EN
The state of public finance in most countries of the Euro zone and the remaining European Union countries has deteriorated considerably since 2008. It turned out that the existing mechanisms intended to have disciplinary effects on budgetary policy were insufficient to be able to prevent the creation of excessive budget deficits and a fast increase in public debt. Some of the European Union countries found themselves in a particularly difficult situation. Without the financial support provided by other Member States, Greece or Ireland would not have been able to refinance their public debt. Budget problems of those and some other countries belonging to the Euro zone have been resolved for the time being, however, the threat that they may exacerbate in the future still exists. There is an urgent need for the increase in the effectiveness of excessive deficit procedure. The state of Polish public finance has also deteriorated substantially in recent years. This limits the possibilities of Poland to join the Euro zone in the foreseeable future.