On 5 February 2026, representatives of the organization had the chance to meet with Tomasz Kot, the Ombudsman of the European Funds and his team. The gathering was devoted to exchanging experiences concerning the functioning of the institution.
Uniqueness of the Ombudsman’s institutions
The uniqueness of the Polish model of the Ombudsman's work has been highlighted as a distinctive feature. Poland is the only country in the European Union to have an independent, functionally separate media institution for beneficiaries of European funds. This plan gives entrepreneurs specific support and protection mechanisms against procedural barriers.
The Ombudsman of the European Funds pointed out that its primary function is to adopt and analyse reports on obstacles to the implementation of EU programmes and proposals for improvements, as well as to supply clarification and mediation between beneficiaries and implementing institutions. The institution does not replace administrative or judicial procedures but provides a tool for dialog and improving the quality of procedures.
Business Activity
A crucial percent of applications to the Ombudsman come from entrepreneurs. In 2025, company applications accounted for 45% of all cases that went to the team. This highlights very real applicable challenges in the area of applying for EU co-financing and implementing projects. The participants stressed that the Ombudsman's activities, including reviews of procedures and recommendations for improvements, are a valuable component in building more transparent and friendly conditions for beneficiaries.
Among the topics raised, she received peculiar attention discussion on the challenges of the National Recovery Plan (NRP). This is an area where entrepreneurs frequently rise concerns, although the Ombudsman's institution has no formal supervisory competence for this programme.
Further cooperation with the Ombudsman of the European Funds
Participants agreed that expanding the usage of EU funds in the coming years requires further improve realistic timetables, clear procedures and transparent communication of all parties active in the fund implementation system.
The gathering concluded with a declaration of continuation of cooperation between the Confederation of Leviathan and the Ombudsman Group of the European Funds, in peculiar in the areas of monitoring the implementation of EU support processes and measures to improve the timely and efficient functioning of the organization strategy of EU funds.
The notification procedure and the summary of the activities of the Ombudsman of the European Funds are available on the European Funds website.
