Poland’s 2025 Budget Allocates $275 Million to Church Fund

Poland’s draft budget for 2025 allocates a substantial sum of 275 million 710 thousand zlotys (approximately $67 million) to the Church Fund. This represents a considerable increase from the 257 million zlotys allocated in 2024. The Church Fund, established in 1950, was intended as compensation for the Church for property seized by the state following World War II. Currently, 95% of the fund’s expenditures cover social security contributions for clergy members. The proposed increase has rekindled discussions about the fund’s purpose and the fairness of its allocation. While all legally operating religious associations in Poland benefit from the fund, including those that did not lose property in 1950, critics argue that the fund’s purpose has become detached from its original intent. The debate over the Church Fund is expected to intensify as Poland’s government prepares to finalise its 2025 budget.