The Clean Air Program will undergo a significant transformation aimed at simplifying procedures and increasing grant accessibility for citizens. The Ministry of Climate and Environment announced that the first adjustments will be introduced as early as summer 2026. Public consultations on the new regulations began on February 16 and will last a month, involving representatives of local governments, non-governmental organizations, and the construction industry.

Start of public consultations

From February 16 to March 16, 2026, opinions on changes to the Clean Air Program are being collected from local governments and NGOs.

Adjustments as early as this coming summer

Deputy Minister Krzysztof Bolesta announced that the first simplifications, including shortening the property ownership period, will come into effect in summer 2026.

Financing from the Modernization Fund

The program is supported by an amount of 10 billion złoty from the Modernization Fund, and key changes require approval from the European Investment Bank.

Further plans for 2027

The government plans to introduce a second stage of modifications in 2027, which is intended to ensure long-term stability of the subsidy system.

The National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW) has launched extensive public consultations on amendments to the flagship thermal modernization program. NFOŚiGW plans to introduce changes in stages, with their main goal being the elimination of barriers hindering the fight against so-called smog-belchers. Smog-belchers remain the main cause of smog in Poland, and the program aims to help replace nearly 1.9 million such devices. A key element of the reform is shortening the required property ownership period from three years to a shorter term, which will open the way for support to new home buyers. The Clean Air Program was launched in 2018 as a strategic plan to improve air quality in Poland, scheduled for ten years with a budget exceeding 100 billion złoty.Deputy Minister Krzysztof Bolesta emphasized that the ministry aims to simplify the system while maintaining its integrity. Some modifications require approval from the European Investment Bank, as the funds for implementing the program – including an amount of 10 billion złoty – come from the Modernization Fund. In addition to changes planned for summer 2026, further significant adjustments are set to appear in 2027. The consultation schedule includes a meeting with local governments on February 24, with NGOs on February 25, and with contractors on March 9. The feedback collection process will officially end on March 16, 2026. 10 mld zł — funds from the Modernization Fund for grants The introduced simplifications are systemic and concern not only financial aspects but also procedural ones. The government plans to make the support granting process more intuitive for the average citizen. „The first adjustments can be expected in the summer; it's about shortening the required property ownership period to be able to benefit from the program.” — Krzysztof Bolesta Thermal modernization of single-family buildings remains a priority in the country's climate policy, and fund optimization is intended to accelerate the pace of housing stock renovation. Key changes in the program: Property ownership requirement: 3 years → shortened period; Budget from the Modernization Fund: 0 zł (application stage) → 10 billion złoty; Availability for new owners: limited → expanded Left-liberal media emphasize the ecological and pro-European dimension of EIB funds as an opportunity for modern energy transformation. | Conservative media focus on the costs to the state budget and bureaucratic requirements of EU institutions financing the project.

Mentioned People

  • Krzysztof Bolesta — Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment responsible for revising the Clean Air Program.