Macroeconomic Assessment of Poland's Energy Policy in the Years 2020–2024

This bachelor thesis focuses on the national economic evaluation of Poland's energy policy between 2020 and 2024. The aim of the thesis is to analyze how Poland has responded to the European Union's decarbonization commitments and to analyze the impact of the measures taken on selected macroeconomic indicators and the price of electricity on the market. The theoretical part is based on the concepts of the magic triangle of energy policy and public choice theory, which are the basis for the analysis of the conflict between economic efficiency, environmental goals and security of energy supply. In the practical part of the thesis, a SWOT analysis identifies that despite the increasing share of renewable energy sources in production (28.8% in 2024), Poland continues to maintain its high dependence on coal (56.7% share of electricity production). The transformation of the sector is facing the structural problems, institutional barriers, high investment costs, and dependence on coal in the energy mix and on imports of raw materials. The average wholesale price of electricity in 2022 was EUR 172.21/MWh, which was the lowest among the Visegrad Four (V4) countries. In contrast, the price in 2024 was EUR 98.48/MWh, which was already comparable to the price levels of the other V4 countries for that year. Energy policy in the period under review contributed to increasing energy security and partially stabilised inflationary pressures. The thesis also analyzes the impacts on GDP, unemployment, inflation, and the balance of payments. The added value of the thesis lies on the comprehensive interconnection of statistical data, policy documents, and comparative analysis with a regional dimension.