English
Obserwator Finansowy features views and analysis of economy in Poland and other countries, written by some of the best journalists, economists and analysts. Our mission is to share knowledge of economics and financial markets in the world.
Obserwator Finansowy is a project under aegis of the Poland’s central bank, Narodowy Bank Polski. We have published thousands of articles about the Polish and global economy. Our journalists have conducted hundreds of interviews with Nobel laureates, distinguished economists, business leaders and politicians with views across the political spectrum.
In this section you can find selected articles in English.
The economy has long been Lukashenko’s weak spot
Jan CieńskiAlexander Lukashenko remains firmly in control of Belarus's politics − as shown by the unsurprising result in recent parliamentary elections that saw his supporters take all 110 seats − but his biggest challenge in the...
Uncertain future of Open Pension Funds
Witold GadomskiWhen adopting last year the act reducing the level of the contribution transferred to Open Pension Funds (OFEs), the government promised another amendment. It was designed to force an increase in competition between the...
The government has no plans for a savings budget
Piotr AleksandrowiczThe Government has submitted a draft 2013 budget to the Sejm. With the economic growth planned for 2.2%, revenue is to increase by 2.4% in nominal terms and expenditure by 1.9%, excluding the European funds. Analysis of the...
An increase in costs after the Slovakia’s introduction of the euro
Jan CieńskiOne of the reasons that Poland's economy has managed to survive successive waves of the global economic crisis is that it has a shock absorber in the form of its own currency − which is why support for joining the common...
Restrictions on “junk” contracts will increase the rigidity of the Polish labour market
Katarzyna BartmanThe Polish government has entered bargaining with employers and trade unions regarding possible restrictions on civil law contracts.
Remedies that will not save the economy
Witold GadomskiThe announcement of Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s keynote address has spurred the Polish opposition into action. In early September, all opposition parties presented their ideas for the economy. They can hardly be called...
Many a thing can be found in the State’s safe
Witold GadomskiAt the end of September at the latest, a draft budget for 2013 will be submitted to the Sejm. Due to the economic slowdown, it may be difficult to implement it, but this does not have to be so. The budget has many safes with...
Poland’s debt to the world keeps increasing
Piotr AleksandrowiczThe joy over the record low interest obtained by the Polish government when selling the dollar bonds for USD 2 bn seems justified. Unfortunately, only at first glance.
Antczak: Let’s join the euro area, as we are already bearing the costs, after all
Marek PielachWe are reducing the deficit because financial markets are very sensitive to its level, but we are not joining the euro area. Accordingly, we are losing the “umbrella” of the ECB, a chance for the economy to operate in...
FOR: In Poland, the retirement age is being raised too slowly
Krzysztof NędzyńskiAs far as the changes in pension system are concerned, we may learn the most from the Czechs and Slovaks. Surely, we should make every effort in order to prevent the government from nationalizing funds gathered in the second...