Education:
PhD studies, Warsaw School of Economics, Collegium of Socio-Economics
MA, Political Science, University of Wrocław
Languages:
Polish (native), English (fluent), French (intermediate), Russian (basic)
Agnieszka Kulesa is a political scientist and migration policy expert with over 13 years of experience in research, project management and team leadership. Her work focuses on labour markets, international migration and migration policy. Currently a Lead Consultant at Ecorys Poland, she worked as an economist at CASE – Center for Social and Economic Research between 2018 and 2024, and as Vice President of the CASE Management Board from 2021. She also worked at the Institute of Public Affairs in Warsaw (2017-2018), including as Head of the Migration Policy Programme, and at the Migration Policy Department of the Polish Ministry of the Interior (2010-2014), where she was responsible for international cooperation in the field of migration and coordinated activities within the Prague Process.
Agnieszka holds a PhD in Political Science from the Warsaw School of Economics. She has published extensively and led various migration and labour market research projects for institutions such as the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee.
She has been a panellist at events organised by Polish and foreign public and private institutions and regularly provides commentary for the media (e.g. Rzeczpospolita, Newsweek, Financial Times, BBC).
This Working Paper aims to deepen the understanding of Belarusian migration to the EU, with a particular focus on entrepreneurship among Belarusian migrants.
The publication examines the growing popularity and implications of the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) financial model in Poland and globally. It features expert analyses and discussions from a seminar held on March 14, 2024, including insights from key players like PayPo, PKO BP, and the Credit Information Bureau (BIK). The publication focuses on: BNPL Evolution and Success: Originating in Sweden, BNPL has transformed global online shopping, offering deferred payment options as an alternative to credit cards. Poland's BNPL market, still in its infancy, shows rapid growth due to firms like PayPo, Twisto, and Allegro Pay. Comparison with Credit Cards: Unlike credit cards, BNPL offers simpler, targeted transactions that resonate with younger demographics and more women. It avoids the complexities and high fees associated with traditional credit cards, fostering higher adoption rates. Polish Market Dynamics: By the end of 2023, nearly 2 million Poles had used BNPL, representing 12% of active borrowers. PayPo leads the market with innovative features, while PKO BP introduces seamless banking integration for deferred payments. Challenges and Growth Potential: Despite its success, establishing a universal BNPL business model remains challenging. However, its consumer-centric approach signals continued growth, especially as it aligns with modern purchasing behaviors. The report provides a nuanced understanding of how BNPL reshapes financial landscapes, blending fintech innovation with traditional banking.
The publication is an educator's guidebook designed to inspire and support discussions between youth and elderly participants about shaping the future of urban environments. Created as part of the "Future for All" project by CASE (Center for Social and Economic Research), this guidebook uses Warsaw as a case study but provides adaptable insights for cities globally. It is funded by the European Economic Area and Norwegian Financial Mechanism (2014–2021). The guidebook delves into critical themes, including: Demography: Addressing the implications of an ageing population, declining birth rates, and migration patterns for urban planning and social cohesion. Migration: Exploring the integration of diverse populations and fostering intercultural and intergenerational understanding. Climate Change: Highlighting urban sustainability through public initiatives like green spaces and waste reduction. Digitalisation: Emphasizing smart city development while bridging the generational digital divide. Central to its approach are intergenerational activities that foster collaboration and mutual understanding, with a focus on scenario planning, problem-solving, and community engagement. This resource equips educators with tools to promote critical thinking and inclusivity, encouraging young and older citizens alike to actively shape resilient and sustainable urban communities.
