in the circular economy. Currently, Poland’s reuse of raw materials is approximately 8 percent, significantly lower than the 30 percent seen in the Netherlands. Experts argue that municipalities should move beyond simple waste collection to support product repair, reuse, and local cooperation through public procurement and education.