Poland unable to collect 174.5 mln PLN Gazprom fine; finance minister denies blocking enforcement
A legally binding 174.5 million PLN fine on Gazprom remains unpaid, with the finance minister insisting he is not obstructing collection and the competition watchdog warning the money may be lost.
Background of the fine
In 2020, Poland's Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) imposed a 50 million euro fine (over 213 million PLN) on Gazprom for refusing to provide information during an investigation into the consortium financing the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Gazprom challenged the decision. In July 2024, the Court of Competition and Consumer Protection upheld the fine but reduced it to 41 million euro, equivalent to 174.5 million PLN. The Court of Appeal confirmed that ruling in August 2025, making the penalty final and binding.
- Original fine (2020)
- 213 mln PLN
- Final fine (2024-2025)
- 174.5 mln PLN
The legal process unfolded over several years.
- UOKiK imposes 50 million euro fine on Gazprom for non-cooperation in Nord Stream 2 investigation.
- Court upholds decision but reduces fine to 41 million euro (174 million PLN).
- Court of Appeal upholds the reduced fine, making it final.
- Reports emerge that enforcement is blocked; finance minister denies blocking.
The enforcement dispute
Despite the final judgment, Poland has not recovered the money. On 9 July 2026, business daily "Puls Biznesu" reported that the enforcement had been blocked by a decision from the Ministry of Finance. The ministry did not disclose the reasons, stating only that it does not comment on individual cases. UOKiK President Tomasz Chróstny sharply criticized the situation.
It is difficult to accept a decision that may hinder or even prevent the recovery of over 174 million PLN legally due to the state treasury. This is particularly incomprehensible in a case concerning Russian Gazprom, an entity used by the Russian Federation for years to pursue its strategic interests.
Tax advisor Radosław Żuk, a partner at Żuk Pośpiech, told "Puls Biznesu" that the position of the Lower Silesian Customs and Tax Office rests on an incorrect interpretation of the law.
Minister Domański's denial
Finance Minister Andrzej Domański, speaking on WP's "Tłit" programme, firmly denied blocking the enforcement. He said the issue was purely procedural.
I would like to clearly deny it: the finance minister is not blocking the enforcement of due funds. The Gazprom fine case concerns formal doubts as to whether the tax office, in this case the Warszawa-Śródmieście Tax Office, has the right to act as a party in this dispute.
Domański added that he has no tool to decide on the release of assets and that questions about further steps should be directed to UOKiK.
Ministry explains limited role
In a separate statement, the Ministry of Finance and Economy clarified that it is not the authority responsible for releasing frozen assets. Its role is limited mainly to appellate functions, reviewing complaints against first-instance decisions. The actual power to release frozen assets or apply exceptions to sanctions rests with the Head of the National Revenue Administration (KAS), exercised in practice by the Head of the Lower Silesian Customs and Tax Office in Wrocław. The ministry stressed that no extraordinary supervisory measures were used in the Gazprom case, and that decisions by the Wrocław office are subject to review by administrative courts.
Broader context
Domański emphasized that Poland continues to push for economic pressure on Russia, reminding EU finance ministers in Brussels of the need for further sanctions packages. The dispute highlights the legal complexity of using frozen Russian assets to satisfy domestic court judgments, even when those judgments are final.
