The leader of Poland’s new, pro-business political movement says that a strong economy in Poland would breathe new energy into the European Union and help it compete on the global level.

Ryszard Petru spoke to The Associated Press Friday after a news conference in which he sought online donations from supporters as a novel, transparent way of financing politics.

His movement, ModernPl Association, is hoping for some 20 percent of the votes in the fall general elections. Poland’s political scene seems poised for a reshuffle, following the surprise win of opposition candidate Andrzej Duda in May’s presidential election.

Petru, an economist, also spoke in favor of a free trade agreement with the United States, saying that would help boost cooperation in many areas.