Poland's Clean Air programme faces crisis, reforms and new consumer protections
Polish municipalities report a sharp decline in applications for the "Czyste Powietrze" (Clean Air) programme, with weekly submissions falling from about 5,000 in 2024 to under 800. In a survey of 1,500 gminas, 72% rated the current scheme poorly, citing long refund times, mandatory comprehensive modernisation, upfront audit costs and complex rules as major obstacles. Local officials call for a free audit voucher, partial modernisation, easing the three‑year ownership requirement and faster grant disbursement.
From July, the government will introduce four key changes: the required ownership period for a property will be shortened from three years to one year; maximum funding limits for thermomodernisation works will be raised to match rising material costs; the pre‑financing repayment period will be extended from 120 to 180 days; and the pool of professionals authorised to certify permanent heat‑source disconnections will be broadened to include those with building‑trade qualifications.
The Wojewódzki Fundusz Ochrony Środowiska i Gospodarki Wodnej (WFOŚiGW) also reminds beneficiaries that they can contest contractor fraud, demand repairs or refunds, and exercise a right‑to‑withdraw from contracts within 14‑30 days (or up to 12 months if the consumer was not informed of this right). A new amendment to the Environmental Protection Act, published in July 2026, gives residents the ability to sue regional authorities over failures in air‑protection programmes without needing to prove a specific legal interest, strengthening community action against smog.
These measures aim to revive interest in the Clean Air programme, improve air quality and restore confidence among homeowners and local governments.