The role of the state during the Covid-19 pandemic in Poland and the Czech Republic. A comparative analysis

Abstract

The activity of the state during the crisis, as a rule, shows vulnerable areas, ones that are weaker or for a long time unreformed, representing the ‘weaknesses’ of a given economy. The aim of this paper is to compare areas requiring particular state aid in Poland and the Czech Republic in the context of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, taking into account their historical development. The choice of the countries is the deliberate methodological procedure due to the fact that both represent one of the key regions in Europe. The indicated countries are EU members, which determines the approach of the Czech Republic and Poland in the field of economic policy, including trade, social policy, food security, energy, and health protection (taking into account the competences of the member states in relation to the EU in this area). It was pointed out that both countries did not join the euro area. Tax concepts in the public finance of both countries were taken into account. Moreover, these countries are faced with similar ecological challenges such as the Green Deal which influences the necessary economic changes. Comparative analysis was used as a research method, taking into account not only the differences and similarities between the countries analysed. Both countries face civilization and development challenges, for example, digital changes, which determine the effectiveness of other public policies.