Appendix No. 1 to the Resolution No. 240/15 of the Małopolska Region Management Board of 4 march 2015
REGIONAL OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR THE MAŁOPOLSKA REGION 2014-2020
CCI 2014PL16M2OP006
Krakow, March 2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.STRATEGY ON THE OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE UNION STRATEGY FOR SMART, SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND THE ACHIEVEMENT OF ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND TERRITORIAL COHESION ...... 3
2. PRIORITY AXES ...... 49
3.FINANCIAL PLAN ...... 224
4. INTEGRATED TERRITORIAL APPROACH ...... 230
5. SPECIFIC NEEDS OF AREAS AFFECTED BY POVERTY OR TARGET GROUPS MOST ENDANGERED WITH DISCRIMINATION OR SOCIAL EXCLUSION ...... 235
6.SPECIFIC NEEDS OF AREAS SUFFERING FROM SERIOUS AND PERSISTENT ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL OR DEMOGRAPHIC CONDITIONS ...... 241
7. INSTITUTIONS AND ENTITIES RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGEMENT, CONTROL AND AUDIT AND THE ROLE OF EACH PARTNER .... BŁĄD! NIE ZDEFINIOWANO ZAKŁADKI.
8. COORDINATION BETWEEN COHESION POLICY FUNDS, THE EAFRD, THE EMFF AND OTHER UNION AND NATIONAL FUNDING INSTRUMENTS AND THE EIB ...... 258
9. EX-ANTE CONDITIONALITIES ...... 276
10.REDUCTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN FOR BENEFICIARIES 298
11.HORIZONTAL PRINCIPLES ...... 301
12.DISTINCT ELEMENTS ...... 306
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1.STRATEGY ON THE OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE UNION STRATEGY FOR SMART, SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND THE ACHIEVEMENT OF ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND TERRITORIAL COHESION
1.1 STRATEGY ON THE OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE UNION STRATEGY FOR SMART, SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND THE ACHIEVEMENT OF ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND TERRITORIAL COHESION)
1.1.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME'S STRATEGY FOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE UNION STRATEGY FOR SMART, SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND THE ACHIEVEMENT OF ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND TERRITORIAL COHESION
DIAGNOSIS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITION AND ANALYSIS OF CHALLENGES AND POTENTIALS [ 1. Scientific, research and innovation potential of the region ] 1. In the Regional Innovation Scoreboard of European regions1, Małopolska is categorised as a “moderate innovator”, alongside the Mazowieckie (Mazovian), Podkarpackie (Subcarpathian), Śląskie (Silesian), and Dolnośląskie (Lower Silesian) Regions. R&D expenditure in relation to GDP in the region is much lower than the EU average, in particular as regards the business sector. In 2012, total regional R&D expenditure accounted for 1.39% of GDP (coming second after Mazovia and markedly above the national average of 0.9%). In parallel, private expenditure accounted for 0.52% of GDP (markedly above the national average - 0.33%). - The increase in expenditure on R&D incurred in the region over recent years has largely come from public spending. A challenge faced by Małopolska with respect to pursuing „Europe 2020” Strategy goals is to increase both overall expenditure on research and development and the participation of private entities, particularly the SME sector, in financing these types of activities. 2. At a national scale, Małopolska is one of the leading regions in terms of the potential of the science sector. Due to substantial capital expenditure in recent years, basic needs concerning higher education infrastructure have been satisfied2. However, significant needs with regard to research infrastructure in the science sector are still identified in the region, including those pertaining to the continuation of investments initiated in 2007-2013. The aim of the investment strategy in this field will be to supplement research infrastructure in the science sector in a range that allows the commencement or development of research activity in areas associated with regional specialisation. Intervention in this field should also ensure a successful transfer of research results into business activity, thus contributing to the increase in the innovativeness of enterprises. 3. Compared to other regions, the number of companies actively practising innovation in the service sector has increased in Małopolska over recent years, while the equivalent of this index in the
1 Regional Innovation Scoreboard 2014, European Commission, 2014 2 Ocena wpływu projektów realizowanych w ramach osi priorytetowej 1. Warunki dla rozwoju społeczeństwa opartego na wiedzy w ramach Małopolskiego Regionalnego Programu Operacyjnego na lata 2007-2013, [Impact assessment of projects implemented under Priority Axis 1. Conditions for the development of knowledge society as part of the 2007-2013 Małopolska Regional Operational Programme], Institute of Structural Research, 2011 industrial sector has dropped. Service sector companies operating in the region have also established cooperation in innovative actions more frequently than industrial enterprises. The main barriers to research and development, as well as innovation activities of enterprises, remain as follows: the relatively slight inclination to take risk, the costs and limits of access to capital and the focus on “imitative innovation”, which mostly involves applying the solutions already available on the market and used in business activity. The challenge for the regional administration is to implement mechanisms stimulating the demand of enterprises for innovation in order to increase expenditure on innovative actions and enhance cooperation with the R&D sector, especially among SMEs. 4. New technology companies have developed dynamically in Małopolska, created as the fulfilment of innovative ideas transformed into innovative products and services. The market success of such companies is determined by access to the professional and individualised offer of services delivered by innovation centres. It is therefore necessary to selectively support the development of facilities such as science parks and research and development centres, which focus on pro-innovation services, thereby contributing to the development of new companies under conditions of free movement of knowledge that facilitates open innovation. [ 2. The use of information and communication technologies ] 5. According to the Council of the European Union3, Poland is still well behind other Member States when it comes to seizing the potential of information and communication technologies. Apart from low fixed broadband coverage, the relatively low efficiency of public administration and relatively low level of progress in e-government are pointed out, the latter being a direct cause of the current situation. Increasing the efficiency of public administration requires further action in the field of digitisation to ensure wider and easier access to information and services provided by public institutions. 6. The analysis concerning the growth of the information society in Polish regions4 shows that Małopolska ranks average or slightly above average for Poland in terms of the level at which digital administration has been developed. Research indicates that the digitisations of internal and external processes are not always in harmony, which is illustrated by the complex indicators of digitisation efficiency in public service offices and of support for the growth of the information society. Małopolska is classified among the regions in Poland that have handled both aspects most successfully. 7. Investments made over the last few years in the field of informatisation have improved the accessibility of public e-services and facilitated the functioning of administration. However, a considerable part of these undertakings was fragmentary or had a local character, hence their limited effect on the digitisation process at the regional level. Solutions applied by users at the national scale have been delivered thanks to systemic information technology projects. The most important areas in terms of access to public e-services are: administrative issues, including civic issues, labour market, healthcare, court system and the administration of justice, safety and emergency alert systems, business activity, activity concerning agriculture and
3 Council Recommendation of 9 July 2013on the National Reform Programme 2013 of Poland and delivering a Council opinion on the Convergence Programme of Poland, 2012-2016 (2013/C 217/16) 4 Społeczeństwo informacyjne w liczbach 2013, [Information society in figures 2013], 2013, and the study Wpływ cyfryzacji na działanie urzędów w Polsce w 2012 r. [The impact of digitization on the functioning of Polish offices in 2012] commissioned by the Ministry of Administration and Digitization and conducted in local and central public service offices (1556 participating offices). 4
rural development, taxes and customs duties, spatial data, statistical data, culture and national heritage. 8. The „Europe 2020” Strategy provides for the effective use of resources to accomplish social and economic goals. One of the essential categories of resources is public sector data. Experience in the creation of digital repositories shows that the most useful and primarily disseminated information includes spatial data, demographic data, data concerning business activity, health, law, and education. Given the regional specificity, in Małopolska it is particularly important to also provide the availability of the abundant resources of culture and regional heritage, as well as resources and services supporting the development of tourism.
[ 3. Competitiveness of Małopolska SMEs and creating conditions for economic development] 9. The number of registered business entities in Małopolska as of the end of 2012 was 343.4 thousand. This represents 8.6% of all entities registered in Poland, which ranks Małopolska fourth among all regions in terms of the number of registered business entities. There were 335.3 thousand entities (97.6% of the total) in the private sector and 8.1 thousand entities (2.4% of the total) in the public sector. The number of enterprises run as sole proprietorships included in the register was 257.5 thousand, which represents 76.8% of all private sector entities. It is worth adding that in terms of the number of enterprises categorised as SMEs, which covers micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises, Małopolska is in the second place, preceded only by Mazovia. 10. Data concerning the aims of investments made by companies from Małopolska in 2005-2008 and planned for 2009-2013 indicated, among others, the changing attitude to investment strategies pursued by entrepreneurs. Namely, compared to investments completed in 2005-2008, investment plans for 2009-2013 were much more oriented to increasing the competitiveness of enterprises in a situation where they compete with other business entities on a shrinking and insecure market. The difficulty of obtaining external funds for planned investments: is a noticeable issue, which has been indicated as a major impediment by many entrepreneurs (49.2% of responses). Newly opened businesses were considerably more often affected by this problem (59.5% of responses in this group).5 11. Małopolska’s business environment sector is varied in terms of the scope of services and their quality. To increase the efficiency of institutions from this sector, it is required to strengthen the demand side in a way that encourages the better adjustment of services to the needs of enterprises and a wider scope of their provision in a commercial manner. 12. The self-government of the Małopolska Region has gradually intensified its activities to build and promote the regional brand for several years, including economic promotion. The creation of the Business in Małopolska Centre, facilitating the provision of services to investors and exporters and the economic promotion of the Małopolska Region, should be mentioned as one of the most important initiatives. Another important event aimed at promoting innovation in business and entrepreneurship is the Małopolska Innovation Festival, covering a series of events addressed to entrepreneurs, research workers, PhD students, graduates, and students. The self-government is also very active in promotion that is largely based on the Małopolska’s tourism potential, directing it both at home and foreign markets.
5 Development potential of enterprises from the Małopolska Region, Małopolska Economic Observatory, Marshal’s Office of the Małopolska Region, Kraków 2010 5
[4. Environmentally friendly regional energy policy] 13. Małopolska is ranked tenth in terms of the proportion of renewable energy sources in electricity production, generating 886.3 GWh (2012). The substantial majority of producers use conventional fuels (hard coal), and one third base their operations on renewable and alternative energy sources, mostly hydropower. Lower use is recorded for biogas (6.8 MW), wind (3 MW) and solar (1.1 MW) power. These sources can be considered the region’s potentials to provide basis for planning investments and renewable energy production. 14. The condition of the Małopolska Region’s low and medium voltage power infrastructure, especially in rural areas, is one of the worst in the country. It is therefore necessary to modernise infrastructure in the region to allow for the development of new energy powers, including ones from RES. 15. Major problems occur in maintaining air quality standards. The levels of PM10 (31.9 thousand Mg/2011) and PM2.5 (28.2 thousand Mg/2011) particles in the Małopolska Region are one of the highest in Poland, particularly in Kraków. The main source of emission is the household sector. Exceeded limits were also reported for: benzo[a]pyrene (10.7 Mg/2011), nitrogen dioxide (43.1 thousand Mg/2011) and sulphur dioxide (61.5 thousand Mg/2012). In
2011, 25.7 million Mg of CO2e was also emitted, including 42% from industry, 27% from housing and 21% from transport. Considering methane and nitrous oxide emissions, total global warming potential (GOI)6 is 12.7 million Mg and has decreased by 3.05% compared to 2011. 16. The analysis of the effects of remedial measures taken to date in this respect shows that their scale and rate are too small in relation to the needs. The strongest effects were produced by measures concerning the elimination of old combustion sources and their replacement with new low-carbon ones, as well as those boosting the energy efficiency of buildings. 17. In the Małopolska Region, approximately 64% of usable floor area is covered by the housing sector, while the remaining space belongs to public utility buildings (15%), as well as manufacturing, service and trade facilities (20.5%).7 Given the fact that these sectors represent approximately 40% of energy consumption, they are potentially important targets for energy saving. 18. Road transport is a major cause of inconvenience and problems related to the emission of harmful substances, particularly in agglomerations. In Poland, 83.6% of land passenger transport and 75.9% of land freight transport is effectuated via road transport. According to statistical data, this sector is annually responsible for over 28% of total nitrogen oxides emission, over 27% of carbon monoxide emission, and over 15% of dust emission. In large cities, especially those with centralised heating systems, the proportion of road transport in the overall emission of these pollutants is substantially higher, reaching 90% in central districts8. Problems associated with transport development, especially regarding road transport, require taking actions to reduce concomitant risks, e.g. via increasing the importance of collective transport.
6 Global warming potential (GOI) over a 100- year time horizon assumed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is 1 for carbon dioxide, 25 for methane, 298 for nitrous oxide, and 22 800 for sulphur hexafluoride 7 Draft Regional Energy plan for the Małopolska Region 2013-2020 8 Zagrożenia środowiskowe ze strony transportu [Environmental risks associated with transport], A. J. Badyda, Nauka (4/2010) 6
[5. Environmental protection] 19. The Małopolska Region is an area with the highest flow fluctuation in Poland, which indicates the need to increase retention. Considerable flow fluctuation generates flood risk: Carpathian tributaries of the Vistula River create an outstandingly high flood potential. Demand for increasing water resources occurs, in particular, in the context of drought, which has affected the entire area of the region in recent years9. 20. Land in the Małopolska Region is particularly susceptible to mass movement. The fragmentary exploration of areas with landslide tendencies does not result in hindered investment activities disturbing the balance of slopes and causing cutting into and overloading slopes, and cause changes in hydrographic conditions. 21. The region is marked by scarce usable groundwater resources (640 hm3 – 3.67% of resources in Poland)10 and the uneven spatial distribution of groundwater basins, which causes shortages. Additionally, Małopolska is one of the regions with the highest water consumption (5th place in Poland). Hence, the protection of catchments is very important for the region, particularly above potable water intakes. The amount of sewage requiring treatment channelled to waters or to the ground decreased in 2000-2012, chiefly due to the approximately 16% reduction in industrial sewage. However, public utilities still remain the largest source of surface water pollution. The percentage of population served by municipal sewage treatment plants has grown during the last several years, but it remains unsatisfactory. An important source of pressure on the water environment is insufficient sanitation, mainly in rural areas. The proportion of the sewage disposal system to the water supply system is only 60%, although the length of both systems has been dynamically increased over the recent years. 22. Irrespective of investments made in the systems, there is a growing incidence of water shortages, especially in rural areas, as a consequence of the lowering water level in wells and bank infiltration water intakes. Although the scale of this phenomenon has been merely local to date, in the face of predicted climate change it may take on larger proportions in the future. 23. In 2012, 7 787.9 million tonnes of waste was produced in Małopolska, 12.93% of which was municipal waste and 87.07% was industrial waste. When it comes to waste production, Małopolska is ranked fifth among Poland’s regions11. 24. The amount of municipal waste produced in 2012 in Małopolska was 1 007 million tonnes. Municipal waste collection covered 77.3% of population (12th place). Approximately 712 thousand tonnes of waste was collected in the regions area in 2012, including 103 thousand tonnes collected as sorted waste, which represents 14.47% of total waste mass. The remaining portion of waste, i.e. 609 thousand tonnes, was unsorted waste. Deposition in landfill sites continues to be the main municipal waste management method in the Małopolska Region. 25. Considering the goals planned to be achieved in 2020, it is important to reduce the amount of waste being deposited to 40%. The amount of biodegradable waste directed to landfill sites
9 Prognoza oddziaływania na środowisko projektu Programu Strategicznego Ochrony Środowiska [Environmental Impact Prediction of the Draft Strategic Programme for Environmental Protection] 10 Environment 2013, Central Statistical Office of Poland 11 Environment 2013, Central Statistical Office of Poland
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should also be lowered to 35%. As regards packaging waste recycling and recovery measures, the current level of 42.3% should increase to 60%.
[ 6. Regional heritage ] 26. The „Europe 2020” Strategy provides for the effective use of resources to accomplish social and economic goals. An essential category of the region’s resources is its cultural and natural heritage. The largest number of UNESCO heritage sites in Poland is located in Małopolska, and a register of immovable monuments included over five thousand items in 201312. Małopolska also boasts exceptionally diverse and rich non-material culture and a well-developed offer of tourism and heritage trails13. The region is one of the most popular destinations in the country, with steadily growing tourist traffic for many years. Małopolska was visited by 12.6 million people in 201314. In 2013, 3567.5 thousand tourists were served by tourist accommodation facilities in the Małopolska Region, which is 97.2 thousand (2.8%) more than in the previous year (2nd place in Poland)15 In terms of the number of entities involved in cultural activities, the Małopolska Region is in the national forefront. At the end of 2013, the total number of 1 637 of these entities included the largest percentage of libraries and information and library centres (58.3%), cultural centres, clubs and day care centres (26.3%). Initiatives for boosting the efficiency of using Małopolska’s cultural resources, which form the basis of regional identity, will have a beneficial effect on the social and economic development of the entire region. Actions oriented to protecting, providing access to and promoting cultural heritage will create conditions for the further development of the tourism sector, which is the third most important area of the social activity in the EU.16 The activities for the development of cultural infrastructure strengthen the transformation of cultural institutions into modern centres of access to knowledge and cultural offer as well as local centres of social life. 27. Małopolska features a great diversity of landscapes, with heterogeneous groups of ecosystems. More than half of its surface area is under legal protection (approximately 8% of all protected areas in Poland). Małopolska is ranked second in the country in terms of the proportion of legally protected surface areas17. The largest number (6) of Poland’s national parks are located in this region, 2 of them are acknowledged as UNESCO biosphere reserves. Moreover, there are 11 operating landscape parks (covering 17.4% of the region in total), 10 protected landscape areas, 85 nature reserves, and 99 NATURA 2000 sites18. Given its geographic conditions, Małopolska has great potential to develop its tourist services concerning active leisure, walking and cycling tours, in a valuable countryside setting. In view of the region’s outstanding potential arising from its natural resources it is necessary to take actions aimed at maintaining biodiversity and improving its conservation. At the same time, the implementation of projects concerning
12 As of 31 July 2013, data provided by the Regional Office for the Protection of Monuments in Kraków and http://www.wuoz.Małopolska.pl/images/2013_rejestr/rejestr%20powiaty_aktualne.pdf. 13 As reported by the Małopolska Institute of Culture, over a hundred tourism and heritage trails run through the region, www.mik.Kraków.pl 14 Source: Badanie ruchu turystycznego w województwie Małopolskim w 2013 r. Raport końcowy za rok 2013[Tourist traffic survey in the Małopolska Region in 2013. Final report for the year 2013] 15 Turystyka w Województwie Małopolskim w 2013 r. [Tourism in Małopolskie voivodship in 2013]., Statistical Office in Kraków, p. 32 16 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: Europe, the world's No 1 tourist destination – a new political framework for tourism in Europe (Brussels. 30.6.2010 COM(2010) 352 17 Derived from collective work by the Central Statistical Office of Poland “Environment 2013” Warsaw 2013. p. 283 18 A full list of nature protection forms applied in the Małopolska Region is available on the Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection in Kraków’s website: www.Kraków.rdos.gov.pl
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tourist infrastructure development may produce beneficial environmental and socio- economic effects, as long as it is environmentally minded. 28. Thanks to its unique landscape architecture, Małopolska offers excellent conditions for the development of leisure industries located amongst naturally valuable resources (such as water bodies and watercourses). Tourism dynamically affects the development of other sectors, stimulates GDP growth and generates new jobs. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) reports that the number of people working in the tourism sector in Poland in 2011 was 306 thousand (approximately 2% of the total workforce). The third highest employment in tourism in 2007-2011 was registered in Małopolska (preceded by the Mazowieckie and Śląskie (Silesian) Regions) – approximately 20 thousand people.19 After Lower Silesia, Małopolska is the next leading region in terms of health resorts in Poland, with its 9 out of 45 Polish health resorts, providing an excellent basis for the development of health-related tourism and services. Drawing on these endogenous potentials, actions must be taken concerning the further development of the tourism sector, which will generate new jobs and help improve the conditions that boost employment in the region. 29. Małopolska features a great diversity of landforms, many of which have an upland or mountainous character. Over 70 municipalities (Polish: gmina) in the region which are located in submontane or mountain areas have at least 50 % of their arable land over 350 m above sea level20. These areas are marked by high natural value and the ensuing large proportion of areas under various forms of protection, landscape attractiveness and a concentration of varied tourist resources, including health resources. On the other hand, these areas present more difficult conditions for management and the development of infrastructure and entrepreneurship. The intervention planned in the Programme will therefore help reduce barriers and utilise the potential of mountain areas.
[ 7. Modern transport infrastructure] 30. Transport availability, influencing various social and economic aspects of life, constitutes an essential element of spatial organisation. The intersection of important transportation routes in Małopolska in combination with its transit position and inherent landscape and tourist attributes, as well as the ongoing socio-economic development, are the factors that determine inevitably high spending on transport infrastructure in the region. 31. Severe traffic congestion on Małopolska’s roads is a major problem, regarding particularly national and regional road networks. This situation is confirmed by successive traffic measurements held at both regional and national levels. Intensified car traffic is also transferred to poviat and municipal roads, which are unadjusted to such heavy traffic. 32. Another serious problem concerning road transport is the bad condition of road surfaces, which undoubtedly has a negative impact e.g. on traffic safety. This situation is additionally aggravated by the fact that over 30% of the region is covered by mountain areas, which considerably hinders the construction of new lines of communication and makes it more expensive.
19 Raport o stanie gospodarki turystycznej w latach 2007 – 2011 [Report on the condition of tourism sector in 2007-2011], Ministry of Sport and Tourism, Warsaw, February 2013, p.79 20 Decree No. 22/03 of 17 July 2003 of the Voivode of Małopolska concerning the list of localities situated in mountain and submontane areas 9
33. Regional roads in Małopolska provide an important supplement to the national road network. These transportation routes are in most cases an alternative to national roads. Hence, the condition of the national networks in Małopolska significantly affects the condition of regional road networks, whereas according to statistics, national road sections in bad condition occur in Małopolska with a frequency exceeding the national average. 34. Since 2001, the region has been involved in performing tasks concerning the organisation and co- financing of the regional railway transport of passengers. Despite the increasing expenses incurred in the region for passenger transport subsidies, the role of this means of transport diminishes every year. This trend is illustrated by the number of passenger-kilometres served annually by regional railways, e.g. in 2012, it was 542 million versus 639 million in 2011 and 1.6 billion in 2001. Research carried out for the purpose of developing a Plan for the sustainable development of collective public transport in the Małopolska Region [Plan zrównoważonego rozwoju publicznego transportu zbiorowego w województwie małopolskim] indicates that the main cause of the current state of affairs lies in the opportunities to win over passengers, which are reduced when poor quality services are offered.
[ 8. Supporting employment and labour mobility21] 35. When analysed, the most important socio-economic indicators, research results and reports depicting Małopolska’s labour market show the major challenges and barriers to its development. These definitely include the following: labour market participation rate below the national average, employment rate among people aged 20-64, which has been in decline since 2009 and is particularly low among young22, elderly (+50), low-qualified, and disabled people, as well as the highly uneven territorial distribution of unemployment. The situation of women on the labour market is decidedly more difficult, as shown by gender-disaggregated statistics, particularly the employment rate, unemployment rate and the structure of the economically inactive population. It is therefore necessary to focus intervention on groups most disadvantaged on the labour market, taking the duration of unemployment into account, through taking efficient and comprehensive measures. Priority will be given to ensuring proper selection of tool packages matching the needs and abilities of the beneficiaries of support and drawing from beneficiaries’ personal experience while developing individual career paths, as well as close cooperation with potential employers. On the other hand, it is necessary to take actions that will help create new jobs in the region, as well as shape and reinforce entrepreneurial attitudes and entrepreneurship. An attempt to address the problem of the low labour market participation of women, adopting a multifaceted and multi-thematic approach, is also necessary. Interventions to improve the accessibility of child care services should therefore be supported 36. Enterprises in the Małopolska region have considerable development potential, and they require access to adequate and diversified support tailored to the needs and development stage of the
21 The scope of the Regional Operational Programme responds to development challenges, set out for the region in main strategic documents and takes into account the areas of intervention in which the greatest effects are to be expected. In this context, the socio-economic analysis – updated annually and submitted to the European Commission – will be taken into account (ESF), considering the annually updated list of elements of the diagnostic set, as agreed with the European Commission (depending on the availability of data). The diagnostic set agreed upon with the European Commission is not subject to reporting within the understanding of the relevant regulations concerning annual reporting .(ESF).
22 Support for young people aged 29 and below is provided for within the Knowledge, Education, Development Operational Programme
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company to enhance competitiveness and adaptability in a dynamic macroeconomic situation, in particular with regard to human resource development. However, the results of an OECD study demonstrate that the majority of SMEs are unable to identify employees’ needs concerning essential skills to be acquired, and in most cases they declare no such needs. Additionally, SMEs do not see training as a means to obtain actual economic benefits for the firm. They are similarly unappreciative of the value that training presents to employees participating therein23. Such an attitude of SMEs, alongside the high cost of training indicated as a problem by companies, results in the low involvement of enterprises in improving staff competences24, which creates a major barrier to staff development as well as a challenge for regional policy in this field. Furthermore, given the constantly changing conditions of running a business and the fact that since 2011 the number of people who have lost jobs for employer-dependent reasons has grown substantially, it is necessary to ensure accessibility to comprehensive support for people at risk of dismissal for reasons attributable to the employer. 37. In the face of demographic change affecting Polish and, at a slower pace, Małopolska’s market (especially the labour market), it is necessary to take more wide-ranging prevention measures focused on maintaining employment with particular regard to mature employees25. In comparison to other regions, Małopolska ranks among the most favourable in terms of population figures in Poland. Nonetheless, it is predicted that the region’s population will age rapidly over the next 20-30 years. Małopolska’s economy will bear the consequences of the steadily shrinking number of young people entering the labour market, which will compel employers to increasingly utilise the potential of mature employees (aged 50+ and even 60+). It is already rational and necessary at the moment to take actions that will help slow down negative trends and mitigate their impact through fostering broadly-defined interventions intended to extend the period of professional activity26, addressed both to mature people employed and unemployed, as well as employers, as well as through incorporating health and preventive care issues into the Programme. It will be particularly important in this respect not only to support people at high risk of interrupting their professional activities due to health reasons, but also to undertake initiatives aimed at improving the health status of residents through delivering education, prevention and health rehabilitation programmes serving the counteraction and early detection of diseases that represent the most common causes of health-related career interruption, such as oncological diseases, cardiovascular diseases, osteoarticular and muscular system diseases, mental health diseases (disorders), respiratory system diseases.
[ 9. Risk of poverty and social exclusion ] 38. In 2011, 28.6% of 3.3 million of Małopolska residents were at risk of poverty or social exclusion (national average - 27.2%, EU average - 24.2%)27. Poverty and social exclusion of varying severity affect individuals and social groups. Research undertaken by the Central
23 Leveraging Training: Skills Development in SMEs; OECD 2010 24 Potrzeby szkoleniowe firm zatrudniających do 49 osób. [The training needs of companies employing less than 49 staff], telephone survey report prepared for the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development, 2007 25 As was also shown by the results of the “Wrażliwy klient (uczestnik) projektów POKL” [Sensitive client (participant) of the Human Capital OP projects] grant led by the Małopolska Region. 26 The necessity to take action in response to population ageing, i.e. measures aimed at prolonging the period of professional activity, fostering work efficiency, developing age-friendly working conditions, were also addressed in the document Wyzwania Małopolski w kontekście starzenia się społeczeństwa. Podejście strategiczne [Challenges of Małopolska in the context of an ageing population. Strategic approach], Kraków, October 2010 27 Eurostat, based on the results of the EU-SILC 2011 study
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Statistical Office of Poland indicates that groups in the most difficult financial situation chiefly include: children and youth, large and single-parent families, and households with unemployed or disabled persons, which creates the need to provide them with special support. In addition, considering the wide variety of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion, it is necessary to apply comprehensive measures tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals towards their social and professional activation.
39. Existing barriers in the access to high quality public services may be one of the impeding factors in combating poverty and social exclusion. Given the higher risk of poverty and social exclusion affecting children and youth and the problems diagnosed in the region associated inter alia with the insufficiently developed range of services offered by day-support centres or limited access to specialised family aid services (including crisis intervention), a crucial task is to enhance support for children and youth, particularly those at risk of dysfunctions or going through difficulties.
40. Considering the limitations in access to services for disabled people diagnosed in Małopolska (such as the inadequate support system for children with developmental disorders and their families, and for disabled people) as well as the large percentage of disabled people among the region’s residents and the high risk of poverty and social exclusion incurred by the people and their families, it is necessary to take measures aimed at supporting this group, with particular reference to improving the accessibility of early intervention and rehabilitation, and care services.
41. One of the consequences of progressive population ageing is the increasing number of elderly residents in Małopolska, who require care or support in their daily lives. Given the serious shortcomings in the accessibility of care services for the elderly in the region, it is essential to take actions towards the development of a care system for elderly people, including support for their carers.
42. An important element in the context of combating poverty and social exclusion are measures aimed at developing the social economy sector, which creates activation opportunities for people disadvantaged in socio-occupational terms and may provide public services or services that are scarce in local communities. Małopolska is characterised by the fairly dynamic development of the social economy sector. However, in spite of institutions supporting this sector operating in the region, barriers that hinder the full exploitation of this potential are still noted. Social economy entities are still often dependent on external funding sources. This situation is largely due to competence gaps of staff members. Another problem is the inadequate cooperation level between social economy entities and the external environment. In addition, research indicates that the current support system is insufficiently focused on generating demand for services and products delivered by social economy entities. Considering the identified problems as well as the considerable potential of the social economy entities, it is necessary to offer comprehensive support to this sector.
[ 10. Education and lifelong learning ] 43. Despite the improving situation and the elimination of “blanks on the map” in pre-school education in the region, there is a shortage of places for several dozen thousand children in the region. An important issue is still to increase the capacity of kindergartens and other pre- school education facilities and to improve the quality of pre-school education. 12
44. In the upcoming years, schools in Małopolska face the problem of a shrinking number of children and youth caused by demographic change. Self- governments in the region as well as school- governing bodies will have to consider school management issues, allowing for the necessity to close some schools, whilst bearing in mind the need to ensure the adequate accessibility and quality of education. The potential of talented children and youth in the region, achieving good learning results, high internal tests scores and success at inter-school subject contests, should still be strengthened. Another challenge faced by schools and kindergartens is inclusive education, defined as fostering educational conditions and preparing schools for the admission of students with various needs, including students with disabilities28. Support concerning general-level education will be chiefly oriented to improving the quality of education and widening the range of education offered in classes and after school, as well as bringing job counselling into focus at lower and upper secondary schools.
45. As regards vocational education, major discrepancies are noted between what is offered in schools and what is required by employers. Instruction in vocational schools involves outdated technology and teaching materials, and covers too little practical content, particularly on-site practice in potential employer companies. Cooperation between vocational schools and employers requires to be strengthened as beneficial and key to both parties.
46. The percentage of adults engaged in lifelong learning is very small (Participation of adults aged 25-64 in education and training in 2013 amounted to 4.3% in Poland and 4.7% in Małopolska29). The groups that particularly require activation are people over 45, people with lower education, SME employees and those holding low-rank positions. As shown by the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC)30, the average skill level of Polish people is below average for residents of OECD countries. In parallel, there is a fairly large percentage of people with a low level of skills. 47. Considering the necessity to improve skill levels in adults, especially in basic skills necessary for the labour market such as reading comprehension, numeracy and the use of information and communication technologies, actions that help increase the percentage of adults who practise lifelong learning will be one of the central issues in education-related intervention.
[ 11. Revitalisation of regional space ] 48. A process that strongly influences the region’s population size is migration. For many years Małopolska has been the region with the second highest positive net migration rate (1.3‰), after Mazovia (2.7‰). The highest net migration rate since 2000 continued in 2011, when 4.3 thousand people arrived, i.e. nearly twice as many as in 2008 (2.2 thousand)31. 49. Strong suburbanisation processes ongoing around Małopolska’s major cities lead to the shrinkage and ageing of city populations and result in urban sprawl, entailing increased environmental pressures and growing infrastructural costs. Suburbanisation-related problems have also begun to grow in medium-sized cities. The main reasons for these processes, apart from the private
28 D.Wiszejko-Wierzbicka, Specjalne potrzeby ucznia czy szkoły? Przewodnik po edukacji włączającej pomocą w rozwijaniu kształcenia i uczestnictwa w życiu szkoły [School’s or student’s special needs? Guide to inclusive education as a means to develop learning and participation in school life], Niepełnosprawność – zagadnienia, problemy, rozwiązania. Issue no. 3/2012(4) 29 Source: Eurostat 30 Umiejętności Polaków – wyniki Międzynarodowego Badania Kompetencji Dorosłych (PIAAC), Educational Research Institute (Skill survey results for Poland – Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC)) 31 Województwo Małopolskie 2012 [Malopolskie Voivodship 2012], Marshal’s Office of the Małopolska Region, Kraków 2012, p. 30. 13
aspirations of city residents moving to the suburbs, lie in the declining attractiveness of cities, especially their centres, as a place of residence or in social problems that often affect large areas of cities.
50. The marginalisation of rural areas ensuing from infrastructural deficiencies and impaired access to public services has become a major threat, which is particularly evident in the context of the widening gap between urban and rural development levels.
51. Cities and rural areas in the Małopolska Region, as in the whole of Poland, face numerous development-related challenges. Some of these areas experience a concentration of negative socio- economic, spatial and environmental phenomena. It is crucial for the region’s sustainable development to carry out comprehensive revitalisation projects in response to diagnosed social problems through assigning new social and economic functions to renewed spaces, fostering social inclusion and undertaking initiatives for employment and the development of human and social capital.
[ 12. Social infrastructure] 52. As of the end of 2013, in-patient healthcare facilities in the Małopolska Region comprised: 13 regional in-patient healthcare units (including 2 psychiatric hospitals), operating as independent public healthcare institutions, 19 poviat-level hospitals and 8 ministerial hospitals. Additionally, there are 46 non-public healthcare institutions operating as companies, 3 non-public in-patient psychiatric care facilities and 44 public and non-public long-term care institutions, i.e. chronic medical care homes, nursing homes and hospices. The total number of beds in both public and non-public facilities in Małopolska as of the end of 2013 was 56.2 per 10 thousand residents. 53. Demographic changes, such as the elongation of life expectancy, the increasing duration of exposure to environmental and occupation-related pathogenic factors, and risky behaviour, facilitate the occurrence of chronic health problems, including cancers, which represent a major epidemiological health problem (standardised incidence ratio for cancer per 100 thousand residents in 2011 in Małopolska was: women – 210.3 , men – 244.8; the respective standardised incidence ratio for cancer per 100 thousand residents in 2011 in Poland was: women – 207.3, men – 251.5; the standardised cancer death rate per 100 thousand residents in 2011 was: women – 97.6, men – 173.5). The number of people developing cancer is predicted to steadily grow due to the rising average age and in correlation with other factors. It is therefore necessary to take actions oriented to eliminating inequalities among Małopolska residents by providing equal access to oncological diagnostics and treatment. 54. Statistics show that an increasing number of people suffer from various mental disorders. The number of patients served by mental health clinics has been steadily rising over the recent years, many of whom display stress-induced neurotic and somatoform disorders. A special group of patients are elderly people whose percentage is growing as the average lifespan increases. The provision of psychiatric care should be based on resources located in the region, but new investments are also necessary to streamline decentralisation in this area. 55. The proportion of residents at retirement age in the overall population structure in 2013 was 17.7%. In view of the fact that life expectancy is increasing, which is concomitant with staff and infrastructure shortages, it is essential to tailor the profile of services to the needs of a growing group of elderly people.
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56. The region’s development requires creating favourable conditions for the development of talents and creativity of the residents at every stage of the education of children and youth and in the context of lifelong learning for adults. The proper use of intellectual capital means developing new forms of education. The area’s deficit is the lack of a regional centre for popularizing science and innovation, conducting systematic cognitive-development and pro-innovation activities, associated with dissemination among the public, especially in the fields of sciences which fit into the areas of smart regional specialization.
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PROGRAMME CONTRIBUTION TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE “EUROPE 2020” STRATEGY
The “Europe 2020” strategy, which replaced the Lisbon Strategy delivered from the year 2000, has become the new long-term socio-economic development programme of the European Union. The regional program is one of the instruments used of the implementation of the “Europe 2020” startegy in the following areas. [ 1. Strengthening research, technological development and innovation The Programme intervention under Thematic Objective 1 will contribute to the delivery of the “Europe 2020” Strategy – under the smart growth-related priority – by developing knowledge-based economy and innovation, while taking into account the assumptions of the Innovation Union flagship initiative and the objective related to increasing R&D spending. The latter should contribute not only to increased R&D spending, but a shift in their structure towards increased business spending. The scope of interventions under Priority Axis 1 responds to the challenge of improving the conditions for carrying out and financing R&D activities, in particular by private parties, and the transfer of technology, so as to turn innovative ideas into new products and services whose commercialisation will foster growth and create new jobs, which is also in line with the priority areas of the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. Activities in the research and innovation area supported in the energy field and investment in energy technologies and solutions will be in line with the objectives of the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan), Financial resources under Priority Axis 1 will be allocated to increasing private spending on R&D and innovative activity in the business sector, and supplementarily, to supporting intervention aimed towards enhancing the potential of the research and development sector and professionalization of business environment institutions, as provided for the region’s smart specialisation strategy, in this case. the Małopolska Region innovation strategy. The currently binding document sets out main areas of regional specialisation, which have been identified in the process of entrepreneurial discovery, involving a wide group of stakeholders, including the business circles, the science-research, administration and citizens. The following areas have been identified among key areas for Małopolska’s economic specialisation: (a) life science, (b) sustainable energy (c) information and communication technologies, (d) chemistry, (e) production of metals, metal products and products from non-metallic materials, (f) electrical engineering and machine industry, (g) creative industries and leisure time industries. At the same time, under the mechanism of the region’s smart specialisation monitoring and evaluation, verification of current and identification of new specialisations in which offer the region chances for reaching a competitive advantage will be possible. The process will be continuing and open, involving the business and science communities and social partners, in line with the entrepreneurial discovery concept, and the updating of the regional innovation strategy of the Małopolska Region will be based on the results of this process. The verification of smart specialization areas will be based on the analyses of endogenous potentials of science and the economy (supply) and needs reported by the business community (demand). In order to obtain a bottom-up and competitive examination of the business needs, funding will be set aside under Priority Axis 1 to support w projects in areas other than those specified in the currently biding regional innovation strategy. The experimentation mechanism of this type implemented under Investment Priority 1b will ensure support to the process to identify new areas of Małopolska’s economic specialisation.
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[ 2. Enhancing access to, and use and quality of, ICT] The Programme intervention under Thematic Objective 2 will contribute to the delivery of the “Europe 2020” Strategy – under the smart growth-related priority – by developing knowledge-based economy and innovation, while taking into account the assumptions of the Digital Agenda for Europe flagship initiative. At the same time, the intervention will contribute to enhancing the quality and efficiency of public services, improving their accessibility to the society, in particular to persons at risk of social exclusion, which also corresponds to the priority areas of the EU European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. The scope of interventions under Priority Axis 2 responds to the challenge related to the need of popularising ICT and exploiting the potential of a digital society in social and economic terms, while supporting actively actions aimed at promoting e-administration and ensuring accessibility to resources gathered by public sector institutions. The financing under the Priority Axis will be dedicated to interventions aimed at improving the availability of data in digital form and public services delivered by electronic means.
[ 3. Enhancing the competitiveness of SME and the attractiveness of the region to investors] The Programme intervention under Thematic Objective 3 will contribute to the delivery of the Europe 2020 Strategy – in the framework of the smart growth-related priority – by developing knowledge-based economy and innovation. The scope of the intervention responds to the challenge linked to the need of enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs and improving the attractiveness of the region for investments and its recognisability as an economic brand, so as to boost economic growth and create new jobs. The support under Priority Axis 3 will be channelled to activities supporting an SME sector that is open to innovation, competitive and strong. In parallel, the funds of the priority axis will be dedicated to building economic development infrastructure (including within zones of economic activity, such as industry parks and business incubators), building a strong brand for Małopolska as a region attractive for businesses, which is also aligned with the objectives/priority areas of the UE Strategy of the Baltic Sea
[ 4. Regional environmentally-friendly energy policy ] The Programme intervention aimed at delivering Thematic Objective 4 contributes to the implementation of the “Europe 2020” Strategy - within the framework of the priority concerning sustainable growth oriented to promoting a resource-efficient, greener and more competitive economy. At the same time, the scope of the Programme intervention reflects the assumptions of the Resource- efficient Europe flagship initiative and is in line with the objectives/ priority areas of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. The scope of intervention corresponds to identified challenges faced by the region in connection with the shift to a low-carbon economy, in particular by establishing such conditions and mechanisms as to increase the share of renewable energy in the regional energy balance and supporting actions working towards effective and efficient energy use. These actions should increase Małopolska's energy security and contribute to the fulfilment of the requirements Poland needs to fulfil under the Climate and Energy Package. The financial funds under Priority Axis 4 will be allocated both to increasing the share of RES in energy generation, developing distributed generation, improving distribution infrastructures and 17
removing bottlenecks, improving energy efficiency in the region, including in such sectors as industry, transport, housing and public utility buildings. The programme will also prioritise actions towards reducing air emissions in the region which will be horizontal in their nature and their value will result from actions taken up in several areas of the Programme.
[ 5. Environmental protection] The Programme intervention dedicated to Thematic Objective 5 and Thematic Objective 6 (under Investment Priorities 6a and 6b) will contribute to the implementation of the “Europe 2020” Strategy within the framework of the priority concerning sustainable growth, which is oriented to promoting a resource-efficient, greener and more competitive economy. At the same time, the scope of the Programme intervention reflects the assumptions of the Resource-efficient Europe flagship initiative. The scope of intervention corresponds to the challenges faced by the region with respect to combating climate change, efficient use of natural resources and stepping up water and waste management activities, which is also highlighted in the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. The funds will be mainly designated for the most problematic areas in this regard, such as natural disaster prevention and response, as well as water, sewage and waste management. The funds should be spent on increasing the volumes of treated sewage discharged into surface waters, increasing the number of residents served by sewage-treatment plants and further investing in water and sewage infrastructures. As regards waste management, funds will be predominantly allotted to increasing the amount of waste collected selectively to reach the desired rates of waste preparation for re-use and recycling, as well as reducing the share of biodegradable municipal waste dumped at landfills. Additionally, in order to improve the adaptability to climate change, actions will be taken to increase small-scale retention and counteract droughts and mass movements. The support will be also used to enhance the regional security system. Taking up the above actions will contribute to the fulfilment of commitments of Poland as an EU member with respect to water, sewage waste management. On the other hand, delivering the above will help the economy and improve the quality of life for citizens.
[ 6. Regional heritage] The Programme intervention under Thematic Objection 6, towards supporting the protection, development, making available and promoting cultural and national heritage, reflects the challenges formulated in the “Europe 2020” Strategy with respect to Sustainable development - promoting a resource-efficient, greener and more competitive economy, and reflects the objectives/priority areas of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. The scope of actions envisaged in the Programme is consistent with the flagship initiative An industrial policy for the globalisation era (as regards enhancing the competitiveness of EU tourism) and the Resource-efficient Europe project (as regards rational use of all resources by society). Suitable stimulation of the development of cultural or active tourism, which are considered to be part of sustainable tourism (characterised by adequate protection of the natural environment and landscape), will not only prevent the degradation of precious cultural and natural assets, but will also contribute to enhancing economic, social and territorial cohesion. The Programme's actions aimed to secure the region's crucial cultural heritage and making a rational use of naturally valuable resources to develop leisure industries, will be beneficial for the environment and the economy, while promoting sustainable growth in the region relying on its spatial qualities and
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cultural assets used creatively through cultural and green activities. In addition, the Programme intervention reflects the challenges defined in the Europe 2020 Strategy as regards Smart growth - developing an economy based on knowledge and innovation, as enhancing an innovative economy largely depends on activities promoting cultural and creative competences of the region's population32. The assumption underlying activities under Priority Axis 6 is that involving people in culture (e.g. by stimulating their creative thinking, imagination and self-expression) is an effective method of improving social and civic competences, as well as initiative and entrepreneurship, which are key competences in an economy based on knowledge and innovation33. In line with the Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on Cultural and Creative Sectors for Growth and Jobs, it is worth stressing the high capacity of the cultural and creative sector for generating growth and employment, their contribution to fostering innovation, as well as the potential spill-over effects in other sectors and policies.34
[7. Modern transport infrastructure ] The Programme's intervention under Thematic Objective 7 is oriented to establishing favourable conditions for enhancing the region's competitiveness, on-going improvement of its attractiveness for investors through removing infrastructural barriers, while taking into account the postulates of the Europe 2020 Strategy in the area of supporting a more competitive economy, as is also stressed by the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. In addition, the scope of support under Priority Axis 7 works towards improving accessibility, and thus improving the spatial mobility of the region's residents, mainly with regard to commuting to work, schools and higher schools, as well as the accessibility of the key centres of public and business services. The intervention will supplement broader actions under the other OP priority axes promoting social inclusion by supporting an economy characterised by high level of employment and entrepreneurship and ensuring economic, social and territorial cohesion, while respecting the requirements of sustainable development.
32 Council conclusions on cultural and creative competences and their role in building the intellectual capital of Europe (2011/C 372/05) 33 "Key Competences for lifelong learning – European framework" are attached to Recommendation of 18 December 2006 on key competences for lifelong learning, published in the Official Journal of the European Union of 30 December 2006/L 394. (http://eur- lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32006H0962&from=EN) 34 Committee of the Regions, 101st Plenary Session of 30 May 2013 OPINION of the Committee of the Regions; Cultural and Creative Sectors for Growth and Jobs, EDUC-V-029 19
[ 8. Promoting employment and supporting labour mobility] The intervention under Thematic Objective 8 oriented to supporting employment and mobility of workers, responds to the challenges defined in “Europe 2020” Strategy with respect to Inclusive growth: fostering a high-employment economy delivering social and territorial cohesion. It is also consistent with the priority areas of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. The range of activities envisaged by the Programme corresponds to the following European Commission flagship initiatives: “Agenda for New Skills and Jobs and European Platform against Poverty” (with regard to health prevention and gender quality). In line with the flagship initiatives, the list of activities planned under the OP is broad and diversified, as is the list of support recipients. Comprehensive interventions will be dedicated both to unemployed persons, employees and employers, in particular of the SME sector. In parallel, activities will be delivered to improve the accessibility of child care services and health prevention. All the activities planned under Priority Axis 8 fulfil directly or indirectly the goal of increasing employment in the 20-64 age group and will be conducive to increasing employment among groups disadvantaged on the labour market – i.e. elderly persons, long-time unemployed, disabled, low-skilled and women. In addition, the envisaged interventions reflect most of the priority actions of the above documents. In 2013 the employment rate for persons aged 20 – 64 in the Małopolska Region amounted to 64.46%, a slightly lower value for the national average of 64.9%. Based on the socio-economic analyses it is estimated that in the years under the ROP this indicator will steadily grow to 66.5%, 67.4% and 68.7% in the years 2018, 2020 and 2023 respectively35.
[ 9. Risk of poverty and social exclusion The OP intervention under Thematic Objective 9, oriented to supporting social inclusion and combating poverty, responds to the challenges defined in the “Europe 2020” Strategy with respect to “Inclusive growth: fostering a high-employment economy delivering social and territorial cohesion.” The scope of activities envisaged in the OP is consistent with the flagship initiative “European Platform against Poverty”. In line with the initiative, the Programme provides for a number of activities promoting social and professional activation of persons at risk of poverty and social exclusion. At the same time activities are planned to improve the accessibility of quality health and social services, notably care services. Crucially, the Programme also works towards using the potential of the social economy and social entrepreneurship as efficient instruments for the social and professional activation of excluded persons. The activities planned under Priority Axis 9 fulfil directly or indirectly the Europe 2020 goal of reducing the number of people at risk of poverty, with the envisaged interventions reflecting most of the priority measures indicated in the above documents. The national objective for Poland to reduce the number of persons in poverty to 1.5 million was reached in 2012. However, the actions to further reduce poverty and to sustain the result achieved in his area should continue. In order to identify the region’s position vis à vis national values, the relative poverty risk indicator is applied. As regards the Małopolska Region, in 2013 it was 15.8%, a value much lower than the national value of 16.2%. Further reduction of the value of this indicator in the
35 It needs to be stressed that this indicator serves on the purpose of indentifying the overall socio-economic situation in the region and decisions regarding ROP implementation, if any. It is not a result indicator of ROP interventions and ROP shall not be accountable for it. . The Labour Office points out that the EFSI’S impact on its accomplishment is very limited (ranging between no more than 4-8% ), and their fluctuation depends on general factor of socio-economic nature and legislative changes which are basically beyond the ROP’s sphere of influence. Małopolska Region in the years of ROP implementation is expected to 15.6, 15.4 and 15.2% in the years 2018, 2020 and 2023 respectively36.
[ 10. Education and lifelong learning ] The Programme intervention under Thematic Objective 10 responds to the challenges defined in the “Europe 2020” Strategy with respect to the priority Smart growth – developing an economy based on knowledge and innovation in so far as it implements its education-related goals, i.e. reducing the rate of early school-leaving to 10% (national target: 4,5 %) and raising, by 2020, the percentage of people aged 30-34 with higher education to at least 40 % (national target: 45 %). The Programme intervention also aligns with the objectives/ priority areas of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. The scope of activities defined in the Programme is also consistent with the Youth on the move flagship initiative, in so far as it is meant to ensure suitable level of investment in education and training systems, improve the performance of the educational process, with a focus on key competences and with the aim of reducing the number of early school-leavers, better match the results of the educational process to the needs of the labour market and make it easier for youth to enter the labour market by integrated activities combining information, advice, traineeships etc.
[11. Revitalisation of regional space] The Programme intervention under Thematic Objective 9 oriented to social and physical revitalisation of cities and urban areas responds to the challenges defined in the “Europe 2020” Strategy with respect to inclusive growth, and the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, notably its Increasing prosperity objective. The provisions of the Europe 2020 Strategy point to the need of taking actions to promote social inclusion by fostering a high-employment economy delivering social and territorial cohesion. Further to the European Platform against Poverty flagship initiative, the actions planned in the Programme will help reduce social exclusion by undertaking comprehensive social, economic, spatial and environmental revitalisation projects responding to the social problems diagnosed. Furthermore, the activities will contribute directly or indirectly to fulfilling the “Europe 2020” goals of reducing the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion and raising the employment rate among persons aged 20-64.
[12. Social infrastructure] The Programme intervention under Thematic Objective 9 oriented to providing adequate access to health care responds to the challenges defined in “Europe 2020” Strategy as regards Inclusive growth: fostering a high-employment economy delivering social and territorial cohesion. The scope of activities envisaged in the OP is consistent with the flagship initiative “European Platform against Poverty”. In correspondence to the flagship initiative, the Programme plans to deliver activities aimed at improving access to quality health services. Furthermore, the healthcare-related Programme intervention is consistent with the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region with the objective of Increasing prosperity. What is more, intervention within the Thematic Objective 10 is in line with the challenges defined in the “Europe 2020” within the priority Smart growth – developing an economy based on knowledge and innovation, in terms of the objectives set out there, relating to the area of education and the Youth on the move flagship initiative.
36 It needs to be stressed that this indicator serves the purpose of identifying the overall socio-economic situation in the region and decisions regarding ROP implementation, if any. It is not a result indicator of ROP interventions and ROP shall not be accountable for it. .The Labour Office points out that the EFSI’s impact on its accomplishment is very limited (ranging between no more than 4-8% ), and its fluctuation depends on general factors of socio-economic nature and legislative changes which are basically beyond the ROP’s sphere of influence.
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1.1.2 JUSTIFICATION FOR THE SELECTION OF THEMATIC OBJECTIVES AND INVESTMENT PRIORITIES, INCLUDING THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT, BASING ON THE IDENTIFICATION OF REGIONAL NEEDS
Table 1. Justification for the selection of thematic objectives and investment priorities
Justification Selected TO Selected IP for selection 1. Strengthening 1a Enhancing research and innovation In line with the Europe 2020 Strategy, EU Strategy for the Baltic research, (R&I) infrastructure and capacities to Sea Region (EUSBRS), National Reform Programme (KPR), technological develop R&I excellence, and promoting CSR, National Development Strategy (SRK), Strategy for development and centres of competence, in particular Innovation and Efficiency of the Economy (SIiEG), Partnership innovation those of European interest Agreement (PA), Development Strategy of the Małopolska Region (SRWM), Regional Innovation Strategy for Małopolska Region (RSI WM): enhancing the innovation of the regional economy by increasing overall spending on research and development and strengthening the region's competitive advantage through smart specialisation improving conditions for research activity by providing quality research infrastructure complementary to national-level intervention 1b Promoting business investment in In line with Europe 2020, EUSBRS, KPR, CSR, SRK, SIiEG, R&I, developing links and synergies PA, SRWM, RSI WM: between enterprises, research and development centres and the higher enhancing the innovation of the regional economy by increasing education sector, in particular private spending on research and development and promoting investment in product and strengthening the region's competitive edge through smart service development, technology specialisation transfer, social innovation, eco- providing direct support to investment in R&D, implementation innovation, public service applications, of R&D results and developing the R&D infrastructure demand stimulation, networking, clusters and open innovation through stimulating innovative activity among businesses by providing smart specialisation, and supporting them with incentives to cooperate with the R&D sector technological and applied research, streamlining knowledge and technology transfer by pilot lines, early product validation actions, advanced manufacturing strengthening the application nature of research, and transferring research to the business sector capabilities and first production, in particular in key enabling technologies ensuring innovation-friendly business environment by and diffusion of general purpose furthering the professionalisation of the innovation-oriented technologies offer of services supplied by regional innovation centres 2. Enhancing access 2c Strengthening ICT applications for In line with Europe 2020, SRK, National Integrated to, and use and e-government, e-learning, e-inclusion, Informatisation Programme (PZIP), PA, SRWM, RSI WM: quality of, e-culture and e-health information and ensuring contribution to the implementation of A Digital communication Agenda for Europe, i.e. fostering the use of public services technologies provided on-line by improving their quality and accessibility improving the efficiency of the public administration by the informatisation of procedures and promotion of electronic management of official registers improving the accessibility of public sector information, including its re-use, in line with Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council 2003/98/EC of 11 November 2003, taking into account the later subsequent amendment extending its applicability to libraries, museums and archives (2013) streamlining and broadening access to electronic resources and 22
services through increased interoperability of information systems and public registers 3. Enhancing the 3a Promoting entrepreneurship, in In line with Europe 2020, SRK, SIiEG, PA, as well as SRWM competitiveness of particular by facilitating the economic and RSI WM: SMEs exploitation of new ideas and fostering establishing conditions for influx of investments the creation of new firms, including through business incubators promoting pro-business attitudes support to SME start-ups 3b Developing and implementing new In line with Europe 2020, SRK, SIiEG, PA, as well as SRWM business models for SMEs, in particular and RSI WM: with regard to internationalisation supporting international activity of SMEs supporting and promoting foreign expansion of Małopolska's enterprises building the region's brand and region’s promotion
3c Supporting the creation and the In line with Europe 2020, KPR, SRK, SIiEG, PA, EUSBSR, as extension of advanced capacities for well as SRWM and RSI WM: product and service development ensuring conditions forcing SMEs to be more competitive and innovative 4. Supporting the 4a Promoting the production and In line with Europe 2020, CSR, KPR, SRK, Energy Policy 2030, shift towards a low- distribution of energy derived from National Action Plan with respect to renewable energy sources, carbon economy in renewable sources; SBEŚ, PA, EUSBSR, SRWM: all sectors fostering the use of RES, with a focus on distributed energy, in particular prosumers making the region's economic development independent of the use of resources and energy, and building a resource-efficient economy renewal and development of generating capacity and enhancing efficiency across the energy chain, with a stress on adjusting distribution networks to the growing RES market reducing the energy-intensity of the economy, and thus also its emission levels 4b Promoting energy efficiency and In line with Europe 2020, CSR, KPR, SRK, Energy Policy 2030, renewable energy use in enterprises National Action Plan with respect to renewable energy sources, SBEŚ, PA, EUSBSR, SRWM: rationalisation of energy use with a focus on enterprises, covering energy savings and diversification of energy sources with a preference to RES; energy savings and efficient energy use by enterprises will reduce their operating costs, thus improving the situation on the market. carrying out comprehensive thermal insulation, including replacement of the heat source renewal and development of generating capacity and enhancing efficiency across the energy chain reducing the energy-intensity of the economy, and thus also its emission levels 4c Supporting energy efficiency, smart In line with Europe 2020, CSR, KPR, SRK, Energy Policy 2030, energy management and renewable National Action Plan as regards energy efficiency, SBEŚ, PA, energy use in public infrastructure, SRWM: including in public buildings, and in the housing sector; improving energy efficiency in the region by investments in the housing sector and public utility buildings involving comprehensive upgrading of buildings in energy terms, including activities involving the exchange of non-organic heat
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sources and encouraging and supporting investment in thermo- modernization of buildings renewal and development of generating capacity and enhancing efficiency across the energy chain reducing the energy-intensity of the economy, and thus also its emission levels promoting energy efficiency and passive housings 4e Promoting low-carbon strategies for In line with Europe 2020, CSR, KPR, SRK 2020, Energy Policy all types of territories, in particular for 2030, National Action Plan as regards renewable energy sources, urban areas, including the promotion of SBEŚ, PA, SRWM: sustainable multimodal urban mobility and mitigation-relevant adaptation reducing emissions of main air pollutions, among other things, measures by implementing low-carbon economy plans reducing green house gas emissions promoting sustainable urban mobility 5. Promoting 5b Promoting investment to address In line with Europe 2020, CSR, Long-Term National climate change specific risks, ensuring disaster Development Strategy (DSRK), SRK, National Strategy for adaptation, risk resilience and developing disaster Regional Development (KSRR), Strategy for Energy Security prevention and management systems and Environment (SBEŚ), White Paper, SPA, SRWM, EUSBSR, management PA: adaptation to climate change, with a focus on enhancing the capacity of responding to the consequences of natural threats: floods, droughts and mass movements developing small-scale retention and building other necessary water management facilities to improve water retention and slow down runoff enhancing systems for monitoring and alert of natural disasters 6. Preserving and 6a Investing in the waste sector to meet In line with Europe 2020, CSR, DSRK, SRK, KSRR, EUSBSR, protecting the the requirements of the Union's SBEŚ, White Paper, SPA, SRWM 2011-2020, PA, Waste environment and environmental acquis and to address Management Plan for Małopolska Region promoting resource needs, identified by the Member States, efficiency for investment that goes beyond those developing the waste management system, in particular by requirements ensuring waste handling consistent with the hierarchy of waste management methods
supporting economically and environmentally efficient waste neutralisation and processing
breaking the link between the amount of waste and economic growth by: preventing generation, re-use, intensifying recovery, recycling. 6b Investing in the water sector to meet In line with Europe 2020, CSR, DSRK, SRK, KSRR, SBEŚ, the requirements of the Union's White Paper, SPA, SRWM, PA, National Programme for environmental acquis and to address Municipal Waste Water Treatment (KPOŚK), EUSBSR: needs, identified by the Member States, for investment that goes beyond those – proper water resources management, including by ensuring basic requirements public utility services related to the sewage and water infrastructure and sewage treatment. – protection of water resources by limiting pollution getting into soil and water. – investing in water and sewage management – building a more water-efficient economy 6c Conserving, protecting, promoting In line with Europe 2020, PA, SRWM, DSRK, SRK, KPZK, and developing natural and cultural KSRR, EUSBSR, SRKS, Territorial Agenda 2020: heritage – protection of cultural heritage – protection of Małopolska's cultural area
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– enhancing cultural identity and participation – more efficient use of the potentials of national heritage – social and economic development based on well-preserved cultural resources – improving the accessibility of cultural assets – actions enhancing the cultural offer – managing and building links between the natural, scenic and cultural assets of regions 6d Protecting and restoring biodiversity In line with Europe 2020, PA, SRWM, SRK, KPZK, KSRR, and soil and promoting ecosystem SBEiŚ, Our life insurance, our natural capital: an EU services, including through Natura biodiversity strategy to 2020, National Strategy for the 2000, and green infrastructure Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity 2020, Territorial Agenda 2020 – suitable conservation and management of natural resources – halting and reversing biodiversity loss – improving biodiversity conservation – supporting a more resource-efficient economy – counteracting factors affecting biodiversity – social and economic development based on well-preserved natural resources and local natural assets – raising awareness and promoting attitudes among the public to act for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity – managing and building links between the natural, scenic and cultural assets of regions 6e Taking up initiatives aimed at In line with the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy, the improving the quality of urban White Paper, DSRK, NDS, the NSRD, SBEŚ, SPA, SRWM, UP: environment, urban renewal, reclamation and decontamination of reducing current levels of air pollution, mainly from the brownfield sites (including post- existentially-municipal sector, through the exchange of non- military areas), reducing air pollution organic sources of heat sources to meet the relevant national and promoting measures aimed at and EU standards reducing noise meeting the requirements of general and air quality standards improving the quality of life of people with respect to health, as well as improving the health of ecosystems 7. Promoting 7b Enhancing regional mobility by In line with the objectives of White Paper - Roadmap to a Single sustainable connecting secondary and tertiary nodes European Transport Area, SRK, SRT 2020, PA, EUSBSR, as transport and to TEN-T infrastructure, including well as SRWM and SRT WM: multimodal nodes removing ensuring conditions to enhance mobility, socio-economic bottlenecks in key development and intermodality between transport systems network removing infrastructural barriers to socio-economic infrastructures development
establishing favourable conditions for regional development and for citizens 7d. Developing and rehabilitating comprehensive, high quality and interoperable railway systems, and promoting noise-reduction measures 8. Promoting 8b Supporting employment-friendly In line with Europe 2020, PA, SRWM, DSRK, KPZK, EUSBSR, sustainable and growth through the development of KSRR, Territorial Agenda 2020: quality employment endogenous potential as part of a and supporting territorial strategy for specific areas, increasing employment by developing endogenous potentials labour mobility including the conversion of declining social and economic development based on well-preserved industrial regions and enhancement of 25
accessibility to, and development of, natural resources and natural assets specific natural and cultural resources exploiting territorial specificities and deepening the specialisation determining the region's comparative advantage in such fields as tourism using the natural assets likely to improve the external competitiveness of the region managing and building links between the natural, scenic and cultural assets of regions 8i Access to employment for job- In line with the objectives of DSRK, SRK, SRKL and Position of seekers and inactive people, including the Commission Services on the development of Partnership the long-term unemployed and people Agreement and programmes in POLAND for the period 2014- far from the labour market, also through 2020, Council's Recommendations on the National Reform local employment initiatives and Programme 2013 of Poland and delivering a Council opinion on support for labour mobility the Convergence Programme of Poland 2012–2016, PA, SRWM, European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 concerning:
increasing the level of employment by fostering women's
activity, delivering 50+, professional and spatial mobility programmes, undertaking initiatives to improve the quality and efficiency of career planning and progression services and supporting employment, fostering opportunities for disabled people 8iii Self-employment, entrepreneurship In line with the objectives of DSRK, SRK, SRKL, EUSBSR, and business creation including Position of the Commission Services on the development of innovative micro, small and medium Partnership Agreement sized enterprises and programmes in Poland for the period 2014-2020, Council’s Recommendation on the National Reform Programme 2013 of Poland and delivering a Council opinion on the Convergence Programme of Poland 2012-2015, PA, SRWM, European Disability Strategy 2010 – 2020 with respect to: increasing employment levels and the need to provide young entrepreneurs establishing their own business with relevant knowledge and possibilities of cooperation, the need to increase labour market participation, especially among women, elderly persons, and to give priority to activities aiming to unlock entrepreneurial potential, promote self- employment and business development, initiatives taken to improve the enhancement and promotion of entrepreneurship, fostering of opportunities for disabled people. 8iv Equality between men and women In line with the objectives of DSRK, SRK, SRKL, Position of the in all areas, including in access to Commission Services on the development of Partnership employment, career progression, Agreement and programmes in POLAND for the period 2014- reconciliation of work and private 2020, Council's Recommendation on the National Reform life and promotion of equal pay for Programme 2013 of Poland delivering a Council opinion on the equal work Convergence Programme of Poland 2012–2016, PA, SRWM: raising employment levels by increasing women's activity, creating new places at facilities providing early education and institutional and extra-institutional care for children, extending the period of professional activity and ensuring better quality of living for elderly persons, increasing the employment ratio among women, which is currently low due to lack of affordable child care services, the need to increase the share of flexible work arrangements and promote gender equality and reconciliation of professional and
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family life, taking initiatives to support employment and intellectual capital development. 8v Adaptation of workers, enterprises In line with the objectives of DSRK, SRK, SRKL, EUSBSR and and entrepreneurs to change Position of the Commission Services on the development of Partnership Agreement and programmes in Poland for the period 2014-2020, PA, SRWM, European Disability Strategy 2010 – 2020 with respect to: the need to ensure staff professionalisation in enterprises and increasing the adaptability of companies, improving the quality of human capital, stepping up employment, extending the period of professional activity and ensuring better quality of living for elderly persons, as well as increasing the level of competences and qualifications among citizens, enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs, fostering opportunities for disabled people. 8vi Active and healthy ageing In line with the objectives of DSRK, SRK, SRKL, EUSBSR, PA and Position of the Commission Services on the development of Partnership Agreement and programmes in Poland for the period 2014-2020, SRWM concerning: raising employment levels by increasing women's activity, delivering 50+ programmes, exploiting the potential and preventing exclusion of elderly persons, propagating the flexibility of employment of elderly persons, improving access to health programmes stepping up employment, extending the period of professional activity and ensuring better quality of living for elderly persons, improving citizens' health and efficiency of the healthcare system, as well as increasing the level of competences and qualifications among citizens, making a better use of resources on the labour market by improving the health of the labour resource, increasing the employment rate among elderly persons through active and preventive support and the need to take actions to ensure a longer and healthier active life, supporting employment 9. Promoting social 9a Investing in health and social In line with Europe 2020, EUSBRS, SRK, SRWM, PA: inclusion, combating infrastructure which contributes to – improving access to quality health services in areas of primary poverty and any national, regional and local importance in view of epidemiological considerations discrimination development, reducing inequalities in terms of health status, promoting social – adjusting the health care system to projected demographic inclusion through improved access to changes social, cultural and recreational services and the transition from institutional to – improving the efficiency of the healthcare system, community-based services – improving the health safety of citizens (prevention and healthcare) 9b Providing support for physical, In line with Europe 2020, EUSBSR, KPZK, SRK, KSRR, economic and social regeneration of SRWM, PA: deprived communities in urban and rural areas – comprehensive social, physical, economic, environmental and spatial regeneration – preventing the intensification of negative phenomena in problem and brownfield areas
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– improving access to public services, – tasks linked to comprehensive conversion and adaptation of degraded facilities and using them for public purposes 9i Active inclusion, including with a In line with the objectives of SRK, SRKL, Position of the view to promoting equal opportunities Commission Services on the development of Partnership and active participation, and improving Agreement and programmes in Poland for the period 2014-2020, employability PA and National Programme for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion (KPPUiWS) with respect to: – the need to deliver tasks related to active social integration (including the comprehensiveness and customisation of support); – focusing on activities improving employability; – integrating services provided by various entities. In line with the European Disability Strategy 2010 – 2020: – improving the opportunities of disabled people so that they can fully enjoy their rights and participate in social life. 9iv Enhancing access to affordable, In line with the objectives of SRK, SRKL, Position of the sustainable and high-quality services, Commission Services on the development of Partnership including health care and social Agreement and programmes in Poland for the period 2014-2020, services of general interest PA and National Programme for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion (KPPUiWS) with respect to: – the need to improve the quality and accessibility of public services, including health and welfare services (in particular for children and youth, families, elderly and disabled persons); – increasing the share of non-stationary services In line with the European Disability Strategy 2010 – 2020: – improving the opportunities of disabled people so that they can fully enjoy their rights and participate in social life. 9v Promoting social entrepreneurship In line with the objectives of SRK, SRKL, SRKS, Position of the and vocational integration in social Commission Services on the development of Partnership enterprises and the social and solidarity Agreement and programmes in Poland for the period 2014-2020, economy in order to facilitate access to PA, National Programme of Social Economy Development employment (KPRES) and National Programme for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion (KPPUiWS) and the Małopolska Region Development Strategy: – supporting social economy development and job creation in social companies as a form of combating social and professional exclusion. In line with the European Disability Strategy 2010 – 2020: – improving the opportunities of disabled people so that they can fully enjoy their rights and participate in social life. 10. Investment in 10i Reducing and preventing early In line with the objectives of DSRK, SRKL, KSRR, SRWM, education, skills and school-leaving and promoting equal EUSBSR, European Disability Strategy 2010 – 2020, PA: lifelong learning. access to good quality early-childhood, primary and secondary education – orientation to the effects of learning, in particular as regards key including formal, non-formal and competences, informal learning pathways for – developing courses supplementary to school education, reintegrating into education and training developing students' interests and talents and supporting parents in the upbringing process, – improving the accessibility of pre-school education and efficiency of primary and secondary education, – putting in place mechanisms for discovering, developing and supporting talented students, – improving the opportunities of children from disadvantaged 28
communities to make up for their social and learning skills, – supporting better access to quality educational services provided to groups with special needs, – improving the opportunities of disabled people so that they can fully enjoy their rights and participate in social life. 10iii Enhancing equal access to lifelong In line with the objectives of DSRK, SRKL, KSRR, SRWM, learning for all age groups in formal, EUSBSR, PA, European Disability Strategy 2010 – 2020 and non-formal and informal settings, Position of the Commission Services on the development of upgrading the knowledge, skills and Partnership Agreement and programmes in Poland for the competences of the workforce, and period 2014-2020, Council’s Recommendation on the National promoting flexible learning pathways Reform Programme 2013 of Poland: including through career guidance and validation of acquired competences – popularisation of adult learning, in particular in informal settings and in the workplace. – modelling and promoting lifelong learning and continued education attitudes, – increasing the share of persons with low qualifications and elderly persons participating in lifelong learning programmes, – increasing the percentage of adult persons involved in lifelong learning, – batter matching the educational system and people's skills with the needs of the labour market, – improving the opportunities of disabled people so that they can fully enjoy their rights and participate in social life and European economy.
10iv. Improving the labour market In line with the objectives of DSRK, SRKL, KSRR, SRWM, relevance of education and training EUSBSR, PA, and Position of the Commission Services on the systems, facilitating the transition from development of Partnership Agreement and programmes in education to work, and strengthening Poland for the period 2014-2020, Council’s Recommendation on vocational education and training the National Reform Programme 2013 of Poland: systems and their quality, including through mechanisms for skills – improving the quality and efficiency of vocational education anticipation, adaptation of curricula and and training at all levels, combined with increasing its the establishment and development of attractiveness by establishing a stronger connection with the work-based learning systems, including labour market, dual learning systems and – involving employers in the vocational education process to a apprenticeship schemes. greater extent and enhancing the popularity of vocational education, – increasing the number of traineeships, – promoting practical training, – overcoming the barriers which result in mismatch between education outcomes and labour market demand.
10a Investment in education, skills and In line with Europe 2020 Strategy, SUE RMB, KPR. CSR, SRK, lifelong learning though development SIiEG, UP, SRMW. RSI WM of education and training infrastructure – support to activities connected with the systemic promotion of science and innovation among the general public
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1.2 JUSTIFICATION FOR THE FINANCIAL ALLOCATION
Justification of the financial allocation to each thematic objective and investment priority The financial allocation of the Regional Operational Programme for the Małopolska Region 2014- 2020 amounts to EUR 2 878 215 972, including an ERDF allocation of EUR 2 068 587 710 (71.87%) and an ESF allocation of EUR 809 628 262 (28.13%). The distribution of funds among the thematic objectives and investment priorities corresponds to the goals of Europe 2020 Strategy and the scope of intervention envisaged for regional operational programmes in the Partnership Agreement. At the same time, the distribution of the allocation reflects the development-related objectives defined in the Development Strategy of the Małopolska Region for 2011-2020 and other regional programme documents. The distribution of interventions is consistent with the minimum levels of thematic concentration specified by the European Commission regulations, i.e. — TOs 1–4: 50.00% of the ERDF allocation — TO 4: 19.54% of the ERDF allocation — TO 9: 28.66% of the ESF allocation — 5 IPs (8i, 9i, 9iv, 10i, 10iv) delivered by ESF: 64.81% of the Fund. The detailed distribution of the allocation results from the diagnosis presented in 1.1 and is based on a strategic analysis of the challenges, needs and regional development potentials in the individual areas of intervention. Account has been taken of the results of the work on the Development Strategy of the Małopolska Region for 2011-2020 and on the package of strategic programmes. The distribution was also based on a broad analysis of the expectations and investment plans in the region, including in the course of project recruitment for the Bank of Regional Projects, which helped identify the types of activities planned to be supported under ROP, while taking account of their specific nature and value. Other relevant factors include the Areas of Strategic Intervention identified on the national and regional levels and the introduction of the mechanism of Integrated Territorial Investments. Considering the need of using the EU funds efficiently and concentrate them on areas crucial for regional development, intervention needs to focus on the areas of strategic importance for regional development defined in the above analyses. In view of the above, the distribution of the allocation among the individual areas of intervention is as follows: A. ERDF interventions: — interventions aimed to stimulate and strengthen the region's economy by improving its innovativeness, in particular in such areas as smart specialisation, enhancing the competitiveness of enterprises and increasing the region's attractiveness for investments (TO 1 and TO 3) – EUR 490 018 348, i.e. 23.69% of the ERDF allocation; — intervention related to transport infrastructure aimed at removing barriers to business development, enhancing the region's internal integration and satisfying the needs of a mobile society (TO 7) – EUR 390 500 000, i.e. 18.88% of the ERDF allocation;
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— intervention oriented to the shift towards a low-carbon economy by supporting actions to improve energy efficiency, use of RES and reduction of emissions, including through promoting "green" urban transport (TO 4) – EUR 404 275 507, i.e. 19.54% of the ERDF allocation; — intervention towards regenerating the region's urban and rural areas, which – combined with ESF funds – will contribute to enhancing the social and professional activity of the region's residents (TO 9) – EUR 170 000 000, i.e. 8.22% of the ERDF allocation; — intervention to address the conservation, strengthening and use of the region's vital potentials, including the cultural heritage, natural and scenic resources and health resorts (TO 6 and TO 8) – EUR 169 069 362, i.e. 8.17% of the ERDF allocation; — intervention aimed at enhancing environmental security and environmental protection by focusing on three areas: reducing pollutions and improving the quality of waters, waste prevention and management, natural disaster prevention (TO 5 and TO 6) – EUR 153 724 493 million, i.e. 7.43% of the ERDF allocation; — intervention oriented to increasing the use of ICT through improving the availability and quality of resources and services provided on-line (TO 2) – EUR 140 000 000, i.e. 6.77% of the ERDF allocation; — intervention in the field of healthcare and education infrastructure to improve residents' health security by enhancing the availability and quality of healthcare services and providing high-quality educational services (TO 9 and TO 10) – EUR 151 000 000 million, i.e. 7.30% of the ERDF allocation; B. ESF interventions: — interventions concerning inter alia improving access to employment for unemployed people, upgrading employees' qualifications, extending the period of professional activity among residents and improving their situation as regards the reconciliation of professional and private life, leading to improved situation on the regional labour market (TO 8) – EUR 270 764 148, i.e. 33.44% of the ESF allocation; — interventions improving the social situation of the region’s residents: improving access to high- quality services, including healthcare and social services, social and professional activation and developing a social economy (TO 9) – EUR 232 000 000, i.e. 28.66% of the ESF allocation; — interventions oriented to improving access to and enhancing the quality of elementary and general education, increasing the number of persons consciously and regularly upgrading and supplementing their qualifications, strengthening the educational and vocational training systems in the region with the aim of increasing the level of knowledge and education of the region's residents (TO 10) – EUR 204 930 638 i.e. 25.31% of the ESF allocation; The distribution of ESF allocations with the ROP between individual thematic objectives (TOs) and investment priorities (IPs) reflects the needs and challenges identified in the Małopolska region in the diagnosis part of the programme. Awarding certain importance to individual goals and priorities is aimed to concentrate support on the activities which will have the highest contribution to such objectives as increasing the employment rate and combating poverty following the Europe 2020 Strategy and the National Reform Programme. With the above-mentioned conditionalities in mind, substantial ROP funding focused on investment priorities involving the implementation of comprehensive intervention in the area of professional activation and social inclusion (PI 8i, 9i). Such activities will have a fundamental impact on the region gradually approaching to the meeting of goals 31
of increasing the employment rate of people aged 20-64 (up to 71%) and decreasing the number of people threatened with poverty and social exclusion (by 1.5 million in the case of Poland; by 20 million all over Europe). At the same time, in view of a large gap between the region (64.6%) and the target value of the employment rate indicator in Poland (71%) and Europe (75%), it was decided that over EUR 124 764 148 from ESF will be allocated to IP 8i, The concentration of support on the unemployed people under other investment priorities, in particular IP 8iii under which support will be granted for starting the business will also have an impact on the growth of the employment rate. In view of low employment rate in the case of woman in the region the implementation of IP8iv is also envisaged, under which the creation of places for children up to 3 years of age in day care centres is planned. At the same time, initiatives for extending the productive age will also be taken under IP 8vi, in particular through support granted to older workers. The regionalisation of the employment rate vis à vis the national objective is shown in the chart below.
Chart 1. Regionalisation of Europe 2020 Strategy and National Reforms Programme objectives
Source: own development In view of the level of poverty risk inclusive of social transfers to revenues in the region i.e. (20.4% in 2011), much higher than Poland’s (17.7%) and Europe’s (16.9%) averages, it was decided to allocate EUR 100 000 000 from ESF to activation and inclusion of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion (under IP 9i). The potential of the social economy sector as an effective instrument of activation of the social excluded will also be used under the Regional Operational Programme. At the same time, in view of the fact that restricted access to high quality public services is a factor preventing to effectively combat poverty and social exclusion it is planned to allocate the amount of EUR 115 000 000 from EFS to improve the access to and the quality of social and health services. It should be noted that unemployment is one of the causes of poverty and social exclusion, therefore professional
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activation projects planned under TO8 will also significantly contribute to the meeting of the goal of combating poverty as set out in the Europe 2020 Strategy. The chart below depicts the situation of the Małopolska Region in terms poverty risk, against other regions, Poland and the EU.
Chart 2. Risk of poverty indicator, inclusive of social transfers in 2011
Source: own development
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Table 2. Overview of the operational programme's investment strategy
Common and Proportion of Programme- total Union Specific objectives specific output Priority Union Support Thematic Investment Fund support for the corresponding to the indicators axis (EUR) objective priorities operational investment priority corresponding to programme individual specific objectives 1. Knowledge economy ERDF 60,000,000 2.08% 1. Strengthening 1a Enhancing research and innovation Increased Gross domestic research, (R&I) infrastructure and capacities to commercialization of R & expenditure on technological develop R&I excellence, and promoting D R&D (GERD) development and centres of competence, in particular those innovation of European interest 1. Knowledge economy ERDF 190,018,348 6.60% 1. Strengthening 1b Promoting business investment in Increased R & D activity Business research, R&I, developing links and synergies of enterprises enterprise R&D technological between enterprises, research and expenditure development and development centres and the higher (BERD) innovation education sector, in particular promoting investment in product and service development, technology transfer, social innovation, eco-innovation, public service applications, demand stimulation, networking, clusters and open innovation through smart specialisation, and supporting technological and applied research, pilot lines, early product validation actions, advanced manufacturing capabilities and first production, in particular in key enabling technologies and diffusion of general purpose technologies 2. Digital Małopolska ERDF 140,000,000 4.86% 2. Enhancing 2c. Strengthening ICT applications for e- Enhancing access to Percentage of access to, and use government, e-learning, e-inclusion, e- public sector information, citizens using e- and quality of, culture and e-health e-services and e- administration information and administration for citizens communication and businesses technologies
3. ERDF 115,000,000 4.00% 3. Enhancing the 3a Promoting entrepreneurship, in Better conditions for MSP Investment Entrepreneurship in competitiveness particular by facilitating the economic development outlays in Małopolska of SMEs exploitation of new ideas and fostering enterprises the creation of new firms, including related to GDP through business incubators
3. ERDF 37,000,000 1.29% 3. Enhancing the 3b Developing and implementing new Increasing the Value of exports Entrepreneurship in competitiveness business models for SMEs, in particular international activity of in Małopolska Małopolska of SMEs with regard to internationalisation Małopolska's SMEs 3. ERDF 88,000,000 3.06% 3. Enhancing the 3c Supporting the creation and the Increased productivity of Average share of Entrepreneurship in competitiveness extension of advanced capacities for SMEs innovative Małopolska of SMEs product and service development business in the total number of industrial and services sector enterprises
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4. Regional energy policy ERDF 65,000,000 2.26% 4. Supporting the 4a Supporting the production and Increased production Share of shift towards a distribution of energy derived from level. renewable low-carbon renewable sources electricity in economy in all overall electricity sectors production
4. Regional energy policy ERDF 19,000,000 0.66% 4. Supporting the 4b Promoting energy efficiency and Increasing energy Electricity shift towards a renewable energy use in enterprises efficiency in enterprises consumption per low-carbon (SMEs). 1 million PLN economy in all GDP sectors
4. Regional energy policy ERDF 96,000,000 3.34% 4. Supporting the 4c Supporting energy efficiency, smart Enhancing energy Sales of thermal shift towards a energy management and renewable efficiency in the housing energy for low-carbon energy use in public infrastructure, sector and in public communal and economy in all including in public buildings, and in the buildings. living needs of sectors housing sector buildings
4. Regional energy policy ERDF 140,000,000 4.86 % 4. Supporting the 4e Promoting low-carbon strategies for Increased use of low- Transportation of shift towards a all types of territories, in particular for carbon collective transport passengers by low-carbon urban areas, including the promotion of and other environment- public transport economy in all sustainable multimodal urban mobility friendly urban mobility sectors and mitigation-relevant adaptation measures
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4. Regional energy policy ERDF 84,275,507 2.93% 4. Supporting the 4e Promoting low-carbon strategies for Decreased levels of low PM 10 emission transition to a all types of territories, in particular urban emissions in the region level low-carbon areas, including the promotion of economy in all sustainable multimodal urban mobility PM 2.5 emission sectors and adaptation measures aimed at level mitigating the impact of climate change
4. Regional energy policy ERDF 15,724,493 0.55% 6. Preservation 6e Undertaking projects aimed at Decreased levels of low PM 10 emission and protection of improving the quality of urban emissions in the region level the environment environment, urban renewal, reclamation and promoting and decontamination of brownfield sites PM 2.5 emission resource (including post-military areas), reducing level efficiency air pollution and promoting measures aimed at reducing noise 5. Environmental ERDF 31,000,000 1.08% 5. Promoting 5b Promoting investment to address Increasing safety of Capacity of protection adaptation to specific risks, ensuring disaster resilience residents at risk of natural small-scale water climate change, and developing disaster management disasters retention risk prevention systems reservoirs and management
5. Environmental ERDF 82,000,000 2.85% 6. Preserving and 6b Investing in the water sector to meet Increased percentage of Percentage of protection protecting the the requirements of the Union's the population using a population environment and environmental acquis and to address sewage treatment system served by a promoting needs, identified by the Member States, conforming to the wastewater resource for investment that goes beyond those directive on urban waste treatment efficiency requirements water.
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5. Environmental ERDF 25,000,000 0.87% 6. Preserving and 6a Investing in the waste sector to meet Reduced amount of waste Share of non- protection protecting the the requirements of the Union's deposited on the landfills landfill environment and environmental acquis and to address municipal waste promoting needs, identified by the Member States, in the overall resource for investment that goes beyond those mass of efficiency requirements municipal waste
6. Regional heritage ERDF 79,069,362 2.75 % 6. Preserving and 6c Preserving, protecting, promoting and Increased attractiveness of Number of protecting the developing natural and cultural heritage cultural and natural tourists (from the environment and heritage of the region. country and promoting abroad) using resource accommodation efficiency facilities
Number of people using bike trails in the region
6. Regional heritage ERDF 10,000,000 0.35% 6. Preserving and 6d Protecting and restoring biodiversity Enhanced instruments for Landscape parks protecting the and soil and promoting ecosystem the protection of for which environment and services, including through Natura 2000, biodiversity in the region. conservation promoting and green infrastructure plans were resource prepared efficiency 6. Regional heritage ERDF 80,000,000 2.78% 8. Promoting 8b Supporting employment-friendly Increasing employment in Employment rate sustainable and growth through the development of high tourist value areas quality endogenous potential as part of a employment and territorial strategy for specific areas, supporting labour including the conversion of declining mobility industrial regions and enhancement of accessibility to, and development of, specific natural and cultural resources
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7. Transport ERDF 290,500,000 10.09% 7. Promoting 7b Enhancing regional mobility by Increasing the region’s Population infrastructure sustainable connecting secondary and tertiary nodes road access covered by road transport and to TEN-T infrastructure, including isochrone 60 removing multimodal nodes minutes to the bottlenecks in key region’s main network cities: infrastructures 1) Kraków 2) Nowy Sącz 3) Tarnów 4) Oświęcim 5) Nowy Targ.
WDDT II (synthetic) (road transport accessibility indicator - calculated on the basis of WMDT 7. Transport ERDF 100,000,000 3.47% 7. Promoting 7d Developing and rehabilitating Increased rail transport of WKDT II infrastructure sustainable comprehensive, high quality and the region. (synthetic) transport and interoperable railway systems, and (transport rail removing promoting noise-reduction measures accessibility bottlenecks in key indicator in the network WMDT base) infrastructures 8. Labour market ESF 124,764,148 4.33% 8. Promoting 8i Access to employment for job-seekers Increased level of Number of sustainable and and inactive people, including the long- employability among the persons in quality term unemployed and people far from the most disadvantaged employment 6 employment and labour market, also through local persons on the labour months after supporting labour employment initiatives and support for market, i.e. 50+, long- leaving the mobility labour mobility term unemployed, programme disabled persons, low- (including self- skilled workers and employment) women. Number of persons in employment after leaving the programme (including self- employment) 39
Number of persons , skilled after leaving the programme Number of jobs created as a result of ESF support granted for starting business activity.
Number of created microenterprises in operation 30 months after receiving financial support 8. Labour market ESF 50,000,000 1.74% 8. Promoting 8iii Self-employment, entrepreneurship Increased number of new Number of jobs sustainable and and business creation including and sustainable micro- created as a quality innovative micro, small and medium enterprises in the region result of ESF employment and sized enterprises support granted supporting labour for starting mobility business activity
Number of created microenterprises in operation 30 months after receiving financial support 8. Labour market ESF 45,000,000 1.56% 8. Promoting 8v Adaptation of workers, enterprises and 1. More access to Number of sustainable and entrepreneurs to change development services for microenterprises quality SMEs and SMEs which employment and 2. Increasing adaptation have attained supporting labour capabilities of people their mobility made redundant and development- endangered with being related objective made redundant. thanks to participating in 40
the programme
Number of persons who have acquired qualifications or competence after leaving the programme
Number of people in a better labour market situation 6 months after leaving the programme
Number of persons who entered into or continued employment after leaving the programme 8. Labour market ESF 25,000,000 0.87% 8. Promoting 8iv Equality between men and women in 1.Increased employment Number of sustainable and all areas, including in access to rate of child carers persons who re- quality employment, career progression, enter the labour employment and reconciliation of work and private life and market following supporting labour promotion of equal pay for equal work a break linked to mobility giving birth to/raising a child, after leaving the programme
Number of unemployed people who found a job or are looking for a job after leaving the programme. 41
Number of child care establishments for children aged up to 3 years, in operation 2 years after receiving ESF co-financing 8. Labour market ESF 26,000,000 0.90% 8. Promoting 8vi Active and healthy ageing 1.Increased employment sustainable and rate of workers 50+ and Number of quality support to those employed persons aged 50+ employment and on posts involving high who took a job or supporting labour health risks continued mobility 2.Increased participation employment after of productive age people leaving the in health programmes. programme
Number of strategies developed for age management
Number of people who undertook or continued employment after leaving the programme
Number of persons who reported to health examination thanks to ESF intervention 9. Socially coherent region ESF 100,000,000 3.47% 9. Promoting 9i Active inclusion, including with a view Active inclusion of Number of social inclusion, to promoting equal opportunities and persons at risk of poverty persons at risk of combating active participation, and improving or social exclusion, thanks poverty or social poverty and any employability to the improvement and exclusion in
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discrimination strengthening of their employment after employment leaving the opportunities. programme (including self- employed).
Number of persons at risk of poverty or social exclusion in employment 6 months after leasing the programme (including self- employment)
Number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion looking for a job after leaving the programme.
Number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion that have obtained qualifications after leaving the programme 9. Socially coherent region ESF 115,000,000 4.00% 9. Promoting 9iv Facilitating access to affordable, 1.Higher access to social Number of social inclusion, sustainable and high-quality services, services. supported by the combating including health care and social services 2.Higher access to health programme poverty and any of general interest care services organisations discrimination providing social services, existing after the project completion.
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Number of supported by the programme organisations providing health care services, existing after the project completion
Number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion looking for work, participating in education or training, gaining qualifications, working (including the self- employed) after leaving the programme) 9. Socially coherent region ESF 17,000,000 0.59% 9. Promoting 9v Promoting social entrepreneurship and Higher employment rate Number of jobs social inclusion, vocational integration in social in the social economy created in social combating enterprises and the social and solidarity sector. companies poverty and any economy in order to facilitate access to discrimination employment Number of jobs created in social companies existing at least 30 months
Number of persons at risk of poverty or social exclusion in employment after leaving the programme (including self- 44
employment) 10. Knowledge and ESF 88,430,638 3.07% 10. Investing in 10i Reducing and preventing early 1. Increased number of Number of competences education, school-leaving and promoting equal pre-school education preschool training and access to good quality early-childhood, establishments and education places vocational primary and secondary education extended offer of further which operate 2 training for skills including formal, non-formal and education establishments years after ESF and lifelong informal learning pathways for cofinancing was learning reintegrating into education and training 2. Raising the students' granted key competencies and appropriate attitudes to the Number of labour market and students who individualization of the acquired approach of students with competencies special needs. after leaving the programme. .
Number of teachers who upgraded qualifications or acquired competencies after leasing the programme
Number of schools or education system establishments using ITC equipment for educational activities
Number of schools using additional equipment in their labs for educational activities
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Number of teachers using ICT through the ESF 10. Knowledge and ESF 20,000,000 0.69% 10. Investing in 10iii Enhancing equal access to lifelong Upgrading competences Number of competences education, learning for all age groups in formal, non- of adults, including those persons aged 25 training and formal and informal settings, upgrading in a disadvantaged or more who vocational the knowledge, skills and competences of position on the labour acquired skills or training for skills the workforce, and promoting flexible market competences and lifelong learning pathways including through after leaving the learning career guidance and validation of programme. acquired competences Number of persons aged 50 or more who acquired skills or competences after leaving the programme.
Number of low- skilled workers who acquired skills or competences after leaving the programme.
10. Knowledge and ESF 96,500,000 3.35% 10. Investing in 10iv Improving the labour market 1. Increasing employment Number of competences education, relevance of education and training opportunities for persons who training and systems, facilitating the transition from vocational school acquired vocational education to work, and strengthening students, in particular qualifications training for skills vocational education and training systems through improving the under informal and lifelong and their quality, including through effectiveness of forms of learning mechanisms for skills anticipation, vocational training education. adaptation of curricula and the establishment and development of work- 2. Increasing the Number of based learning systems, including dual professional competences schools and learning systems and apprenticeship of adults vocational schemes. training establishments 46
using additional equipment purchased thanks to EFS support
Number of persons covered by the programme support who are still learning or are in employment 6 months after completing education. 11. Revitalisation of ERDF 170 000 000 5.91% 9. Promoting 9b Providing support for physical, Reducing social problems At-risk-of- regional space social inclusion economic and social regeneration of in cities and rural areas. relative poverty and combating deprived communities in urban and rural rate poverty and any areas discrimination
12. Social infrastructure ERDF 131,000,000 4.55% 9. Promoting 9a Investing in health and social Enhancing access to and The average social inclusion infrastructure which contributes to quality of health care length of a and combating national, regional and local development, services in the region. patient’s stay in poverty and any reducing inequalities in terms of health general hospitals discrimination status, and the transition from institutional to community-based services.
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12. Social infrastructure ERDF 20,000,000 0.69% 10. Investing in 10a Investing in education, training and Improved educational The number of education, lifelong learning through developing process. visitors to training and educational and training infrastructure paramuseum vocational institutions training to acquire skills and for Including, school lifelong learning children in organized groups Technical Assistance ESF 101,933,476 3.54% - - - -
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2. PRIORITY AXES
PRIORITY AXIS 1. KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY In the coming years, Małopolska will face the challenge of delivering efficiently a regional strategy towards an economic change based on smart specialisation. The main assumption of the strategy will be to channel intervention to areas with the greatest development potential and crucial to fostering the region's competitive edge. Developing a smart strategy requires implementing a system of incentives to enhance business innovation and foster cooperation between business and science, as well as professionalising the business environment. Considering this, the main objective of the priority axis is to enhance the innovation of the regional economy, which will mainly translate into increasing R&D spending. Priority Axis 1 will support interventions enhancing research, technology development and innovation. While being complementary with actions delivered under national and Community instruments, the intervention will be oriented to enhancing research activity among businesses and preparation for commercialisation of R&D in the region's specialisation areas. In pursuing smart regional specialisation and synergy and higher efficiency in using EU Structural and Investment Funds, use is planned to be made of Knowledge and Innovation Community in Małopolska under the auspices of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, as a complementary tool for identifying, preparing, selecting and delivering sustainable energy projects. Striving for a smart regional specialisation and reaching synergies and enhanced effectiveness in the use of European Structural Funds and Investment Funds, Małopolska plans to use the Knowledge and Innovation Community under the auspices of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology Institute, as a complementary instrument for identifying, preparation and selection of projects related to the sustainable energy area. The interventions in this Priority Axis will work towards delivering the Partnership Agreement with regard to improving R&D and innovation infrastructures in the sectors of science and enterprises, and streamlining the transfer of knowledge and technology to the economy. The support will be dedicated for investments made by businesses and for stepping up the level of R&D implementation in the economy. Link between the Priority Axis and TOs, IPs and Funds
Thematic objective Investment Priority Fund 1. Strengthening research, 1a. Enhancing research and innovation (R&I) infrastructure and capacities to ERDF technological development develop R&I excellence, and promoting centres of competence, in particular those and innovation of European interest 1b. Promoting business investment in R&I, developing links and synergies ERDF between enterprises, research and development centres and the higher education sector, in particular promoting investment in product and service development, technology transfer, social innovation, eco-innovation, public service applications, demand stimulation, networking, clusters and open innovation through smart specialisation, and supporting technological and applied research, pilot lines, early product validation actions, advanced manufacturing capabilities and first production, in particular in key enabling technologies and diffusion of general purpose technologies
Fund, category of region and calculation basis for Union support Fund European Regional Development Fund
Category of region less developed
Calculation basis (public or total total expenditure)
Category of region for outermost not applicable regions and northern sparsely populated regions (where applicable)
The following support areas are planned under the priority axis: Thematic objective 1. Strengthening research, technological development and innovation Priority investment 1a. Enhancing research and innovation (R&I) infrastructure and capacities to develop R&I excellence, and promoting centres of competence, in particular those of European interest
Specific objective Increased commercialization of R & D
Results that the Member States Intervention under the investment priority will contribute to seek to achieve with Union support strengthening the infrastructural potential of selected scientific units in terms of their capacity to conduct quality R&D in the region's specialisation areas. The intervention will strengthen the position and consolidate the potential of supported scientific units – in the context of the national and European research areas – improve the conditions for carrying out research and development, and enhance the transfer of knowledge to the economy with a view to its practical application.
Table 3. Programme-specific result indicators
Frequency Measure Category Baseline Baseline Target value Source No. Indicator of ment unit of region value year (2023) of data reporting
Central Gross domestic less Statistical 1. expenditure on % 1.39 2012 2.78 annually developed Office R&D (GERD) (GUS)
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported Projects aimed to enhance the infrastructural potential of the science sector as regards their R&D sector and the ability to cooperate with the business sector within R&D.
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The intervention will cover investments towards research infrastructure development in scientific units, in so far as is required to launch and expand R&D activity in areas crucial to the economic development of the region in line with the regional smart specialisation strategy. Investments in the teaching infrastructure will not be eligible for support. The projects supported will contribute to the achievement of the detailed objective by enhancing the access to the modern research infrastructure. A wider implementation of the mechanism enabling the use of R&D infrastructure to business activity or the co-financing of public infrastructure from private funds will enhance the relations between the science and business sectors. As a result, knowledge generated in science centres will contribute to the economic benefits more than before.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups Potential groups of beneficiaries: 1. scientific units 2. higher schools 3. scientific consortia. The main target groups of the intervention under the priority axis include: enterprises, research teams, scholars, doctoral and higher school students, participating in research projects. The groups of beneficiaries eligible for applying for project grants under the individual support areas will be listed in the particularisation document.
Territorial coverage of support The support will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, and the investments will be mainly located in urban areas.
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of the specific objectives and results. The criteria of project selection will be developed considering, in particular, such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability, as well as compliance with the principles of sustainable development, equal rights for women and men and non-discrimination. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency. In relation with the Partnership Agreement, the system of project evaluation will include the following criteria: the project’s compliance with presently binding regional innovation strategy of the Małopolska Region, including the project in the territorial contract, which constitutes the coordination mechanism at the national level, ensuring the verification of proposals in order to avoid du0lication of existing resources as well as the evaluation of research plans in the context of justification of investments into R&D infrastructure and application of the research activity results in the economy. the highest possible share of co-financing from private sources, 51
a mechanism enabling the use of R&D infrastructure supported in the economic activity, meaning the ability to generate revenues from research activities, complementarity understood as supplementation of existing resources, including those created under support granted within the 2007-2013 perspective, availability of infrastructure created under an R&D infrastructure project for entities interested, in particular enterprises. In addition, a business plan concerning the use of R&D infrastructure, created within the framework of the project implementation (business plan), an element of which will be the indicator of estimated revenues coming from private parties, generated in the course of research conducted using the infrastructure supported. Commitment to the implementation of the rate established by the beneficiary will be included in the agreement for funding the implementation of a project. Beneficiaries will be obliged to monitor and report information on the revenues generated by business activity under projects supported to the Managing Authority. The Managing Authority will submit to the European Commission the information on the level of public R&D infrastructure’s use for economic purposes. The reporting principles concerning information on the economic use of supported infrastructure by beneficiaries shall be laid down in implementing documents, including detailed description of priority axes. Under the investment priority use will be made of the competitive mode of project selection.
Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted exclusively through non-refundable grants, with no use of financial instruments.
Planned use of major projects At the stage of the programme preparation, no major projects contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives of the investment priority have been identified.
Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
Target value Frequency Measureme Category of No. Indicator Fund (2023) Source of data of nt unit region reporting
M W T Number of scientific units less 1. item ERDF - - 7 SL2014 annually making investments in R&D developed
(24) Number of new less 2. scientists in supported FTE ERDF - - 73 SL2014 annually developed entities
(25) Number of scientists working in upgraded less 3. FTE ERDF - - 317 SL2014 annually research infrastructure developed facilities
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(27) Private investments complementary to public less 7 600 4. support for innovation EUR ERDF - - SL2014 annually developed 000 projects or research and development
Thematic objective 1. Strengthening research, technological development and innovation Priority investment 1b. Promoting business investment in R&I, developing links and synergies between enterprises, research and development centres and the higher education sector, in particular promoting investment in product and service development, technology transfer, social innovation, eco-innovation, public service applications, demand stimulation, networking, clusters and open innovation through smart specialisation, and supporting technological and applied research, pilot lines, early product validation actions, advanced manufacturing capabilities and first production, in particular in key enabling technologies and diffusion of general purpose technologies
Specific objective Increased R & D activity of enterprises.
Results that the Member States The intervention will contribute to a wider scope of scientific seek to achieve with Union support research and their applicability, in particular in areas of the region’s competitive advantage. The rise of private funding for research and development, stimulated by public funding, will lead to a change in the regional model of supporting entrepreneurship. Using existing implementation mechanisms, gradual passage from modernisation-oriented actions to the actions focused on enhancing innovativeness of enterprises will be supported. The intervention will significantly widen the scale of the economic use of new ideas which will result in the marketing of new or substantially improved products, processes and services.
Table 3. Programme-specific result indicators Target Frequency Measurement Category Baseline Baseline Source of No. Indicator value of unit of region value value data (2023) reporting Business Central enterprise less Statistical 1. R&D % 0.52 2012 1.2 annually developed Office expenditure (GUS) (BERD)
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A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported Under the investment priority intervention will be focused on direct support for enterprises in the R&D and innovation area, encompassing: scientific research and development works, taking into account demonstration and pilot works, validation, including first production start-up and preparation of R&D work’s implementation in the business activity, development of infrastructure for R&D in enterprises. This group of operations will enable, in particular, support to projects carried out by enterprises, whether independently, in partnership with other business or in the form of consortia with other entities, in which the enterprise is the leader. Support will focus on projects within the area of regional specialisation, involving the experimentation mechanism, in accordance with the principles of entrepreneurial discovery aimed at identifying the region’s prospective competitive advantage from the grass-roots level. The experimentation mechanism will be part of the monitoring and evaluation of smart specialization in the region, carried out in a continuous and open manner. The experimentation mechanism will extract the stream of limited resources in order to enable the identification, within the framework of an open and competitive selection procedure, new niche areas, while maintaining focus on current areas of the region’s specialization.
Complementary to the main area of intervention, mechanisms to streamline the transfer of research results to the regional economy and stimulating micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to start and develop R&D and innovative activity will be implemented, in cooperation with the R&D sector and pro-innovation business environment. This group of operation will use the following mechanisms: innovation vouchers as a programme of non-refundable support to small-scale projects to under which SME sector entities will receive access to high quality R&D and innovation services of significance to the process of development of new or improved products, services or process change in the enterprise, a regional programme of knowledge transfer centres’ development, aimed at supporting cooperation between the science sector and enterprises and at enhancing commercialization of scientific research results based on the regional model of transfer of knowledge and innovation, direct support to business environment institutions – innovation centres in the area of supplementing infrastructure, in particular R&D infrastructure necessary to widen the offer of innovative services provided for technology firms.
As regards the basic area of support, involving non-refundable support for enterprises’ investments, the intervention will be addressed in particular to the SME sector entities starting or developing R&D and innovation activity.
The first group of operations encompasses industrial research and experimental research works leading to the development of new or substantially improved products, processes or services, including the preparation to the implementation in the business activity. Support may also be allocated to the purchase of research results or development works, if the project is aimed at developing an innovative solution based on R&D works concerning the characteristics of a given technology or the viability of its application under new conditions tailored to the individual needs of the enterprise. The preparation
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of experimental prototypes and demonstration or pilot installations is also eligible for support. The possibility to validate a given solution will be ensured along with the first production start up, understood as the first industrial implementation regarding the widening of the scale of pilot facilities or the first of its kind devices and equipment, encompassing stages after the start up of the pilot line involving the testing phase but not mass-scale production or commercial activity. Within the preparation for the marketing of new or substantially improved solutions, support for selected categories of expenditure linked with the initial investment or the initial investment for new business activity will be acceptable. Support for the preparation of the research phase results to be applied in business activity, in particular as regards market research for the new or substantially improved solution, developing procedures connected with the market use of the solution, as well as activities connected with certification, protection of intellectual property, design and purchase of advisory services concerning innovation and innovation support services will be possible as a supplementary component of the investment project. In particular, projects which ensure the feasibility of the full process of development of an innovative solution from the research development phase to the production start up, including the preparation for implementation or selected stages of this process will be supported in this area.
The second group of operations encompasses the intervention serving to create infrastructural conditions for research and development activity in enterprises. Support will cover investment in the research apparatus and other types of infrastructure needed for the R&D activity, including the infrastructure for testing the quality of the enterprise’s products, processes or services. The reference point for the project assessment will be the outline plans concerning R&D works. The main types of projects will be investments serving to start or expand the activity of laboratories and R&D departments, as well as reati0on of development of R&D centres in enterprises.
Among complementary support instruments, innovation vouchers shall be the main mechanism of enhancing cooperation of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises with the R&D sector and pro- innovation business environment. This instrument responds to the diagnosed need to implement effective incentives to undertaking R&D activity, in particular by smaller business entities. This mechanism will combine direct support for the SME sector entities with the demand-side support to units specialised in the provision of R&D and innovation-related services. In particular, support in the form of innovation vouchers may be allocated for purchasing an R&D service connected with the preparation, development or practical application of a new or improved product, service or a process change in the enterprise, design service or protection of intellectual property. Projects implemented using support in the form of innovation vouchers should lead to the streamlining of the process of technology transfer and raising the level of implementation of technology and non-technology innovations in the market operation of enterprises. Support in this form will be complementary to the actions aimed to enhance competitiveness of the SME and to enhance the staff competences and potential of employers (the SME sector) undertaken under Entrepreneurship in Małopolska Priority Axis 3 (IP 3c) and Labour market Priority Axis 8 (IP 8v).
In order to increase the intensity of the transfer of research results to the economic activity, support for the regional programme of knowledge transfer centres’ development is also envisaged. Under this action, support will be allocated to the development of the third-generation technology transfer centres in which the transfer of knowledge is coupled with the implementation of research. The role of such centres operating in the areas of regional specialisation, will be to initiate and support cooperation
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between scientific units and business entities within R&D and innovation, in particular through providing specialist consulting services and acting as brokers of regional innovation. Infrastructural support of specialised business environment institutions, provided in relation with the documented diagnosis of needs from technology firms, will also be a complementary area of intervention. The access to adequate infrastructural conditions for R&D activity is strong stimulus for open innovations, free transfer of knowledge and multilateral cooperation between enterprises and R&D sector entities. Investments into infrastructure and equipment for innovation centres, such as technology parks, technology incubators and centres specialised in research and technology transfer will be supported to a limited extent, as an element necessary for the development of the offer and professionalization of services, including ensuring physical space for the creation and development of new technology firms, in particular in the early phase of their operation, excluding the purely office space. The intervention under this IP will include complementary support oriented to developing the potential of R&D staff , in combination with the corresponding investment project delivered. The use of the cross-financing mechanism is planned in this respect. As regards the protection of intellectual property, support may be allocated to expenditure incurred in relation with the preparation of invention patent claim or the application for a patent, utility model or industrial design, excluding the costs of judicial procedure in matters concerning the protection of intellectual property rights. Projects supported under the priority will contribute to the implementation of the specific objective through increasing the share of enterprises running R&D activity and increasing the number of projects of high innovation potential. The improved access to high-quality services supporting R&D+I activity and increasing access to capital allocated to the financing of such types of activities in enterprises will lead to the gradual growth of the level of R&D outlays incurred by the private sector, and as a result to the raising of the level of innovation in Małopolska enterprises.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups Potential groups of beneficiaries: 1. enterprises 2. consortia of enterprises 3. consortia of enterprises, with the participation of such entities as scientific units, higher schools (including target companies of higher schools), non-governmental organisations, business environment institutions 4. business environment institutions 5. Territorial self-government units or organisational units of TSUs having legal personality. The main target groups for interventions under the investment priority are enterprises, in particular micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. The groups of beneficiaries eligible for applying for project grants under the individual support areas will be listed in the particularisation document..
Territorial coverage of support The support will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban and rural areas.
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Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of specific objectives and result. Supported interventions will be in accordance with the binding Małopolska Region Innovation Strategy. The system of the assessment of projects will examine the impact of the relevant intervention on the development of Key Enabling Technologies (KETs). Measures implemented under the ROP, in the areas of smart specialization and in the process of entrepreneurial discovery, should lead to the selection of projects characterized by the following features: high potential for application of the project results in business, high level of cooperation of the partners involved in the investment implementation, actual demand for public financing, importance for the regional economy, maintaining the sustainability and effects of the project in the region, positive impact on the region’s reaching the leader’s position in the selected area (niche). Support under the priority axis focuses on SMES. Investments of large companies are admissible exclusively when specific diffusion effects are ensured, including the transfer of results of R&D activity to the national and regional economy. In the case of large companies, preferences will be given to projects undertaken jointly with SMEs, non-governmental organisations and R&D sector entities. In the case when support is granted to a large enterprise, the Managing Authority will ensure that the financial contribution from the funds does not result in a substantial reduction of jobs in existing locations in the territory of the European Union. The presentation of plans concerning R&D works by enterprises will be the condition of support to be granted to investments for the development of R&D departments and laboratories in enterprises or creation of R&D centres by enterprises. Infrastructural support for business environment institutions will be incidental and when justified. Support in this respect will be provided only when infrastructural investments are complementary to existing resources and necessary for the provision of high-quality pro-innovation services and the condition is the demand of technology firms for a similar R&D infrastructure. The investment in the common, necessary R&D and its situation in a business environment institution will contribute to the reduction of costs of purchasing similar infrastructure by individual enterprises, company incubation and further R&D works. Attention will be given to ensure the highest possible participation of private contributions. Projects showing a positive environmental impact will be given preferences in the system of selection of projects. In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability, as well as consistency with the principles of sustainable 57
development, equality between men and women and non-discrimination. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency. The investment priority envisages the application of the competitive mode of project selection. Only the projects consisting in the implementation of a regional programme of developing centres of knowledge transfer, with the Małopolska Region being the beneficiary. The choice of partners participating in the project will be made taking into consideration the principle of transparency. The non-competitive mode will be applied in the area of interventions of regional importance. In view of the subject of support the competitive mode is an ineffective mechanism, mainly for cost reasons.
Planned use of financial instruments Taking into account the type of the priority activities supported by the investment, grant support is primarily expected to be used. However, in the case of activities that are potentially financially viable, possible use of financial instruments will be considered by the MA. Each time, the decision to make use of the mechanism of financial instruments will be preceded by an ex-ante evaluation, in accordance with Art. 37 of the General Regulation.
Planned use of major projects At the stage of the programme preparation, no major projects contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives of the investment priority have been identified.
Table 5. Common and programme-specific output indicators
Measureme Category of Target value (2023) Source of Frequency of No. Indicator Fund nt unit region data reporting
M W T (1) Number of less 1. enterprises receiving enterprises ERDF - - 719 SL2014 annually developed support
(2) Number of less 2. enterprises receiving enterprises ERDF - - 719 SL2014 annually developed grants
(6) Private investments complementary to public less 3. EUR ERDF - - 117 293 828 SL2014 annually support for enterprise developed (grants)
(24) Number of new less 4. scientists in the EPC ERDF - - 53 SL2014 annually developed supported units
(26) Number of less 5. enterprises cooperating item ERDF - - 99 SL2014 annually developed with research centres
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ESF contribution to the delivery of Thematic Objective 1
European Social Fund resources represent the main source of financing for three priority axis under the Regional Operational Programme: Axis 8 Labour market, Axis 9 Socially coherent region and Axis 10 Knowledge and competences. The delivery of actions under the above axes will contribute directly or indirectly to the attainment of thematic objectives 1-7. The achievement of the objectives concerning the support of research, technological development and innovation (Thematic Objective 1) will be supported indirectly by actions taken under: 1. Priority Axis 8 Labour market. The key actions reinforcing the effects of Objective 1 under Objective 8 involve stimulating the potential and enhancing the competences of the staff of R&D departments of enterprises and creating conditions favourable for establishing new businesses activity, including spin offs/ spin outs.
2. Priority Axis 10 Knowledge and competences. The main activities reinforcing the effects of Objective 1 under Objective 10 include measures working towards increasing the use of ICT in education, including through teaching classes at schools in cooperation with universities by using methods based on modern ICT tools and building students' and teachers' competences in this respect, it will contribute to improving computer literacy, and on the other, it will bring science closer to students and enable them to develop their creative and logical thinking, as well as raise their awareness of the potential choices of studies. Furthermore, it will make it easier for higher schools to attract the most talented students, who will build the future well-prepared staff of the science and business sectors.
Performance framework of the priority axis
Table 6. Performance framework for the priority axis
Explanation
Final target Source
Indicator Milestone (2018) of relevance No. (2023) of
or KIS Fund of indicator data
Priority axis Priority
Indicator type Indicator
Measurement unit Measurement Category of region of Category
M W T M W T types of projects (1) Number relating to of Output less output 1 1. enterprises enterprises ERDF - - 104 - - 719 SL2014 indicator developed indicator receiving cover64% of support priority axis allocation the indicator Total measures the amount of 294 actual rate at Financial less 62 960 1 2. certified EUR ERDF - - - - 139 SL2014 which eligible indicator developed 656 eligible 233 expenditure is expenditure made and verified
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CATEGORIES OF INTERVENTION PLANNED UNDER THE PRIORITY AXIS
Table 7. Indicative list of categories of intervention planned to be used under the Priority Axis
Fund and category of region: European Regional Development Fund, less developed region
Table 7: Table 8 Table 9: Table 10: Table 11 Dimension 1 Dimension 2 Dimension 3 Dimension 4 Dimension 6 Intervention field Form of finance Territory type Territorial delivery ESF secondary theme mechanisms (ESF only)
PA Code € PA Code € PA Code € PA Code € PA Code €
1 056 30 000 000 1 01 250 018 348 1 01 175 000 000 1 07 250 018 348 1 058 60 000 000 02 56 016 513 1 059 36 000 000 03 19 001 835 1 061 50 000 000 1 062 19 000 000 1 064 40 000 000 1 101 15 018 348
The categories were assigned to individual dimensions assuming that each of the dimensions is independent of the others, which means that each amount allocated to the priority axis is assigned to the intervention categories envisaged in the respective dimension.
Planned use of technical assistance for the purpose of developing administrative capacity
The planned use of technical assistance is described in the priority axis dedicated to technical assistance.
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PRIORITY AXIS 2. DIGITAL MAŁOPOLSKA
With a view to achieving the goals of the policy towards integrated informatisation of the country, Priority Axis 2 will support the use of ICT for the purpose of making resources available and effective provision of public services. The ongoing digitisation process, which improves access to public sector data and services, will contribute to the achievement of economic and social benefits fostering citizens' participation in public life and combating various forms of exclusion. Considering this, the main objective of the priority axis is to enhance the level of ICT use in the process of making resources available and providing public services. This Priority Axis will support actions towards delivering the Partnership Agreement with regard to improving the quality and availability of public e-services, developing e-administration and providing access to resourced, mainly those gathered by public sector institutions. The intervention will be designated for measures characterised by regional coverage or addressing regional specificities, while maintaining technology- and design-related compatibility with national-level actions.
Link between the Priority Axis and TOs, IPs and Funds
Thematic objective Investment Priority Fund 2. Enhancing access to, and use and 2c. Strengthening ICT applications for e-government, e-learning, e- ERDF quality of, information and inclusion, e-culture and e-health communication technologies
Fund, category of region and calculation basis for Union support Fund European Regional Development Fund
Category of region less developed
Calculation basis (public or total total expenditure)
Category of region for outermost not applicable regions and northern sparsely populated regions (where applicable)
The following support areas are planned under the priority axis:
Thematic objective 2. Enhancing access to, and use and quality of, information and communication technologies Investment Priority 2c. Strengthening ICT applications for e-government, e-learning, e- social inclusion, e-culture and e-health
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Specific objective Enhanced access to public sector information, e-services and e-administration to citizens and businesses
Results that the Member States The intervention under this investment priority will contribute seek to achieve with Union support to increasing the scope of data available in digital form and streamlining internal and external public administration processes. The intervention will streamline administrative procedures, notably in areas crucial to residents, businesses and people visiting the region, and provide easier and broader access to resources, including information collected by the public sector.
Table 3. Programme-specific result indicators
Target Measurem Category Baseline Baseline Source Frequency of No. Indicator value ent unit of region value year of data reporting (2023)
Percentage of citizens less 1. % none 2014 none GUS annually using e-administration developed
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported In particular, the following groups of operations will be supported under the investment priority: improving the access to and quality of public e-services, e-administration development, providing access to resources gathered in particular by public sector institutions.
As regards the area of public e-services, operations will be delivered to provide access to new services and improve the functionality and maturity of existing services. In particular support will be dedicated to actions in areas identified as having priority importance for developing e-services, pursuant to the Partnership Agreement and in correspondence with the national integrated informatisation policy. At the same time, considering the specific needs diagnosed in the region, priority will be given to actions in the following areas: healthcare, spatial information, education, culture and cultural heritage, tourism and public security.
In the healthcare area, support will be allocated to the development of the regional health information system, serving to ensure electronic exchange of medical data and to enhance the access to and the quality of e-services provided to patients in the manner integrated with the central healthcare information platforms. In the spatial information area, support will be allocated, in particular, to the digital development of public land registers. Expenditure relating to preparation works (including field measurements) will also be eligible under such type of interventions, however exclusively to the extent necessary to accomplish the project objectives and up to 15% of eligible investment costs.
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In the area of connecting education and science, support will include the Małopolska Region educational cloud project, aimed at transferring knowledge and familiarizing students in the Małopolska Region with the scientific achievements of universities, using information technology and telecommunications. The scope of support for this project in the framework of the IP 2c will be complementary to interventions planned under the IP 10i. Under this investment priority support will be provided to regional and supralocal actions, while taking into account the purpose of optimising the use of information infrastructure by completing integrated and comprehensive projects in a given field and organising common services centres. Equal importance will be given to activities conducive to making available and improving e-services through ensuring the modernisation, interoperability and security of existing public systems and records, and making data fit for being made available and re-used. Investments in non-IT infrastructure (hard infrastructure within adaptation or equipment, but excluding construction of new buildings) will be allowable to a limited extent, only when they are indispensable for achieving the project objectives and when the public administration is found to have insufficient resources. Limited and complementary support to infrastructure other than IT will be possible only where it is an accompanying element under the projects for which development of and making available e-public services are the primary objectives. As regards e-administration, measures will be undertaken to propagate standards of the functioning of e-offices. The support will mainly dedicated to actions addressing the informatisation of internal procedures, ICT security, open access to the public sector information, electronic systems for managing public documents and registers, electronic availability of information and services provided by offices, as well as interoperability of existing systems and integration of services, including within the framework of electronic public administration services. Another category of supported interventions will be those aimed at providing access to data and information collected by public sector institutions, as well as regional cultural and cultural heritage resources and the resources supporting tourism development. The actions will work towards increasing the supply of data made available in a manner that is open and allows its re-use or creation of new digital services based in it, also by entities outside the public sector. This group of operations will comprise in particular projects involving the digitisation of resources, developing digital repositories and ensuring conditions for making data available and secure data storage. Actions connected with the creation of digital contents, applications and services based on the open re- use of public resources and information, and thus free of charge or with the lowest possible barriers to the use thereof at any place, including the use of mobile devices, will be supported. The investment activities pursued may be supplemented with support meant to develop the competences and skills of personnel, particularly to the extent required for implementing and operating the computer systems provided. The use of the cross-financing mechanism is planned in this respect. Actions supported under this investment priority will contribute to the implementation of the specific objective by concentrating interventions on the developing of the access to public e-services in the areas of priority importance as seen by residents, businesses and people visiting the region. Thanks to these actions the scope of resources made available and e-services will be greatly expanded. As a result of reducing barriers in contact with the public administration, a percentage of persons using electronic access to digital resources and public services will grow.
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Potential beneficiaries and target groups Potential groups of beneficiaries: Territorial Self-Government Units (TSUs), unions between and associations of TSUs, organisational units of TSUs having legal personality healthcare entities operating within the public healthcare system higher schools scientific units cultural institutions non-governmental organisations churches and religious associations and legal persons of churches and religious associations national parks government administration: for regional-scale projects.
The main target groups of the intervention under the priority axis include: residents, enterprises, tourists and visitors to the region, public institutions. The groups of beneficiaries eligible for applying for project grants under the individual support areas will be listed in the particularisation document.
Territorial coverage of support The support will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban and rural areas.
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of specific objectives and the result. Under the system of the selection of projects to be co-financed, the capacity of teleinformation systems to exchange data with national systems relevant to the scope of the project in question will be examined, in particular its compliance with the legal provisions concerning interoperability, public registers, tele-information systems and exchange of information in the electronic form. Within the framework of the assessment of projects applying for support, complementarity and cohesion with projects implemented and planned at the national level will be examined. According to the Partnership Agreement, in the case of investments related to the digitisation of e-public services, projects implemented at the national level are considered some kinds of standards (based of legal acts regulating interoperability issues), enabling the principle of technology and design compatibility to be respected by projects implemented at the regional level. The Managing Authority shall take endeavours to analyse the possibility to follow recommendations developed by the coordination team appointed and supervised by the Minister of Administration and Digitisation. E-health projects consisting of the adaptation of service providers’ IT systems to be compatible with the Medical Information System will be verified in view of their complementarity and not duplicating functionalities envisaged for national platforms (P1 and P2).
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The system of selection of projects to be co-financed preference will be given to projects envisaging delivery of maturity-level 4 e-public services. The system of project selection will also examine such factors as: the impact on economy development, including entrepreneurship development and administration simplification, the advancement of the project preparation in view of their implementation, the value to costs ratio and an analysis of costs and benefits, common procurement, environmental impact, complementariness with investments carried out in the years 2007-2013 and cohesion with standards binding at the national level. In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability, as well as consistency with the principles of sustainable development, equality between men and women and non-discrimination. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency. The investment priority envisages, first of all, the application of the competitive mode of project selection. The non-competitive mode will be applied mostly in the area of interventions of regional importance, provided that it is justified in particular by: a legal obligation incumbent on a given entity or a group of entities to carry out specific tasks, arising from the law or strategic documents, in particular in the case of a competence monopoly,
prior direct identification of specific projects - in a manner ensuring transparency of such identification - in the operational programme (resulting from the development strategy, including the innovation strategy for the Małopolska Region).
Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted exclusively through non-refundable grants, with no use of financial instruments.
Planned use of major projects At the stage of the programme preparation, no major projects contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives of the investment priority have been identified.
Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
Target value Measurement Category Source Frequency of No. Indicator Fund (2023) unit of region of data reporting
M W T Number of offices which have less 1. implemented recommendations item ERDF - - 49 SL2014 annually developed concerning digital advancement
2. Number of entities which have made item ERDF less - - 37 SL2014 annually
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public information available on-line developed
Number of public services available less 3. on-line on maturity level 3 – item ERDF - - 81 SL2014 annually developed bilateral interaction
ESF contribution to the delivery of Thematic Objective 2
European Social Fund resources represent the main source of financing for three priority axis under the Regional Operational Programme: Axis 8 Labour market, Axis 9 Socially coherent region and Axis 10 Knowledge and competences. The delivery of actions under the above axes will contribute directly or indirectly to the attainment of thematic objectives 1-7. Achieving the goal of enhancing the availability and use of ICT (Thematic Objective 2) will be indirectly supported by actions taken under: Priority Axis 8 Labour market. The key actions reinforcing the effects of Objective 2 under Objective 8 involve improving digital competences both of employed and unemployed persons. Taking action to reduce the scale of social exclusion will be highly beneficial for the personal and professional development of mature persons. Priority Axis 9 Socially coherent region. The key activities reinforcing the effects of Objective 2 under Objective 9 include supporting the acquisition of computer skills by excluded persons and persons at risk of social exclusion, notably digital exclusion. By delivering ESF projects, the programme will also contribute to making internet resources and e-services available in a manner reflecting the needs of persons with disabilities hindering communication, which will facilitate the use of the above resources. Priority Axis 10 Knowledge and competences. The main activities reinforcing the effects of Objective 2 under Objective 10 include measures working towards increasing the use of ICT in education, including through teaching classes at schools in cooperation with higher schools by using methods based on modern ICT tools and building students' and teachers' competences in this respect. It will contribute to improving computer literacy, and on the other, it will bring science closer to students and enable them to develop their creative and logical thinking, as well to consciously selectee their future studies.
Performance framework of the priority axis
Table 6. Performance framework for the priority axis
Explanati
on of Milestone Final target Source relevance No. Indicator or KIS (2018) (2023)
of data of indicator
Indicator type Indicator unit Measurement Fund region of Category Priority axis Priority M W T M W T Number of offices which have less types of Output 2 1. implemented recommendations item ERDF develope - - 4 49 SL2014 projects indicator concerning digital advancement d related to 66
output indicator cover 53.75% of priority axis allocations the indicator measures the actual less 164 Financial Total amount of certified eligible 33 388 rate at 2 2. EUR ERDF devel - - - - 705 SL2014 indicator expenditure 226 which oped 883 eligible expenditure is made and verified
Categories of intervention planned under the Priority Axis
Tables 7-11. Indicative list of categories of intervention planned to be used under the Priority Axis
Fund and category of region: European Regional Development Fund, less developed region
Table 7: Table 8 Table 9: Table 10: Table 11 Dimension 1 Dimension 2 Dimension 3 Dimension 4 Dimension 6 Intervention field Form of finance Territory type Territorial delivery ESF secondary theme mechanisms (ESF only)
PA Code € PA Code € PA Code € PA Code € PA Code €
2 078 72 250 000 2 01 140 000 000 2 01 56 000 000 2 07 140 000 000 2 079 11 750 000 2 02 56 000 000 2 080 12 000 000 2 03 28 000 000 2 081 41 000 000 2 101 3 000 000
The categories were assigned to individual dimensions assuming that each of the dimensions is independent of the others, which means that each amount allocated to the priority axis is assigned to the intervention categories envisaged in the respective dimension.
Planned use of technical assistance for the purpose of developing administrative capacity
The planned use of technical assistance is described in the priority axis dedicated to technical assistance.
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PRIORITY AXIS 3. ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN MAŁOPOLSKA
Creating conditions for sustainable economic growth in the region requires, in particular, concentration on support for efforts to build an open innovation, competitive and strong SME sector. Given the above, the main objective of the priority axis is to build and strengthen the competitive position of SMEs. The activities undertaken under the priority axis will work towards achieving the main goal of the Partnership Agreement linked to improving the competitiveness of the economy, in particular with regard to the specific objective of improving the competitiveness of enterprises, mainly through creating conditions for more flexible operation of SMEs on the market and fostering their economic importance.
Link between the Priority Axis and TOs, IPs and Funds
Thematic objective Investment Priority Fund 3. Enhancing the 3a. Promoting entrepreneurship, in particular by facilitating the economic ERDF competitiveness of SMEs exploitation of new ideas and fostering the creation of new firms, including through business incubators 3b. Developing and implementing new business models for SMEs, in particular ERDF with regard to internationalisation 3c. Supporting the creation and the extension of advanced capacities for product ERDF and service development
Fund, category of region and calculation basis for Union support Fund European Regional Development Fund
Category of region less developed
Calculation basis (public or total total expenditure)
Category of region for outermost not applicable regions and northern sparsely populated regions (where applicable)
The following support areas are planned under the priority axis:
Thematic objective 3. Enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs Investment Priority 3a. Promoting entrepreneurship, in particular by facilitating the economic exploitation of new ideas and fostering the creation of new firms, including through business incubators
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Specific objective Better conditions for SME development
Results that the Member States The investment priority will help create conditions favourable seek to achieve with Union support for giving momentum to Małopolska's economic development. Thanks to support oriented to providing the region with basic infrastructure for developing business operations and locating investments, Małopolska will see a growth in the level of entrepreneurship. Suitably prepared investment sites and the planned support for business incubators will also create conditions for stepping up employment. Importantly, the intervention will also result in strengthening the system for supporting business development in Małopolska, in particular in the smart specialisation areas. The role of repayable instruments in supporting investment activity of SMEs in the early phase of development will also be enhanced. The interventions will result in investments supporting the development of the SME sector and improving their market position
Table 3. Programme-specific result indicators
Target Measurement Category Baseline Baseline Source of Frequency of No. Indicator value unit of region value year data reporting (2023)
Investment outlays in less 1. % 6.9 2012 8.0 GUS annually enterprises in developed relation to GNP
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported This investment priority will address actions related to creating and developing infrastructure with a view to enhancing economic development and promoting entrepreneurship and creating entrepreneurial attitudes as well as support to SMEs in the early phase of their development (i.e. operating no more than 24 months on the market), including start-ups. As regards infrastructure and activities supporting economic growth in the region, a central focus will be placed on operations aimed at creating new or expanding existing economic activity zones (EAZ), also through setting up new or supplementing existing infrastructure and utilities within investment sites, such as, for example, industry parks, including such actions as creating internal road systems within such sites and providing them will all the necessary facilities, buildings and structures (as regards buildings and structures, only to a limited extent. Prepared / developed EAZs may also accept enterprises other than in the early phase of development, and what is more, large enterprises are not excluded. However, due to the fact that funding under TO 3 is designed to strengthen the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized businesses, the ERDF contribution will be proportionately reduced in the event of the use of utility infrastructure by large enterprises.
In order to prevent the financing of utility investment areas that do not have potential for potential investors, the MA will develop detailed terms of projects, such as the obligation to include in the grant agreement the degree of the full use by businesses of the area of developed land and the principles of reducing the ERDF contribution in the case of a failure to achieve it. 69
Support within the IP may also be granted to projects aiming to support entrepreneurship and develop entrepreneurial attitudes, among other things, by strengthening the system for supporting the process of new business development, which also applies to companies relying on new technologies. Actions in this area are aimed at ensuring specialised services to support SEM enterprises, promote new business models and develop new production capacities in existing businesses. The scope of intervention also covers actions involving development of new businesses through the provision of specialist services by business incubators, academic entrepreneurship centres – in the latter case projects may comprise investments in the infrastructure of these entities, subject to the conditions laid down in the Partnership Agreement. In this area, support to, inter alia, infrastructure, living-labs, co-working centres, and thus infrastructure creating conditions for intensifying development of enterprises in the early phase of development is not excluded. In addition, the investment priority is expected to support the professionalisation of BEI consulting services, aimed at providing new or significantly improved advanced specialized services that respond to the demands in this regard by the SME sector. The need for new or improved services should be confirmed with a proven interest in the development of specific BEI services of companies (this means that in the year following implementation of BEI projects will be required to provide evidence of a significant use of the services by SMEs). Support for professionalisation of consulting services will be granted to a BEI which meets the following conditions: It has a business strategy in place, showing diversified sources of BEI’s revenues and confirms its ability to operate under the market conditions and to run self-sustaining financial operations (or gradually become self-sustaining until the end of the eligibility period/sustainability period) It has a yearly work plan It applies available standards for services provision, developed at least at the national level It ensures monitoring of services provided and the quality of such services.
As required by the Partnership Agreement, supporting infrastructure and building new facilities, especially Business Environment Institutions (including e.g. infrastructure of technology parks, business/technology incubators and Academic Business Incubators and Technology Transfer Centres, with the latter two run by schools of higher education) will be possible only subject to the following rules: Activity of the BEI is in line with the regional smart specialisation strategy, The beneficiary has a strategy/plan to use the infrastructure planned under the project, including the strategy of the services provision, in place, Activity of BEI is based on identified needs, The project does not duplicate the BEI infrastructure of a similar profile situated in a given subregion, unless the limit of the available offer has been depleted. When providing services commissioned by specific entrepreneurs, BEIs apply existing standards of services developed at the national level (including the principles concerning the level of co- financing of BEI services by entrepreneurs).
The services provided by BEIs will be tailored to the needs of the enterprise, most of the support for BEIs will be granted through demand mechanisms.
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Territorial Self-Government Units may deliver projects by principle implemented by business environment institutions.
Distinct support under the IP will be addressed to business entities in the early phase of development (operating in the market for 24 months) who can be direct support beneficiaries. In view of the early phase of development of the SME sector enterprises, the ERDF funding will be used for investment support and support for successive stages of business maturity. In this context, improvement of the access to financing, considering their sector specificity, is necessary for the enhanced investment activity of enterprises. Financial instruments will be targeted at the development of SMEs in the early phase of their development and developing new companies through the provision of the initial capital, strengthening their basic scope of activity, implementation of new projects or entering new markets. Thus financial instruments will support investment both in tangible and intangible and legal assets, as well as working capital, providing, however, that the latter is connected with the enterprise’s investment activity and further expansion. The selection of financial instruments, along with the scope and areas of their application, will take place after the ex ante, evaluation referred to in Article 37 of the General Regulation. In the case of projects directly addressed to entrepreneurs who are not beneficiaries and where the use of projects will be considered state aid, the latter will be granted at the so-called second level i.e. via the beneficiary implementing the project. Support for setting up of a business by individuals will be provided from the ESF, under Priority Axis 8. Support to natural persons not being entrepreneurs is not possible under TO 3..
Potential beneficiaries and target groups Main groups of beneficiaries: 1. SMEs - operating no more than 24 months on the market 2. territorial self-government units (TSUs), unions between and associations of TSUs 3. organisational units of TSUs having legal personality 4. business environment institutions 5. non-governmental organisations 6. entities running academic entrepreneurship centres 7. entities managing investment areas 8. entities implementing financial instruments. The main target group will comprise entrepreneurs interested in locating their business operations within economic activity zones, entrepreneurs interested in the offer of business incubators and SMEs in their early stage of development. The groups of beneficiaries eligible for applying for project grants under the individual support areas will be listed in the particularisation document.
Territorial coverage of support The support will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban and rural areas. Use will also be made of a territorial development instrument, namely the subregional development programme (instrument dedicated to interventions within functional subregions, i.e. the region's areas
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of strategic intervention). At the same time, as regards the above intervention, support will also cover interventions concentrated on the Kraków Functional Area - the Kraków Metropolis (Area of Strategic Intervention). Supporting the above ASI will be promoted by setting aside a financial allocation to support the region's capital city and its functional area delivered through integrated territorial investments.
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of specific objectives and the result. The process of project selection envisages the following preferences: a) for interventions in the areas of regional specialisation b) considering the fact that there are significant intraregional differences, in particular the number of business entities per 1000 residents, by poviats, preferences for projects which will contribute to reducing disproportions in this respect (preferences for areas showing a low level of economic activity) are not excluded c) for projects implemented jointly be enterprises d) projects with the smallest possible share of public contribution. In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability, as well as consistency with the principles of sustainable development, equality between men and women and non-discrimination. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency. Under the investment priority, in particular, competitive modes of projects will be applied. As regards actions related to creating and developing infrastructure with a view to enhancing economic development and promoting entrepreneurship, the investment priority will involve using, above all, a special mechanism based on the subregional path, as a unique form of competitive mode. In addition, the special mechanism of integrated territorial investment is planned to be used in the above support area within the territory of the Kraków Functional Area. The mechanism is based on negotiations and arrangements between the municipalities associated within the ITI mechanism, provided that the issue concerned is covered by the corresponding ITI strategy – in such a case the application of the non-competitive mode involving the delivery of strategic projects will be possible, provided that it is justified in particular by: prior direct identification of specific projects - in a manner ensuring transparency of such identification - in the operational programme (for example, projects identified within the development strategy, projects identified within ITI strategy, and having a positive opinion of the MA based on criteria indicated by the MA). Operations involving financial instruments will be selected by the Managing Authority on the basis of the results of the ex-ante evaluation referred to in Article 37 of the General Regulation. The Managing Authority will select the entity/entities to implement financial instruments (the operations’ beneficiary) upon its making a decision in respect of the contribution into the financial instrument(s).
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Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted in the form of grants and the using of financial instruments. The use of financial instruments (loans, guaranties and capital instruments) or the coupling of grants and support in the form of financial instruments is considered regarding interventions concerning investment support for SMEs. Specific arrangements concerning the level of engagement of financial instruments, indicating the types of instruments and their possible coupling with non- repayable support, as well as the conditions for the use of such type of support will be presented in the particularisation document of the operational programme based on the results of the analysis required in Article 37 of the General Regulation. The MA has carried out one of the planned experts' studies for the needs of the ex-ante evaluation referred to in Article 37 of the General Regulation.
Planned use of major projects At the stage of the programme preparation, no major projects contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives of the investment priority have been identified.
Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
Target value (2023) Measurement Category Source of Frequency of No. Indicator Fund unit of region data reporting M W T
Area of prepared less 1. ha ERDF - - 175 SL2014 annually investment sites developed
(1) Number of less 2. enterprises enterprises ERDF - - 690 SL2014 annually developed supported
(2) Number of less 3. enterprises enterprises ERDF - - 32 SL2014 annually developed receiving grants
(3) Number of enterprises less 4. receiving other enterprises ERDF - - 360 SL2014 annually developed financial support than grants
(4) Number of enterprises less 5. enterprises ERDF - - 470 SL2014 annually receiving non- developed financial support
less 6. (5) Number of new enterprises ERDF - - 690 SL2014 annually enterprises developed
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supported
(6) Private investments less 7 000 7. complementary to EUR ERDF - - SL2014 annually developed 000 public support for enterprises (grants)
(7) Private investments complementary to less 7 400 8. EUR ERDF - - SL2014 annually public support for developed 000 enterprises (other than grants)
Number of advanced services less 9. item ERDF - - 48 SL2014 annually (new or improved) developed provided by BEIs
Thematic objective 3. Enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs Investment Priority 3b. Developing and implementing new business models for SMEs, in particular with regard to internationalisation
Specific objective Increasing the international activity of regional SMEs
Results that the Member States Delivering this investment priority will contribute to enhancing seek to achieve with Union support the international activity of SMEs, in particular those operating in innovative sectors. At the same time, it will also build conditions for overcoming barriers, also image-related ones and those limiting the competitiveness of Małopolska's businesses, and for enhancing Małopolska’s visibility as a business brand.
Table 3. Programme-specific result indicators
Target Measurement Category Baseline Baseline Source Reporting No. Indicator value unit of region value year of data frequency (2023)
Regional Value of exports less 1. EUR billion 7.5 2013 10 Information annually in Małopolska developed Database
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported Support under this investment priority may be granted to actions involving wide-ranging promotion of the region’s economic offer (both on a national and international level), and promotion of innovativeness, as well as actions to support Małopolska's SMEs in expanding onto external
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markets, through, inter alia: organisation of international business missions for Małopolska’s entrepreneurs, organisation of exhibitions, fairs and other events devoted to the economic exchange and helping to find prospective clients, developing analyses of foreign markets, promoting commodity, services and modern technology groups representing selected industries (in particular those in line with regional specialisations), support to entrepreneurs in adjusting their product/service offers to specific markets, opening new business channels to facilitate sales abroad, In relation with the above actions, ensuring support to the investment process in the region is planned, including, inter alia, the development of the integrated regional system of information about investment offers in the region, preparation of studies containing key information about the region for investors, creating business – BEI – TSUs cooperation networks, presentation of the integrated offer of EAZs. The implementation of comprehensive and coordinated actions to enhance the image of the regional economy, including, inter alia, the region’s economic promotion in the national and international dimension, will be based on the region’s consistent investment policy developed jointly with the economic partners. Furthermore this investment priority envisages also direct support for Małopolska's SMEs to increase their international activity and win new markets, including, inter alia, the development of the strategies/plans for international activity, the purchase of specialist consultancy services in the area of internationalisation of operation, e.g. development and implementation of new business models, in particular, aimed at internationalization, the strategy for financing exports projects and exports activity, identifying prospective trade partners, preparation of cooperation offers and trade negotiation, seeking and selecting partners on selected foreign markets, dev eloping a concept of the company’s image on a foreign market of choice. Support will also be given, inter alia, to projects in the area of exhibitor’s participation in fairs-exhibitions targeted at foreign markets, obtaining necessary documents enabling to market products or services on the target foreign market (certificates, permits homologation etc.), adapting the production (product and product qualities) to the requirements of the target foreign market (e.g. the product size or packaging). All of SMEs’ activities supported within internationalization must arise from the strategy / plan for international businesses of companies. Implementation of projects by principle implemented by business environment institutions may be delivered by Territorial Self-Government Units. Where entrepreneurs are direct recipients but not beneficiaries of projects and the use of projects is considered state aid, support will be provided at the so-called second level by the project beneficiary.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups Main groups of beneficiaries: 1. SMEs 2. Territorial self-government units (TSUs), unions between and associations of TSUs – within economic promotion, including the promotion of innovation and support for the investment process 3. organisational units of TSUs having legal personality – within economic promotion, including the promotion of innovation and support the investment process 4. business environment institutions - within economic promotion, including the promotion of innovation and support the investment process
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5. non-governmental organisations - within economic promotion, including the promotion of innovation and support the investment process. The main target group will consist in the SME sector entrepreneurs interested in internationalising their business. The groups of beneficiaries eligible for applying for project grants under the individual support areas will be listed in the particularisation document.
Territorial coverage of support The support addressing promotion and internationalisation of SMEs will benefit interventions comprising the region as a whole, the entire country international markets, with the investment located within the territory of Małopolska, both in urban and rural areas.
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of specific objectives and the result. Under the process of selection of projects preferences for projects consistent with the regional innovation strategy and for enterprises operating in accordance with the strategy are envisaged. The investment priority envisages the exclusive application of the competitive mode of project selection.
Planned use of financial instruments Taking into account the type of the activities supported by the investment priority, grants are primarily expected to be used. However, in the case of activities that are potentially financially viable, possible use of financial instruments will be considered by the MA. Each time, the decision to make use of the mechanism of financial instruments will be preceded by an ex-ante evaluation, in accordance with Art. 37 of the General Regulation.
Planned use of major projects At the stage of the programme preparation, no major projects contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives of the investment priority have been identified.
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Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
Target value (2023) Measurement Category Source of Frequency of No. Indicator Fund unit of region data reporting M W T
(1) Number of less 1. enterprises enterprises ERDF - - 200 SL2014 annually developed receiving support
(2) Number of less 2. enterprises enterprises ERDF - - 200 SL2014 annually developed receiving grants
(6) Private investment Less 13 000 3. complementary to EUR ERDF - - SL2014 annually developed 000 public support for enterprises (grants)
Number of enterprises that Less 4. introduced enterprises ERDF - - 50 SL2014 annually developed organizational and procedural changes
Thematic objective 3. Enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs Investment Priority 3c. Supporting the creation and the extension of advanced capacities for product and service development
Specific objective Increased productivity of the SME sector
Results that the Member States The implementation of the investment priority will be seek to achieve with Union support conducive to enhancing the role of refundable instruments for support of SMEs’ investment activity. The result of interventions will be the implementation of investments supporting the development of the SME sector and improving SMEs’ market position. Investments under the investment priority will increase the advanced SMES’ capacity of developing products and services offered, increasing their potential to transform of their resources into tangible economic effects visible, first of all, in the steady growth of GDP per capita in Małopolska.
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Table 3. Programme-specific result indicators
Target Measurement Category Baseline Baseline Source Frequency No. Indicator value unit of region value year of data of reporting (2023) Average share of innovative enterprises in the less 1. general number % 15.2 2012 16.4 GUS annually developed of industrial and service sector businesses
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported Under the investment priority investment support will be provided for the benefit of SMEs operating longer than 24 on the market. Investment projects aimed at developing/expanding enterprises, projects leading the marketing of new or improved products/services, extending the scope of operation, leading to the growth in the offer’s outreach by winning the new markets, will be financed, including in particular: investment in modern machines, devices and production equipment, in order to market new or improved products or services, development of Internet sales of products and services (e-commerce), investments concerning the use of information and communications technologies (ICT) in the economic activity, projects to adjust existing production installations to best available technology (BAT) standards – modern solutions which make it possible to reduce costs of market operations in enterprises resulting from a lower energy consumption or a more effective use of raw materials (as an element of a comprehensive project). Under the investment priority support to the access of enterprises to external capital is envisaged through the development of financial instruments. The financial instruments will be addressed, first of all, to the development of enterprises, enhancing their basic activity, implementation of new projects or entering new markets. Hence the financial instruments will support investment in both tangible and intangible and legal assets, as well as working capital, provided however that it is connected with the enterprise’s investment activity and further expansion. The selection of financial instruments as well as of the scope and areas of their application will take place after the ex ante evaluation referred to in Article 37 of the General Regulation. In addition, the support under this investment priority will cover specialist advice to SMEs. It is envisaged that support to SMEs in this respect will be delivered through vouchers for advisory services. The mechanism of vouchers for advisory services will be used in the scope and form which allows to ensure the demarcation and a comprehensive and effective system of advisory support from SME sector entities with the systemic advisory support using EFS funding planned within Priority Axis 8. However, the application of another mechanism of advisory support is not excluded, provided it uses the demand mechanism. The support for specialist advice will be complementary with activities to enhance the R&D potential and strengthen the competences of employees and the potential of employers (SMEs) delivered under Priority Axis 1 Knowledge economy (IP 1b.) and Priority Axis 8 Labour market (IP 8v). 78
Where entrepreneurs are direct recipients but not beneficiaries of projects and the use of projects is considered state aid, support will be provided at the so-called second level by the project beneficiary. Support for setting up of a business by individuals will be provided from the ESF, under Priority Axis 8.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups Main groups of beneficiaries: 1. entities implementing financial instruments 2. SMEs operating on the market longer than 24 months . The target group for support will be the sector of Małopolska's SMEs operating on the market longer than 24 months. The groups of beneficiaries eligible for applying for project grants under the individual support areas will be listed in the particularisation document.
Territorial coverage of support The support will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban and rural areas.
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of the specific objectives and the result. The process of project selection envisages the following preferences: a) for interventions in the areas of regional specialisation, b) considering the fact that there are significant intraregional differences, in particular the number of business entities per 1000 residents, by poviats, preferences for projects which will contribute to reducing disproportions in this respect (preferences for areas showing a low level of economic activity), on the basis of current data and depending on the changing situation in the region, are not excluded, c) for projects implemented jointly by enterprises, d) for projects with the smallest possible share of public contribution.
Operations involving financial instruments will be selected by the Managing Authority on the basis of the results of the ex-ante evaluation referred to in Article 37 of the General Regulation. The Managing Authority will select the entity/entities to implement financial instruments (the operations’ beneficiary) upon its making a decision in respect of the contribution into the financial instrument(s). Under the investment priority use will be made of a competitive selection procedure for grant support.
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Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted both through grants and repayable financial instruments. In particular, support in the form of grants is envisaged for interventions concerning advisory support. The use of financial instruments or mixed forms of support (in particular loans and guarantees) or combination of grants and support in the form of financial instruments is considered for interventions involving investment support to SMEs. Specific arrangements concerning the scope of the application of financial instruments, types of instruments and their possible combination with non-repayable support, as well as the conditions for making use of such support, will be presented in the particularisation document for the operational programme based on the results of the analysis required under Article 37 of the General Regulation. The MA has carried out one of the planned experts' studies for the needs of the ex-ante evaluation referred to in Article 37 of the General Regulation.
Planned use of major projects At the stage of preparing the programme, no major projects that contribute to achieving its specific investment priority were identified.
Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
Target value Frequency Measurement Category Source of No. Indicator Fund of unit of region (2023) data reporting M W T (1) Number of less 1. enterprises ERDF - - 900 SL2014 annually enterprises developed receiving support (2) Number of less 2. enterprises ERDF - - 815 SL2014 annually enterprises developed receiving grants (3) Number of enterprises less 3. enterprises ERDF - - 305 SL2014 annually receiving developed financial support, other than grants (6) Private investment less 4. complementary to EUR ERDF - - 39 000 000 SL2014 annually public support for developed enterprises (grants) (7) Private investment less 5. complementary to EUR ERDF - - 13 600 000 SL2014 annually public support for developed enterprises (other than grants) (8) The increase less 6. EPC ERDF - - 1800 SL2014 annually in employment in developed supported
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enterprises
(29) Number of companies receiving support less 7. enterprises ERDF - - 15 SL2014 annually in order to developed introduce new products for the company
ESF contribution to thematic objective 3 European Social Fund resources represent the main source of financing for three priority axis under the Regional Operational Programme: Axis 8 Labour market, Axis 9 Socially coherent region and Axis 10 Knowledge and competences. The delivery of actions under the above axes will contribute directly or indirectly to the attainment of thematic objectives 1-7. Achieving the goal related to developing entrepreneurship (Thematic Objective 3) will be supported indirectly by activities taken under: Priority Axis 8 Labour market. The key actions reinforcing the effects of Objective 3 under Objective 8 include strengthening entrepreneurial attitudes and facilitating the establishment of new businesses, first of all by the unemployed, whose situation on the labour market is the most difficult, actions towards improving the competence of SME staff, as well as supporting the adaptability of employees of the SME sector. Priority Axis 9 Socially coherent region. The key actions reinforcing the effects of Objective 3 under Objective 9 involve comprehensive support for persons interested in setting up or joining a social company, and supporting initiatives related to creating new jobs in the sector of social companies.
Performance framework of the priority axis
Table 6. Performance framework of the priority axis
Milestone Final target Explanation Indicator or Category (2018) (2023) Source of
No. Fund of relevance of
type KIS of region data
indicator
Indicator
Measuremen t unit Priority axisPriority M W T M W T
types of projects (1) Number of related with Output indicator enterprises enterp less output indicator 3 1. ERDF - - 160 - - 1432 SL2014 1 receiving rises developer cover 62.5% of support priority axis allocations
indicator measures actual Total amount rate of incurring Financial of certified less 282 352 3 2. EUR ERDF - - 51 513 264 - - SL2014 and verification indicator eligible developed 942 of eligible expenditure expenditure under projects
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- The assumptions and estimated values for the contribution of financial instruments for achieving the intermediate and final products for the indicator are estimates. After receiving the final results of the ex-ante evaluation, there may be a need for adjustments.
Categories of intervention planned in the priority axis
Tables 7-11. Indicative list of categories of intervention planned to be used under the Priority Axis
Fund and category of region: European Regional Development Fund, less developed region
Table 7: Table 8 Table 9: Table 10: Table 11 Dimension 1 Dimension 2 Dimension 3 Dimension 4 Dimension 6
Intervention field Form of finance Territory type Territorial delivery ESF secondary theme mechanisms (ESF only)
PA Cod € PA Cod € PA Cod € PA Cod € PA Cod € e e e e e
120 25 0 55 000 125 00 3 066 3 01 3 01 000 00 3 01 00 000 0 000 0 000
35 0 125 00 100 00 65 200 3 067 3 04 3 02 3 05 00 0 000 0 000 000 000
54 180 60 000 5 000 3 072 3 06 3 03 800 00 3 07 000 000 000 0 000
10 000 3 03 000
The categories were assigned to individual dimensions assuming that each of the dimensions is independent of the others, which means that each amount allocated to the priority axis is assigned to the intervention categories envisaged in the respective dimension.
Planned use of technical assistance for the purpose of developing administrative capacity
The planned use of technical assistance is described in the priority axis dedicated to technical assistance.
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PRIORITY AXIS 4. REGIONAL ENERGY POLICY
Poland’s obligations under the Climate and Energy Package have become a challenge to the regions as they need to contribute to fulfilment of same. The prerequisite for the attainment of the objectives set forth in the Package, including the reduction of CO2 emission, is the building of a low-carbon economy. Given the fact that it will be a long-term and a cost-consuming process, the region’s involvement will have to allow for regional conditions, protection of customers’ interests, the energy resources held and technological conditions. Under the Priority Axis 4 support will be provided to actions with a view to improving energy efficiency, which have a significant potential of not only reducing of the CO2emission, but also of improving the competitiveness of the economy. In a pursuit of the climate policy goals, actions will be also focused on an increased share of renewable sources of energy in the final energy consumption volumes as well as on an integration of these actions with a development of the distribution infrastructure. At the same time, an additional effect of implementation of the interventions under the Priority Axis 4, yet an extremely important one for Małopolska, will be improvement of the condition of the environment on a local scale thanks to reduced emissions of pollutants, including in particular in urban areas. Under the interventions to be taken an important role will be played by the promotion of a “clean” urban transport accommodating growing mobility needs of the population of the cities and towns and of their functional areas. The key objective of the Priority Axis 4 is to create conditions for a sustainable growth in the region, with account being taken of the aspects of a modern energy sector and an urban transport sector, ensuring energy security for the region’s residents and improving the quality of their life while, at the same time, respecting with the principles of environmental protection. Interventions to be taken under the priority axis will support implementation of the Partnership Agreement with regard to the specific objective set forth in the document, namely a reduction of the emission levels of the economy. Support will be channelled to investments enhancing the energy efficiency of the economy, contributing to an increased share of renewable energy sources in the overall production of energy and fostering development of a sustainable urban transport. What also needs to be stressed is the fact that implementation of a low-carbon economy takes place on multiple levels with various sectors involved. The result is the building of a multidimensional Priority Axis and the actions supported under the individual investment priorities being complementary with each other. Implementation thereof guarantees a comprehensive approach to the regional energy policy. Priority axis 4 introduced a combination of the investment priorities of the two thematic objectives TO 4 and TO 6. The rationale for using this approach is a direct correlation between actions undertaken in these areas in order to improve air quality in the Małopolska Region. The maximization of the results of this requires a coherent and comprehensive approach to eliminating sources of pollution, as well as supporting activities in areas that could contribute to ensuring the achievement of improvement. The concentration of intervention in one priority axis will increase the efficiency of the planning and implementation of actions in several closely-interlinked areas.
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Link between the Priority Axis and TOs, IPs and Funds
Thematic objective Investment priority Fund
4. Supporting the shift 4a. Promoting the production and distribution of energy derived from renewable ERDF towards a low-carbon sources economy in all sectors 4b. Promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in enterprises ERDF 4c. Supporting energy efficiency, smart energy management and renewable ERDF energy use in public infrastructure, including in public buildings, and in the housing sector 4e. Promoting low-carbon strategies for all types of territories, in particular for ERDF urban areas, including the promotion of sustainable multimodal urban mobility and actions to mitigate climate change 6e. Undertaking projects aimed at improving the quality of urban environment, ERDF urban renewal, reclamation and decontamination of brownfield sites (including post-military areas), reducing air pollution and promoting measures to reduce noise
Fund, category of region and calculation basis for Union support Fund European Regional Development Fund
Category of region less developed
Calculation basis (public or total total expenditure)
Category of region for outermost not applicable regions and northern sparsely populated regions (where applicable)
The following support areas are planned under the priority axis:
Thematic objective 4. Supporting the shift towards a low-carbon economy in all sectors Investment priority 4a. Promoting the production and distribution of energy derived from renewable sources
Specific objective Increased level of production of renewable energy.
Results that the Member State Intervention in the area of development of renewable energy seeks to achieve with Union sources will directly contribute to the attainment of the specific support objective under the Investment Priority primarily through an increased share of that type of energy in the final consumption volume and the region’s contribution to the accomplishment of Poland’s climate-related commitments. Development of distributed energy generation systems based on local RES potentials, diversification of supply sources, as well as
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adaptation of the distribution infrastructure will also play a role in the improvement of energy security in the region thanks to increased energy supply certainty and reduced dependency on external energy carriers.
Table 3. Programme-specific result indicators
Target Measurement Category Baseline Baseline Source of Frequency of No. Indicator value unit of region value year data reporting (2023)
Share of electricity Central generated from less Statistical 1. renewable sources in % 13.9 2012 18 annually developed Office total electricity (GUS) generation volume
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported Development of energy derived from RES will be in line with the principles of rational use of the existing resources of that type of energy, this being in pursuit of one of the objectives of the Climate and Energy Package. One of the elements of the Package is also Poland’s commitment to increase the share of energy derived from renewable sources in the final gross energy balance up to a level of at least 15% in 2020. Projects supported under the investment priority will contribute to the achievement of specific objective by focusing on investments that contribute the most to attaining higher levels of energy use from renewable sources. Interventions in the region are planned to focus on investment projects related to generation of energy from renewable sources. In particular, support will be provided to a construction of units with a lower power generation capacity, according to the ROP/OP PA demarcation line. These goals will be pursued primarily through a distributed generation of energy, based on a construction of small sources of electricity and heat energy to meet local demand thus eliminating the need to transmit the energy over long distances. A growing interest in the generation of energy from renewable sources should be strongly correlated with the need to build, expand and upgrade (only to the extent necessary to achieve the ability to connect RES) distribution networks below 110 kV whose technical condition and advancement require support in order to ensure proper operation. The foregoing is intended to enable, above all, connection of newly constructed RES installations and new energy consumers, and also reduction of energy losses within distribution networks. Delivery of investment projects consisting in an increase of the use of renewable energy will be possible both as regards supply of energy to the network and for own needs. The intervention will also cover support to investments in the construction of installations for biocomponent and biofuel production. Thus, support in this area can foster economic activation of the region. The use of renewable energy will be increased through, among other things, implementation of investment projects consisting in a construction or upgrading of generation units: 85
for electricity using biomass, biogas, wind energy, solar energy and water energy, for heat energy using geothermal or solar energy, for cogenerated electricity and heat energy, meeting the high-efficiency cogeneration requirements (generation of energy from renewable sources). Investments in renewable energy sources must take into account the requirements resulting from special planning and an analysis is required, in accordance with national law, the potential impact on the environment. The investment process should take into account the limitations of the development of energy based on renewable sources such as the occurrence of forms of nature protection in a given area, including Natura 2000 sites, the presence of valuable natural areas, including valuable places for birds during the breeding season and during migration, the occurrence of animal migration corridors, hydrological conditions, requirements for protection of monuments and landscaping, limitations related to the protection of biodiversity and acoustic protection. The intervention under the Investment Priority will be complementary with actions supported on the national level.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups 1. territorial Self-Government Units (TSUs), unions between and associations of TSUs 2. commercial companies in which the majority of shares belong to local governments or their associates 3. government administration 4. companies in which territorial self-government units hold shares 5. scientific units 6. higher schools 7. housing co-operatives and tenants’ associations 8. cultural institutions 9. healthcare entities operating within the public healthcare system 10. non-governmental organisations 11. churches and religious associations and legal persons of churches and religious associations 12. entities implementing financial instruments 13. enterprises (Distribution System Operator). The main target groups of the intervention under the priority axis include: individual users, enterprises and the public sector interested in supporting an increased share of RES in the overall energy production and in a development of prosumer energy. The groups of beneficiaries eligible for applying for project grants under the individual support areas will be listed in the particularisation document.
Territorial coverage of support The support will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban and rural areas– taking into account local potentials for the production of energy from RES.
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Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of broader strategic objectives and the result. Under the evaluation of projects concerning energy generation from RES, the cost effectiveness criterion and results accomplished in line with the objectives of the investment priority will be of key importance. Among elements taken in to account when selecting investments to be supported will be the concept of cost effectiveness, i.e. the best ratio of the EU funding allocated to obtain 1MWh of energy or 1 MW of installed power resulting from the construction of a given installation. Besides, support for such projects will also depend on other results achieved with regard to planned financial outlays (e.g. the amount of CO2 reduction). In addition, environmental hazards in a given area, in particular regarding the quality of air will also influence the selection of the investment, this applies, in particular, to investments linked to the burning of biomass, which should be compatible with the provisions of the regional air protection programme. As regards construction of installations for biocomponent and biofuel production support will be allocated to second/third components and fuels. In the case of support for energy-water projects, co-financing support will only be granted to those projects which do not adversely affect the status or the potential of water bodies that are on No. 1 lists which are annexed to the Masterplans for the Oder and Vistula river basins. Co-financing of projects that have a significant impact on the state or the potential of water bodies and which can be realized only when the conditions set out in Article 4.7 Water Framework Directive, on No. 2 lists which are annexed to the Masterplans for the river basins of the Oder and Vistula, are met will not be allowed until sufficient evidence is provided for meeting the conditions set out in Article 4.7 of the Water Framework Directive in the second cycle of the management plans for river basins. Filling the condition will depend on the certification of compliance with the Water Framework Directive Plans of the second cycle of river basin management by the European Commission. In the case of projects with high-efficiency cogeneration, support will be granted to constructions, justified in economic terms, of new installations with the lowest possible CO2 emissions and other air pollutants. The new installations should achieve at least a 10% increase in energy efficiency, as compared to separate production of heat and electricity using the best available technology. In addition, any reconstruction of the existing facilities for high-efficiency cogeneration must result in a reduction of CO2 by at least 30% for the existing plants. Projects should, where appropriate, prevent energy poverty. Support will be granted to projects using renewable energy sources. Projects should be conditional on making investments improving energy efficiency and reducing energy demand in buildings for which energy is supplied from the supported installation while ensuring that investments are based on the useful heat demand. Any investment should be in line with EU standards and regulations in terms of environmental protection. In the event of granting support to a large enterprise, the Managing Authority will ensure that the financial contribution of the funds does not result in a substantial reduction of jobs in existing locations throughout the European Union. In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability, as well as consistency with the principles of sustainable development, equality between men and women and non-discrimination. The project selection system
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will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency. The investment priority envisages, first of all, the application of the competitive mode of project selection. The non-competitive mode will be applied in mostly in the area of interventions of regional importance, provided that it is justified in particular by: a legal obligation incumbent on a given entity or a group of entities to carry out specific tasks, arising from the law or strategic documents, in particular in the case of a competition monopoly,
prior direct identification of specific projects - in a manner ensuring transparency of such identification - in the operational programme (the list of large projects in accordance with Article 100 of the Framework Regulation, projects negotiated in the territorial contract, development strategy, documents prepared for the ex-ante conditionalities and having a positive opinion of the relevant MA based on criteria indicated by the MA).
Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority the use of support, first of all, in the form of grants as well as of financial instruments is planned. The use of financial instruments or a combination of grants and support in the form of financial instruments is considered with regard to interventions concerning support to entrepreneurs. Specific arrangements concerning the level of engagement of financial instruments, indicating the types of instruments and their possible coupling with support in the form of financial instruments, as well as the conditions for the use of such type of support are presented in the particularization of the operational programme based on the results of the analysis required in Article 37 of the General Regulation. The MA has carried out one of the planned experts’ studies for the needs of the ex-ante evaluation referred to in Article 37 of the General Regulation.
Planned use of major projects At the stage of the programme preparation, no major projects contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives of the investment priority have been identified.
Table 5. Common and programme-specific result indicators
Target value Measureme Category of Source of Frequency of No. Indicator Fund (2023) nt unit region data reporting
M W T (30) Additional capacity to ERDF less 1. generate energy from MW - - 40 SL2014 annually developed renewable sources
ERDF less 20 2. (34) Estimated annual tonnes of - - SL2014 annually reduction of greenhouse CO2 developed 000
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gases emission equivalent
Number of units generating ERDF less 3. item - - 670 SL2014 annually electricity from RES developed
Number of units generating ERDF less 4. item - - 1330 SL2014 annually heat energy from RES developed
Length of built/ rebuilt ERDF less 5. km 460 SL2014 annually power networks developed
Thematic objective 4. Supporting the shift towards a low-carbon economy in all sectors Investment Priority 4b. Promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in enterprises
Specific objective Enhanced energy efficiency in enterprises (SMEs)
Results that the Member State Delivery of the intervention will contribute to a reduction of seeks to achieve with Union energy-intensity of the economy through a more efficient support energy use, thus increasing the sector’s contribution to the building of a low-carbon economy. At the same time, an additional effect of a decreased demand for energy will be a reduction of the enterprises’ operating costs and this will foster their competitive edge on the market.
Table 3. Programme-specific result indicators
Target Measurement Category Baseline Baseline Source of Frequency of No. Indicator value unit of region value year data reporting (2023)
Electrical energy consumption per less 1. GWh 0.106 2012 0.083 GUS annually PLN 1 million developed GDP
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported Under the investment priority support will be channelled to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises which also show a considerable potential as regards possible application of solutions enhancing energy efficiency and increasing the share of renewable energy in total consumption. Projects supported under this investment priority will have to demonstrate their favourable impact on the environment, shown in the form of specific objectives, such as a reduction of demand for natural resources, including e.g. for energy or heat, and also a reduction of water consumption or waste heat utilisation. Reduction of energy consumption levels by enterprises receiving support should also help to reduce emission of pollutants to the air and, in effect, improve the quality of air in the region. Under this investment priority support may be provided purposes to the following: profound upgrading of buildings in energy terms, 89
implementation of energy-efficient production technologies (electricity, water, heat, cooling) introduction of energy management systems building, expanding and upgrading of high-efficiency RES installations, including cogeneration installations (as an integral part of an enterprise or a production system) upgrading and expanding production lines to make same more energy-efficient. Within the framework of the national-level intervention, support is planned to be granted to an establishment of a countrywide system of advisory support to enterprises, which can also enhance interest in actions intended to improve energy efficiency and in an introduction of innovative technologies. In addition, the intervention is expected to direct support to investments in the development of energy- efficient and passive construction. This support will be targeted exclusively at demonstration, pilot. Such projects will be aimed at raising awareness about the economic benefits of such solutions in the construction industry, while promoting them from the point of view of climate protection. Projects supported under the investment priority will contribute to the implementation of the specific objective through possible financing of investments of a very wide and comprehensive scope of intervention and the application of preferential financing mechanisms addressed to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. As a result, lower costs of operation of such entities will have a potential impact on their enhanced market competitiveness. This IP will also contribute, though to a more limited extent than in the case of other TO4 priorities, to the low-carbon economy development.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups 1. enterprises (SMEs) 2. entities implementing financial instruments The target group of the intervention under the priority will be micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises investing in the improvement of the energy efficiency of the enterprise’s operation and use of RES in it. The groups of beneficiaries eligible for applying for project grants under the individual support areas will be listed in the particularisation document.
Territorial coverage of support The support will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located both in urban and rural areas.
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed
The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of the Programme objectives and broader strategies and result. The precondition for the implementation of projects will be the carrying out of energy audits which will serve, inter alia, to the identification of the optimal set of actions to increase energy efficiency in a given enterprise.
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In the process of project selection, in addition to the assessment of the energy efficiency measures achieved, combined with the environmental effects, financial results of the action in question for the enterprise will also be analysed. Preference will be given to projects that increase energy efficiency above 60%, while projects in the field of profound, comprehensive energy modernization increasing energy efficiency below 25% will not be eligible for funding. Effects (indicators) of projects concerning: a reduction in final energy consumption in the projects, the amount of heat energy savings and the amount of saved electricity, will be monitored during the implementation phase and made available as supplementary information in the annual report monitoring data. In the case of projects with high-efficiency cogeneration, support will be granted to constructions, justified in economic terms, of new installations with the lowest possible CO2 emissions and other air pollutants. The new installations should achieve at least a 10% increase in energy efficiency, as compared to separate production of heat and electricity using the best available technology. In addition, any reconstruction of the existing facilities for high-efficiency cogeneration must result in a reduction of CO2 by at least 30% for the existing plants. Projects should, where appropriate, prevent energy poverty. Support will be granted to projects using renewable energy sources. Projects should be conditional on making investments improving energy efficiency and reducing energy demand in buildings for which energy is supplied from the supported installation while ensuring that investments are based on the useful heat demand. Any investment should be in line with EU standards and regulations in terms of environmental protection. In addition, a demonstration character and possibility of using solutions applied in the project by other entrepreneurs will also be taken into account. The project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability, as well as consistency with the principles of sustainable development, equality between men and women and non-discrimination. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency.
The investment priority envisages, first of all, the application of the competitive mode of project selection.
Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority the use of support, first of all, in the form of grants as well as of financial instruments is planned. The use of financial instruments or a combination of grants and support in the form of financial instruments is considered with regard to interventions concerning investment support for SMEs. Specific arrangements concerning the level of engagement of financial instruments, indicating the types of instruments and their possible coupling with support in the form of financial instruments, as well as the conditions for the use of such type of support will be presented in the particularization of the operational programme based on the results of the analysis mentioned in Article 37 of the General Regulation. The Managing Authority will select the entity / entities implementing financial instruments (the beneficiary of operations) after a decision on contributing to the instrument / financial instruments.
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The MA has carried out one of the planned experts’ studies for the needs of the ex-ante evaluation referred to in Article 37 of the General Regulation.
Planned use of major projects At the stage of the programme preparation, no major projects contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives of the investment priority have been identified.
Table 5. Common and programme-specific output indicators
Target value Measureme Category of Source of Frequency of No. Indicator Fund (2023) nt unit region data reporting
M W T (1) Number of enterprises 1. enterprises ERDF less developed - - 190 SL2014 annually receiving support
(34) Estimated annual tonnes of 14 2. reduction of greenhouse CO2 ERDF less developed - - SL2014 annually 000 gases emission equivalent
Thematic objective 4. Supporting the shift towards a low-carbon economy in all sectors Investment priority 4c. Supporting energy efficiency, smart energy management and renewable energy use in public infrastructure, including in public buildings, and in the housing sector
Enhanced energy efficiency in the housing and public Specific objective utility sectors. Results that the Member State The result of the intervention will be a substantial seeks to achieve with Union improvement of the resource efficiency of the region’s support economy. The specific objective will be accomplished in broad terms since the intervention under this Priority Axis is comprehensive in nature. Actions delivered will contribute to an improvement of the system of resource-efficient use and generation of energy, increased use of RES and thus to a reduced consumption of conventional fuels, resulting in a considerable reduction of emission of pollutants and greenhouse gases.
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Table 3. Programme-specific result indicators
Target Measurement Category of Baseline Baseline Source of Frequency of No. Indicator value unit region value year data reporting (2023)
Seale of heat energy for less 13 622 14 542 1. municipal and GJ 2012 GUS annually developed 989 727 household use of buildings
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported Improved energy efficiency is central to a reduction of the economy’s emission levels and, further, there are sectors where investment has largest potential for energy saving. The fact that under these interventions focus is placed on these areas stems also from the energy-saving commitments undertaken both on the Union37and national38 levels. Support under this Priority Axis will be addressed to entities operating in the housing and public utility sectors as ones with the highest overall consumption of energy in total. Actions addressed to the housing and public utility sectors will involve, above all, a profound comprehensive upgrading of buildings in terms of energy using RES installations. The key aspect of delivery will be to accomplish the assumed pro-environmental effect in the form of the amount of energy saved relative to the financial expenditure planned. Therefore, the precondition for the commencement of such investment projects should be the carrying out of an energy audit, drafting of energy-saving programmes and cost-effectiveness analyses, followed by a profound comprehensive upgrading in energy terms, including, among other things: thermal insulation of a building, replacement of windows, external doors and lighting with energy-saving ones; reconstruction of heating systems (along with a replacement and connection of a heat source), ventilation and air-conditioning systems, use of weather compensation appliances and building management systems; building or upgrading of internal receiving installations and liquidation of the existing heat sources, connecting to the heating network, installation of microgeneration, microtrigeneration, high-efficiency cogeneration installations to serve the building’s purposes, use of RES technologies in buildings; installation of cooling systems, including ones using RES. Such actions would serve as a basis for a wider-scale application of such solutions as “energy islands”, namely almost self-reliant areas in terms of energy supply (the areas of cities/towns, municipalities, city districts, technology parks).
37 Directive 2006/32/ECof the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2006 on energy end-use efficiency and energy services and repealing Council Directive 93/76/EEC 38National Action Plan related to energy efficiency
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The intervention on the national level is planned to support establishment of a countrywide system of advisory support for the public and housing sectors, which can also encourage interest in actions working towards the improvement of the energy efficiency as well assign an introduction of innovative technologies. Additionally, support addressed to investing in energy-saving and passive building development planned under the interventions. The support will be addressed exclusively to demonstration pilot projects. The projects will be aimed at disseminating knowledge on economic benefits resulting from the use of such solutions in buildings, while at the same time promoting them from the point of view of climate protection. In the case of projects with high-efficiency cogeneration, support will be granted to constructions, justified in economic terms, of new installations with the lowest possible CO2 emissions and other air pollutants. The new installations should achieve at least a 10% increase in energy efficiency, as compared to separate production of heat and electricity using the best available technology. In addition, any reconstruction of the existing facilities for high-efficiency cogeneration must result in a reduction of CO2 by at least 30% for the existing plants. Investment support is allowed for highly efficient plants burning fossil fuels, provided that these installations do not replace low-emission devices, and other alternative solutions would be less efficient and more emissive. Support may be granted for investments in biomass-burning heat sources or using gaseous fuels, but only in particularly justified cases, where a significant increase in energy efficiency will be achieved and where there is a particularly urgent need. Investments in individual heating devices (individual heat sources) must contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and other air pollutants, and to significantly increase energy savings. These investments can be supported only when connecting to the district heating network in the area is not economically justified. Preference should be given to financial instruments for these investments. Projects supported under the investment priority will contribute to the accomplishment of the specific objective, first of all, through a comprehensive approach under actions delivered in this sector which shows extremely high energy intensity. The result of the planned support will contribute to increased energy efficiency of the economy, as well as to the reduction of emissions in this sector.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups
1. territorial Self-Government Units (TSUs), unions between and associations of TSUs 2. organisational units of TSUs having legal personality 3. scientific units 4. higher schools 5. housing co-operatives and tenants’ associations 6. cultural institutions 7. healthcare entities operating within the public healthcare system 8. non-governmental organizations 9. churches and religious associations and legal persons of churches and religious associations 10. entities implementing financial instruments. The main target groups of the intervention under the priority axis include the region’s residents and institutions and entities interested in the improvement of the energy efficiency of the housing and public infrastructure.
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The groups of beneficiaries eligible for applying for project grants under the individual support areas will be listed in the particularisation document.
Territorial coverage of support The support will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located both in urban and rural areas. With regard to the actions planned in the area of improvement of the energy efficiency use will be also made of a territorial development instrument, namely the subregional development programme (instrument dedicated to interventions within functional subregions, i.e. the region's areas of strategic intervention). At the same time, support for the improvement of the energy efficiency will also cover interventions concentrated on the Kraków Functional Area - the Kraków Metropolis (Area of Strategic Intervention). Supporting the above ASI will be promoted by setting aside a financial allocation to support the region's capital city and its functional area delivered through integrated territorial investments.
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of the Programme objectives and broader strategies and result. The precondition for the implementation of projects will be carrying out of energy audits which will serve, inter alia, to acquire relevant knowledge about the profile of energy consumption of a given building or a complex or buildings and will identify and quantify the possible economically effectives energy efficiency and viable technology solutions, installations and devices (e.g. the use of thermostats). In addition, other results accomplished will also be decisive for support to such projects, including environmental effects, with regard to planned financial outlays. Preference will be given to projects concerning profound, comprehensive modernization of energy increasing energy efficiency by more than 60%, while projects that increase energy efficiency below 25% will not be eligible for funding. The condition for supporting projects for a comprehensive, profound modernization of the energy performance of buildings will also be a need for individual meters of heat, hot water and cooling. Additionally, there is an obligation to install thermostats and control valves if this is the result of a conducted energy audit. Effects (indicators) of projects’ implementation concerning: the reduction in final energy consumption in the projects, the amount of heat energy savings and the amount of saved electricity, will be monitored during the implementation phase and made available as supplementary information in the annual report, video monitoring. In addition, support under the intervention is planned to be primarily addressed to projects which encompass a comprehensive thermo-modernisation of buildings of significant social function. In the area of health projects, thermo-modernisation projects may relate only to facilities with which they will be justified in the context of the maps of health needs developed by the Ministry of Health. Regarding cogeneration, support under the programme may be granted only to projects assuring as the lowest level of CO2 and other air pollutants’ emissions. Projects should be economically viable and, if appropriate, prevent energy poverty. Priority should be given to projects that use renewable energy sources. Projects should be conditioned on making investments improving energy efficiency and 95
reducing energy demand in buildings for which energy is supplied from the supported installation while ensuring that investments are based on the useful heat demand. Any investment should be in line with EU standards and regulations in terms of environmental protection. The exchange of individual heat sources can be supported in investing in plants with the lowest emissions of CO2 and other air pollutants. Supported projects must result in a reduction of CO2 by at least 30% for the existing plants. Investments in this sector are long-term in nature and therefore should comply with the relevant EU standards and regulations for environmental protection. Supported heating devices should, from the beginning of the programming period, be characterized by the minimum level of the energy efficiency and emissions standards in force from the end of 2020, as specified in the measures implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of 21 October 2009 establishing a framework for ecodesign requirements for energy-related products. Projects should economically and socially viable and, where appropriate, prevent energy poverty. Priority should be given to supported projects that use renewable energy sources. Support should be conditioned on making investments improving energy efficiency and limiting the demand for energy in buildings where energy is used with supported devices. Any investment should be in line with EU standards and regulations for environmental protection. In certain areas, having the low-carbon economy plans in place will be the condition for the granting of support to projects. The co-financing of actions aimed at improving energy efficiency will comply with the government document, i.e. a long-term strategy of support to investments into the regeneration of national resources of residential and utility buildings, both public and private. In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability, as well as consistency with the principles of sustainable development, equality between men and women and non-discrimination. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency. Under the investment priority both the competitive mode of project selection and a special mechanism of project selection based on a subregional path as a special form of the competitive mode, are envisaged in the area of thermo-modernisation of public buildings. The non-competitive mode, in particular in the area of interventions of regional importance, complies with the Partnership Agreement and is justified in particular by: a legal obligation incumbent on a given entity or a group of entities to carry out specific tasks, arising from the law or strategic documents, in particular in the case of a competition monopoly,
prior direct identification of specific projects - in a manner ensuring transparency of such identification - in the operational programme (the list of large projects in accordance with Article 100 of the Framework Regulation, projects negotiated in the territorial contract, development strategy, documents prepared for the ex-ante conditionalities and having a positive opinion of the relevant MA based on criteria indicated by the MA). In addition, the special mechanism of integrated territorial investment is planned to be used in the above support area within the territory of the Krakow Functional Area. The mechanism is based on negotiations and arrangements between the municipalities associated within the ITI mechanism, provided that the issue concerned is covered by the corresponding ITI strategy – in such a case the
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application of the non-competitive mode involving the delivery of strategic projects will be possible within the formula of strategic projects.
Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority the use of support, first of all, in the form of grants as well as of financial instruments is planned. The use of financial instruments or a combination of grants and support in the form of financial instruments is considered with regard to interventions concerning support for investments aimed at building multi-family housing. Specific arrangements concerning the level of engagement of financial instruments, indicating the types of instruments and their possible coupling with non-repayable support, as well as the conditions for the use of such type of support will be presented in the particularization of the operational programme based on the results of the analysis required in Article 37 of the General Regulation. The Managing Authority will select the entity / entities implementing financial instruments (the beneficiary of operations) after a decision on contributing to the instrument / financial instruments. The MA has carried out one of the planned experts’ studies for the needs of the ex-ante evaluation referred to in Article 37 of the General Regulation.
Planned use of major projects At the stage of the programme preparation, no major projects contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives of the investment priority have been identified.
Table 5. Common and programme-specific result indicators
Measurement Category of Target value (2023) Source Frequency No. Indicator Fund unit region of data of reporting
M W T (31) Number of households with less 1. buildings ERDF - - 5800 SL2014 annually higher class of developed energy use
(32) Reducing the annual primary less 1 990 2. energy kWh / year ERDF - - SL2014 annually developed 000 consumption in public buildings
Number of buildings with less 3. better class of item ERDF - - 48 SL2014 annually developed energy consumption
(34) Estimated annual decline in tons of CO2 less 4. ERDF - - 3 000 SL2014 annually greenhouse gas equivalent developed emissions
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Thematic objective 4. Supporting the shift towards a low-carbon economy in all sectors Investment priority 4e. Promoting low-carbon strategies for all types of territories, in particular for urban areas, including the promotion of sustainable multimodal urban mobility and mitigation-relevant adaptation measures
Specific objective Increased use of low-carbon public transport and other environmentally friendly forms of urban mobility
Results that the Member State The priority investment will help to increase the role of public seeks to achieve with Union transport as an alternative to individual transport in cities and support their functional areas, by creating conditions for building efficient, friendly to travellers, green and integrated transport systems in the region. In addition, intervention will be a contribution to the creation of communication agglomeration nodes, distributing sub-regional communication - in this case it could also be a factor supporting the development of sub- regional centres and a factor of creating effective transport links in urban and rural areas aimed at increasing the mobility of those living outside urban areas. Promoting clean urban transport is also a way to address the greater and greter problem of cities, the problem of excessive congestion routes, both inside them, and those leading directly to them.
Table 3. Programme-specific result indicators
Target Measureme Category of Baseline Baseline Frequency of No. Indicator value Source of data nt unit region value year reporting (2023)
Transportation of passengers less 1. million/year 408.4 2012 417 CSO annually by public developed transport
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported Within the investment priority, in the areas for sustainable urban transport, investments will be aimed at strengthening the urban transport systems, including public transport in cities and in areas functionally related. Support within the investment priority will concern, in particular: purchase of means of transport for urban use and related areas of functionality - an environmentally friendly, new bus fleet accessible for people with reduced mobility. It is also possible to modernize rolling stock for the limitation of emissions of harmful substances, an important complement to investments in urban transport infrastructure may be projects related to construction of installations for the distribution of bio-components and biofuels or other energy carriers for transport, and the adjustment of technical facilities for maintenance and operation of eco-bus fleet. 98
ticket vending machines. The projects could also affect the operation of solutions to improve urban transport, increasing the availability and speed of movement with the transport, including: investments in solutions aimed at integrating different modes of transport, such as: interchange nodes (centres) and Park & Ride systems (also for the rapid suburban railway network), joint fares, organization and coordination of schedules, solutions for traffic arrangements to facilitate the efficient movement of public transport vehicles (e.g. construction of the so-called bus lanes, investment in equipment and solutions in the field of telematic traffic management systems) projects related to the construction / reconstruction of regional, district and municipal roads leading to interchanges and Park & Ride sites only as a necessary and complementary (non- dominant) element of projects, investments and solutions for the implementation of the restricted zone of transport emissions. It is also possible to implement infrastructure projects in the creation of facilities for cycling, including the development of systems of roads / trails / paths for bicycles and accompanying links with public, individual transport and pedestrian traffic. The investment priority also allows the modernization of street lighting in terms of increasing its energy efficiency. Investments in infrastructure will not cover repair work, as well as will not be applicable to the current infrastructure maintenance. Purchased / modernized fleet, as well as all infrastructure solutions within the framework of the projects will take into account the needs of persons with reduced mobility. Part of the project may be always a component of environmental education, which aims at promoting the use of public transport, cycling or pedestrian traffic, as an alternative to private vehicles.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups Major groups of beneficiaries: 1. territorial self-government units, their unions and associations 2. organizational units within local government units with legal personality 3. enterprises The target group of support will be all users of the transport infrastructure and rolling stock, supported by EU funds. At the level of the particularising document, groups of beneficiaries who will be able to apply for funding of projects in specific areas of support will be further specified.
Territorial coverage of support Support will cover interventions for the whole region, and investments will be localized in urban areas, as well as there will be supplementary ones in rural areas functionally linked to them. 99
At the same time, in relation to the planned activities, the instrument of territorial development is expected to be used, i.e. the sub-regional development program (a dedicated instrument of intervention in the framework of functional sub-regions - areas of strategic intervention of the region). With respect to the above scope of intervention, support will also include interventions focused within the Krakow functional area, the Metropolitan area of Krakow. In this regard, the Strategic Intervention Area was identified as the Krakow Metropolis. The mechanism promoting the support of the above the SIA will be isolated from the financial allocation for the support of the regional capital and its functional area, as implemented in the ITI formula.
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed Investment in urban transport in the framework of the IP 4e will contribute to achieving a low-carbon and sustainable mobility in cities. They must stem from plans prepared by local governments, which make reference to the issue of the transition to greener and sustainable transport systems in cities. The role of such documents may serve as low-carbon economy plans or ITI strategies, the documents must contain elements of the plans of urban mobility. These documents should identify local conditions and directions of the planned interventions in a given area and, depending on the needs identified ,include references or indicate the appropriate applicable documents containing references to such issues as such. Collective passenger transport, non-motorized transport, the use of intelligent transport systems (ITS), logistics city, road safety in cities, implementing new usage patterns or the promotion of clean and energy efficient vehicles (clean fuels and vehicles). Investments in urban transport in the framework of the IP 4e must also meet the following conditions: investments implemented within the ROP will be complementary to the investments being made in the relevant national operational programmes. In the case of regional cities and related functional areas, the ITI Strategy is an instrument of coordination, investments in local or regional roads can be financed only as necessary and complementary (non- dominant) elements of a project for sustainable urban mobility. Independent projects concerning road infrastructure will not be accepted within the IP 4e. if the plans or strategic documents or the cost-benefit analysis related to sustainable urban mobility prove the need for the purchase of buses, the purchase of vehicles that meet at least emission standard of Euro 6 is allowed. Priority will however be given to the purchase of vehicles with alternative propulsion systems (electric, hybrid, biofuels, hydrogen, etc.) the purchase of low-carbon bus fleet may be accompanied by investments necessary for the proper functioning of sustainable mobility infrastructure - preference for this type of projects is envisaged. The basis for the selection of projects for funding will be the assessment made on the basis of the selection criteria considered and approved by the monitoring committee to ensure the optimal selection of projects from the point of view of implementation of specific objectives and achieving results. Within the system of evaluation of projects, the following factors will be examined: the project's contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the improvement of the environment in urban areas, the impact on reducing traffic congestion in the city, the value socio- economic value of the project.
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The project selection criteria will be developed taking into account in particular such aspects as objectivity, accuracy, measurability, consistency and separation, and compliance with the principles of sustainable development, gender equality and non-discrimination. The selection of projects will focus primarily on ensuring the following: the effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of the assessment and procedural efficiency. Within the investment priority, a special mechanism is primarily expected to be used, based on the sub-regional path, as a form of the competition mode. In addition, the above-mentioned area of support is expected to use a special mechanism in the Krakow functional area, i.e. an integrated territorial investment, based on a formula negotiated and agreed by communes belonging to the ITI association, provided for the inclusion of the issue in the ITI strategy - in this case, it will be possible to apply the non-competitive mode, in the formula of strategic projects, bearing in mind that the use of this mode is justified in particular with regard to: a legal duty to carry out certain tasks by a given entity or a group of entities, pursuant to the provisions of the law or strategic documents, in particular in the case of a monopoly of competence, earlier direct identification of specific projects - in a way that ensures transparency in identifying them - in the operational program (projects identified in the ITI strategy, and a positive opinion by the MA, on the basis of the criteria indicated by the MA).
Planned use of financial instruments As part of the investment priority support will be granted only in the form of non-repayable grants and the use of financial instruments is not envisaged.
Planned use of major projects At the stage of preparing the programme, no major projects that contribute to achieving specific objectives of the investment priority were identified.
Table 5. Common and program-specific output indicators
Measurement Category of Target value (2023) Source Frequency No. Indicator Fund unit region of data of reporting
M W T Number of passenger rolling stock units less 1. item ERDF - - 70 SL2014 annually purchased in public developed transport
Number of constructed "Park & Ride" less 2. item ERDF - - 16 SL2014 annually facilities / integrated developed Interchanges
Length of bicycle less 3. km ERDF - - 60 SL2014 annually paths developed
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Thematic objective 4. Supporting the shift towards a low-carbon economy in all sectors Investment priority 4e. Promoting low-carbon strategies for all types of territories, in particular for urban areas, including the promotion of sustainable multimodal urban mobility and mitigation-relevant adaptation measures
Specific objective Decreased level of low emission in the region
Results that the Member State The result of the intervention planned under the investment seeks to achieve with Union priority will be completion of actions supporting the shift to a support low carbon economy. This will be achieved by investing in the area of improving energy efficiency, reduction of emission of selected sectors while obtaining improved air quality.
Table 3. Programme-specific result indicators
Target Measureme Category of Baseline Baseline Frequency of No. Indicator value Source of data nt unit region value year reporting (2023)
Małopolska PM 10 emission less Region Air 1. Mg/year 31 877 2011 22 873 annually level developed Protection Programme
Małopolska PM 2.5 less Region Air 2. Mg/year 27 352 2011 19 656 annually emission level developed Protection Programme
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported In the years to come, Małopolska will face a challenge of improving the quality of air, in particular in terms of the low emission standards which are now largely exceeded. Considering the conclusions and recommendations arising from the Air Protection Programme for the Małopolska Region, the intervention should focus, above all, on the replacement of heat sources in individual households and development of heating networks. Support may be granted for investments in biomass-burning heat sources or those using gaseous fuels, but only in particularly justified cases, where a significant increase in energy efficiency will be achieved and where there is a particularly urgent need. As regards the heating networks, support will focus on the construction, development and modernisation of the networks in areas where such investments are justified and feasible. Investments in district heating networks will be implemented subject to the approval of such support by the relevant provisions of the Partnership Agreement. Support will focus chiefly on the area having low-carbon economy plans already developed. Actions delivered under the investment priority will be complementary to actions taken on the national level with respect to the building, expanding and upgrading of district heating networks as well as replacing heat sources.
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Investments in individual heating devices (individual heat sources) must contribute to reducing emissions of CO2 and other air pollutants, and significantly increase energy savings. These investments can be supported only when connected to the district heating network in the area is not economically justified. Considering the scale of the problem of air pollution in the region, resulting from the so-called near-ground emissions, a substantial portion of the allocation under the Investment Priority is planned to be invested in the implementation of projects working towards a removal of the sources of such pollution. In addition, in order to achieve the best possible environmental effect of implementation of the action, a separate co-financing path is planned to be adopted for such projects. Given the fact that the key sources of pollution are individual heating systems in the housing sector, the final customers under the project would be, among others, residents and legal persons. Introduction of a separate procedure would involve a possibility of settling any works carried out directly by the individual final customers under the project, referred to above, based on bills issued to them, as third parties, with an assumption that the beneficiary of the support granted are Territorial Self-Government Units. Also, provision of such a support to the individual final customers through the use of financial instruments could be possible. Adoption of the solution referred to above means that the project would be settled based on the expenses incurred by a third party rather than the project beneficiary. In such a situation the ownership title of the items purchased (boilers, kilns, heating installations) would, since the start, be held by the project’s final customers and not by the project beneficiary. In order to ensure, among other things, sustainability of the project results a solution will be introduced whereby agreements will be entered into between the project beneficiary and the final users. Having regard to the importance of the role played by the environmental awareness of various areas influencing improvement of the quality of life, support is planned for actions related to information and promotion, e.g. in the area of rising the awareness of energy saving possibilities, improvement of air quality. The projects supported under the investment priority will contribute to the accomplishment of the specific result through the improvement of the quality of air as a result of the elimination of main pollution sources. In view of the fact that the levels of air pollution (PM10, PM2,5) in the region are ranked among the highest in Poland, the intervention in this area is totally justified. The results of the actions undertaken will be the improvement of the quality of human life, in the health area, as well as the improved condition of ecosystems.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups 1. territorial self-government units (TSUs), unions between and associations of TSUs 2. organisational units of TSUs having legal personality 3. scientific units 4. higher schools 5. housing co-operatives and tenants’ associations 6. cultural institutions 7. healthcare entities operating within the public healthcare system 8. non-governmental organisations 9. churches and religious associations and legal persons of churches and religious associations 10. entities implementing financial instruments.
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The main target group of the interventions under the priority axis will be the region’s residents, including in particular the residents of the areas with most unfavourable conditions in terms of the air quality and air pollution. The groups of beneficiaries eligible for applying for project grants under the individual support areas will be listed in the particularisation document.
Territorial coverage of support The support will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban areas and, in addition, in the rural areas having functional links with the former. As regards the actions planned to reduce emissions of pollutants from the municipal and household sector, a territorial development instrument, namely the sub-regional development programme (instrument dedicated to interventions within functional sub-regions, i.e. the region's areas of strategic intervention) is planned to be used. At the same time, support for the reduction of emission of pollutants from the municipal and household sector will also cover interventions concentrated on the Krakow Functional Area - the Krakow Metropolis (Area of Strategic Intervention). Supporting the above ASI will be promoted by setting aside a financial allocation to support the region's capital city and its functional area delivered through integrated territorial investments.
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of broader strategic objectives and the result. A precondition of the implementation of projects will be the development of the low-carbon economy plans for actions concerning the improvement of quality of air, i.e. the replacement of heating sources and the development of the heating network. Supported projects must result in a reduction of CO2 by at least 30%, as compared to the existing plants. Projects should be economically viable and socially and, where appropriate, prevent energy poverty. Priority should be given to supporting projects that use renewable energy sources. Support should be conditional on making investments improving energy efficiency and reducing energy demand in buildings where energy from supported devices is used. Investments in this sector are long-term in nature and therefore should comply with the relevant EU standards and regulations for environmental protection. The supported heating devices should be characterised, from the beginning of the programming period, by the minimum level of energy efficiency and emissions standards in force from the end of 2020, as specified in the measures implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of 21 October 2009 establishing a framework for the requirements for energy-related products. The key in the evaluation of projects will be the criterion of cost-effectiveness and those achieved in conjunction with environmental effects in relation to the planned funding. The project selection criteria will be developed taking into account in particular such aspects as objectivity, accuracy, measurability, consistency and separation, and compliance with the principles of sustainable development, gender equality and non-discrimination. The selection of projects will focus
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primarily on ensuring the following: the effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of the assessment and procedural efficiency. Within the investment priority, a special mechanism is primarily expected to be used, based on the sub-regional path, as a form of the competition mode. In addition, the above-mentioned area of support is expected to use a special mechanism in the Krakow functional area, i.e. an integrated territorial investment, based on a formula negotiated and agreed by communes belonging to the ITI association, provided for the inclusion of the issue in the ITI strategy - in this case. The use of the non-competitive mode, in the formula of strategic projects, bearing in mind that the use of this mode is justified in particular with regard to: a legal duty to carry out certain tasks by a given entity or a group of entities, pursuant to the provisions of the law or strategic documents, in particular in the case of a monopoly of competence, prior direct identification of specific projects - in a manner ensuring transparency of such identification - in the operational programme (the list of large projects in accordance with Article 100 of the Framework Regulation, projects negotiated in the territorial contract, development strategy, documents prepared for the ex-ante conditionalities and having a positive opinion of the relevant MA based on criteria indicated by the MA).
Planned use of financial instruments As part of the investment priority support will be granted only in the form of grants. Preference should be given to support for the use of financial instruments as well as through energy service companies (ESCOs). The use of financial instruments or a combination of grants and support in the form of financial instruments are considered with regard to interventions concerning support by financial entities to final users interested in the liquidation of non-ecological heating sources. Such a solution will be applied in the event if the territorial self-government units on a given territory do not decide to apply for the funding to reduce low emission from individual households. Specific arrangements concerning the level of engagement of financial instruments, indicating the types of instruments and their possible coupling with support in the form of financial instruments, as well as the conditions for the use of such type of support will be presented in the particularization of the operational programme based on the results of the analysis required in Article 37 of the General Regulation. The MA has carried out one of the planned experts’ studies for the needs of the ex-ante evaluation referred to in Article 37 of the General Regulation.
Planned use of major projects At this stage of work, no major projects contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives of the investment priority have been identified.
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Table 5. Common and programme-specific result indicators
Target value Measure Category Source of Frequency of No. Indicator Fund (2023) ment unit of region data reporting
M W T Number of upgraded heat less 1. item ERDF - - 19 950 SL2014 annually sources developed
tonnes of (34) Estimated reduction of less 2. CO ERDF - - 93 760 SL2014 annually greenhouse gases emission 2 developed equivalent
Thematic objective 6. Promoting adaptation to climate change, risk prevention and risk management Investment priority 6e. Taking up initiatives aimed at improving the quality of urban environment, urban renewal, reclamation and decontamination of brownfield sites (including post-military areas), reducing air pollution and promoting measures aimed at reducing noise
Specific objective Reduced levels of air pollution in the region
Results that the Member State The result of the intervention planned under the investment seeks to achieve with Union support priority will be improvement of the air quality on the areas most threatened with pollution. Support granted to a liquidation of near-ground emission sources will result in a reduction of concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter. Support under the Investment Priority will focus on actions envisaged in the Air Protection Programme based on survey of the sources of pollution required to be carried out in order to deliver the actions and establish their financial scope. The result of the actions taken will improve the quality of life for people, as well as improve the health of ecosystems.
Table 3. Programme-specific output indicators
Target Measurement Category of Baseline Baseline Frequency of No. Indicator value Source of data unit region value year reporting (2023)
Małopolska PM 10 less Region Air 1. Mg/year 31 877 2011 22 873 annually emission level developed Protection Programme
Małopolska PM 2.5 less Region Air 2. Mg/year 27 352 2011 19 656 annually emission level developed Protection Programme
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A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported In recent years, the region has recorded exceedances of permitted levels of many pollutants, including particulate matter PM10, PM2.5, benzo (a) pyrene, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide. Residents of the region’s areas with persistence of high concentrations of pollutants in the air are exposed to a deterioration in the quality of health and quality of life. Targeting support to providing residents the opportunity to live in a healthy environment and breathing clean air is the main reason for regional and local activities related to the evaluation and improvement of air quality. In this area, intervention would be aimed at changing individual heating systems into greener ones. The aim of the intervention will limit the use of low-quality fuels, the use of devices with high efficiency and thereby reduce pollutant emissions. Investments should contribute to achieving the highest efficiency and lowest possible emissions of CO2 and other air pollutants (e.g. PM10, NOx). These investments can be supported only where connecting to the district heating network in the area is not economically justified. In addition, in order to achieve the greatest possible environmental effect as a result of the actions, a separate path financing such projects is planned to be adopted. Bearing in mind that the main sources of pollution are individual home heating systems, the final recipients of the project would be, among others, individual residents. The introduction of a separate procedure would be to consider the possibility of settling all the work done directly by the above individual final recipients of the project on the basis of receipts issued by them, as third parties, on the assumption that the beneficiary of the aid would be local government units. This does not exclude also the possibility of providing such support for individual end users through the use of financial instruments. Adoption of the solution referred to above means that the project would be settled based on the expenses incurred by a third party rather than the project beneficiary. In such a situation the ownership title of the items purchased (boilers, kilns, heating installations) would, since the start, be held by the project’s final customers and not by the project beneficiary. In order to ensure, among other things, sustainability of the project results a solution will be introduced whereby agreements will be entered into between the project beneficiary and the final users. Having regard to the importance of the role played by the environmental awareness of various areas influencing improvement of the quality of life, support is planned for actions related to information and promotion, e.g. in the area of rising the awareness of energy saving possibilities, improvement of air quality. The approach taken in improving the air quality cannot be divorced from other areas of intervention of the programme. These issues are horizontal and the impact on the reduction of pollutants will also have activities across the entire axis 4. Energy Policy. First of all, equally important will be the effect of the project in the field of environmentally-friendly urban transport development, low emission elimination by investing in biomass boilers and fuel gas as well as energy efficiency measures and the development of renewable energy sources. Considering the above, support under this priority will be focused on supporting activities in the field of low-carbon economy and thus improving the quality of the environment.
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Potential beneficiaries and target groups 1. territorial self-government units (TSUs), unions between and associations of TSUs 2. organisational units of TSUs having legal personality 3. scientific units 4. higher schools 5. housing co-operatives and tenants’ associations 6. cultural institutions 7. healthcare entities operating within the public healthcare system 8. non-governmental organisations 9. churches and religious associations and legal persons of churches and religious associations 10. entities implementing financial instruments. The main target group of the interventions under the priority axis will be the region’s residents, including in particular the residents of the areas with most unfavourable conditions in terms of the air quality and air pollution. The groups of beneficiaries eligible for applying for project grants under the individual support areas will be listed in the particularisation document.
Territorial coverage of support The support will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban areas and, in addition, in the rural areas having functional links with the former. Support may be granted only for projects in the zones of air protection programmes, where exceeded levels of PM10 were found. At the same time, in relation to the planned activities aimed at reducing emissions from the existentially-municipal sector, the use of territorial development instruments is anticipated, i.e. the sub-regional development program (a dedicated instrument of intervention in the framework of functional sub-regions - areas of strategic intervention of the region).
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of broader strategic objectives and the result. In the exchange of individual heat sources, investments with the least CO2 and PM10 emissions and the greatest energy efficiency can be supported. The supported heating devices should be characterised, from the beginning of the programming period, by the minimum level of energy efficiency and emissions standards in force from the end of 2020, as specified in the measures implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of 21 October 2009 establishing a framework for the requirements for energy-related products. Projects should be economically viable and socially and, where appropriate, prevent energy poverty. Priority should be given to supporting projects that use renewable energy sources. Support should be conditional on making investments improving energy efficiency and reducing energy demand in buildings where energy from supported devices is used. Any investment should be in line with EU standards and regulations in terms of environmental protection.
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Preference should be given to support for the use of financial instruments as well as through energy service companies (ESCOs). The key in the evaluation of projects will be the criterion of cost-effectiveness and in conjunction with environmental effects achieved in relation to the planned funding. The project selection criteria will be developed taking into account in particular such aspects as objectivity, accuracy, measurability, consistency and separation, and compliance with the principles of sustainable development, gender equality and non-discrimination. The selection of projects will focus primarily on ensuring the following: the effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of the assessment and procedural efficiency. Within the investment priority, a special mechanism is primarily expected to be used, based on the sub-regional path, as a form of the competition mode. Applying the non-competitive mode, particularly in the area of intervention of regional importance, is in accordance with the provisions of the Partnership Agreement and justified due to: a legal duty to carry out certain tasks by a given entity or a group of entities, pursuant to the provisions of the law or strategic documents, in particular in the case of a monopoly of competence, prior direct identification of specific projects - in a manner ensuring transparency of such identification - in the operational programme (projects identified in the ITI strategy and having a positive opinion of the relevant MA based on criteria indicated by the MA).
Planned use of financial instruments As part of the investment priority, support will be granted in the form of grants. The use of financial instruments or a combination of grants and support in the form of financial instruments are considered with regard to interventions concerning support by financial entities to final users interested in the liquidation of non-ecological heating sources. Such a solution will be applied in the event if the territorial self-government units on a given territory do not decide to apply for the funding to reduce low emission from individual households. Specific arrangements concerning the level of engagement of financial instruments, indicating the types of instruments and their possible coupling with support in the non-repayable form, as well as the conditions for the use of such type of support will be presented in the particularization of the operational programme based on the results of ex-ante evaluation, referred to in Art. 37 of the General Regulation. The Managing Authority will select the entity / entities implementing financial instruments (the beneficiary of operations) after a decision on contributing to the instrument / instruments. The MA has carried out one of the planned experts’ studies for the needs of the ex-ante evaluation referred to in Article 37 of the General Regulation.
Planned use of major projects At this stage of work, no major projects contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives of the investment priority have been identified.
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Table 5. Common and programme-specific result indicators
Target value Measure Category Source of Frequency of No. Indicator Fund (2023) ment unit of region data reporting
M W T Number of upgraded heat less 1. item ERDF - - 6 650 SL2014 annually sources developed
tonnes of (34) Estimated reduction of less 2. CO ERDF - - 16 200 SL2014 annually greenhouse gases emission 2 developed equivalent
Contribution to the implementation of thematic objective 4 The European Social Fund is an essential source of funding for the three priority axes of the Regional Operational Programme, i.e. priority axis 8 Labour market, Priority axis 9 Socially coherent region and priority axis 10 Knowledge and competences. Implementation of the measures under those axis directly or indirectly affect the implementation of the thematic objectives 1-7. Indirect impact on the achievement of the objective of the shift to a low carbon economy (Thematic objective 4) will have actions taken under: Priority axis 8. Labour market. Priority axis 10. Knowledge and competences. Key measures aimed at strengthening the effects of thematic objective 4 within thematic objective 10 in the case of vocational school students include taking into account in the process of teaching elements of improving their professional skills in the field e.g.: disciplines related to the development of renewable energy sources, energy management technologies, energy-efficient and passive construction.
Performance framework of the priority axis
Table 6. Performance framework of the priority axis
Final Explanation Milestone N Indicator or target Source of of relevance of (2018)
o. KIS Fund (2023) data indicator
Priority axis Priority
Indicator type Indicator
Measurement unit Measurement Category of region of Category
M W T M W T types of projects OI 1: Number of relating to output Output units generating 4 1. item ERDF less developed - - 0 - - 670 SL2014 indicator1 cover indicator1 electricity from 2.8% of priority RES axis allocation
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Estimated value of output indicator KIS relating not KIS for output 4 2. based on signed item ERDF less developed - - 382 - SL2014 to OI 1 applicable co-financing indicator1 agreements types of projects OI 2: Number of relating to output Output units generating 4 3. item ERDF less developed - - 0 - - 1330 SL2014 indicator2 cover indicator2 thermal energy 5.5% of priority from RES axis allocation Estimated value of output indicator KIS relating Not KIS for output 4 4. based on signed item ERDF less developed - - 758 - SL2014 to OI 1 co-financing applicable indicator2 agreements types of projects Number of relating to output Output buildings with 4 5. item ERDF less developed - - 9 - - 48 SL2014 indicator3 cover indicator3 better class of 16.7% of priority energy use axis allocation types of projects OI 4: Number of relating to output Output 4 6. upgraded heat item ERDF less developed - - 0 - - 26 600 SL2014 indicator4 cover indicator4 sources 21.4% of priority axis allocation Estimated value of output indicator KIS relating Not KIS for output 7. based on signed item ERDF less developed - - 6000 - - SL2014 to OI 4 applicable co-financing indicator4 agreements types of projects Length of relating to output Output built/remodelled 4 8. item ERDF less developed - - 115 - - 460 SL2014 indicator5 cover indicator5 electric power 7.1% of priority networks axis allocation the indicator measures the actual rate at Total amount of Financial which eligible 4 9. certified eligible EUR ERDF less developed - - 85 855 439 494 117 648 SL2014 indicator expenditure expenditure under projects is made and verified
Categories of intervention planned under the Priority Axis
Tables 7-11. Indicative list of categories of intervention planned to be used under the Priority
Fund and category of region: European Regional Development Fund, less developed region
Table 7: Table 8 Table 9: Table 10: Table 11 Dimension 1 Dimension 2 Dimension 3 Dimension 4 Dimension 6 Intervention field Form of finance Territory type Territorial delivery ESF secondary theme mechanisms (ESF only)
P Cod P Cod P Cod P Cod P Cod € € € € € A e A e A e A e A e
4 005 30 000 000 4 01 392 000 000 4 01 160 000 000 4 01 152 000 000
4 009 6 000 000 4 04 20 000 000 4 02 170 900 000 4 05 140 000 000
4 010 14 000 000 4 06 8 000 000 4 03 89 100 000 4 07 128 000 000
4 011 6 000 000
4 012 7 000 000
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4 013 70 000 000
4 014 26 000 000 4 016 12 000 000 4 043 115 000 000
4 044 5 000 000
4 068 11 000 000 4 069 8 000 000 4 083 90 000 000 4 090 20 000 000
The categories were assigned to individual dimensions assuming that each of the dimensions is independent of the others, which means that each amount allocated to the priority axis is assigned to the intervention categories envisaged in the respective dimension.
Planned use of technical assistance for the purpose of developing administrative capacity
The planned use of technical assistance has been described in the priority axis dedicated to technical assistance.
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PRIORITY AXIS 5. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
One of the challenges facing Małopolska in the near future is going to involve ensuring social and economic growth, effective use of environmental resources, improvement of the condition of the natural environment, simultaneous adaptation to climatic changes. In the context of climatic changes, and extreme weather conditions in particular, water management and measures that make it possible to prevent and strengthen resistance to hazards connected with negative effects of climatic changes should be considered one of the most important sectors in the region. Despite action taken over the recent years in order to ensure protection and a better condition of our natural environment, the needs as regards waste management, and water and wastewater management are still significant. They result from Poland’s need for satisfying accession obligations, and on the other – their satisfaction will bring about both positive economic effect, and better living standards. The main objective under this priority axis is to enhance environmental security, and ensure balance between the improvement of the condition of the natural environment, rational use of natural resources, and minimising adverse impact on the environment and its resources. The interventions undertaken under the priority axis will work towards achieving the objectives of the Partnership Agreement as regards adaptation of sectors that are sensitive to climatic changes. In the region concerned, they will focus mainly on reducing the risk of floods and droughts, while at the same time increasing the capacity of water retention reservoirs. The parallel investment will be aimed at protecting residents against movements of ground masses. Support will also be targeted at fostering efficient use of natural resources based on action taken within the framework of water and wastewater management , and waste management. Axis 5 combines investment priorities defined for two Thematic Objectives – TO5 & TO6. Such approach is justified by direct correlation between action taken in order to ensure high level of security for the residents of Małopolska, improve their standards of living and generate better economic effect. Maintaining balance in such an approach requires coherent and comprehensive management as regards access to natural resources, and taking action aimed at preventing and eliminating negative environmental impact of human activity. Interventions focused on a single axis will increase the effectiveness of planning and implementing actions, and ensure achievement of the objectives concerned.
Link between the Priority Axis and TOs, IPs and Funds
Thematic objective Investment priority Fund 5.Promoting climate 5b. Promoting investment to address specific risks, ensuring disaster resilience and ERDF change adaptation, developing disaster management systems risk prevention and management 6.Preserving and 6a. Investing in the waste sector to meet the requirements of the Union's environmental ERDF protecting the acquis and to address needs, identified by the Member States, for investment that goes environment and beyond those requirements promoting resource 6b. Investing in the water sector to meet the requirements of the Union's environmental ERDF efficiency acquis and to address needs, identified by the Member States, for investment that goes beyond those requirements
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Fund, category of region and calculation basis for Union support Fund European Regional Development Fund
Category of region less developed
Calculation basis (public or total total expenditure)
Category of region for outermost not applicable regions and northern sparsely populated regions (where applicable)
The following support areas are planned within the priority axis:
Thematic objective 5. Promoting climate change adaptation, risk prevention and management Investment priority 5b. Promoting investment to address specific risks, ensuring disaster resilience and developing disaster management systems
Specific objective Increased security of residents at risk of natural disasters
Results that the Member State The intervention concerned will contribute to the attainment of seeks to achieve with Union the specific objective of the investment priority by targeting support investment at particular types of risk within the region. The intervention will result in greater resistance to natural hazards through adequate infrastructural investment, and in supporting disaster management systems.
Table 3. Programme-specific result indicators
Target Measurement Category of Baseline Baseline Source of Frequency of No. Indicator value unit region value year data reporting (2023)
Central The capacity of less Statistical 1. small retention dam3 4 535.7 2013 74 150 annually developed Office reservoirs (GUS)
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported The effects of climatic changes over the recent decades have deepened and therefore become subject to international action. Given the specific features of the region, the most important actions from the point of view of adaptation to climatic changes include improving resilience to and preventing natural
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disasters such as floods or droughts. This is connected with varied incidence of rainfall on the one hand, and with the specific land relief that facilitates water outflow which is nearly twice as high as the Polish average, on the other. Measures taken in order to increase the capacities of small retention reservoirs are also insufficient. Water management is therefore one of the most significant problem sectors at which intervention should be aimed, involving mainly adaptation measures for situations of water surplus as well as deficit. The investment priority will involve all action which is regional and local in nature, and which is aimed at increasing the retention capacity of river valleys, such as the development of various forms of small retention, floodplains, and river renaturalization. The results of such actions will also have a direct impact on drought prevention. In addition, the said actions are supplementary to the tasks supported within the national systemic flood control. Support within this priority will be aimed both at preventing mass wasting whose incidence and range pose significant natural hazard in the region. In the context of risk and hazard management, strengthening the potential of the services that are key to ensuring the region’s security will be an important issue. It will involve replenishing the services’ equipment and providing additional competences regarding system and device operation (with the use of cross-financing). Support for the emergency services will be limited to 3.1 million (i.e. 10% of the TO 5 allocation). Support will be directed to areas at the greatest risk of the natural disaster and the and at ensuring the most important needs of rescue services, supplementing existing equipment. The said action will be supplemented with action aimed at creating and developing natural disaster monitoring and the system warning residents, that are key in enhancing human safety. Projects supported under the investment priority will contribute to the delivery of the specific objective by enhancing the effectiveness of the flood prevention system in the local dimension. In view of the fact that Małopolska is a region particularly threatened by floods, this direction seems completely justified. This result will be achieved thanks to the investments in developing small retention, as well as actions carried out by relevant services. Increasing the amount of water resources in retention along with activities for river renaturalization will at the same time result in the region’s greater resilience to droughts being a significant problem. In the context of mass wasting identified on a large area of the region, the co-financing to projects focused on prevention of such movement will increase the residents’ security and limit potential financial and material losses.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups 1. territorial self-government units (TSUs), unions between and associations of TSUs 2. organisational units of TSUs having legal personality 3. government administration 4. water companies 5. entrepreneurs 6. non-governmental organisations, social and business partners The main target group will comprise all the residents of the region, and the residents of areas with natural disaster hazard. The groups of beneficiaries eligible for applying for project grants under the individual support areas will be listed in the particularisation.
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Territorial cover age of support The support will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban and rural areas. As regards the planned scope of support, the identified Areas of Strategic Intervention include: Areas susceptible to landsliding (a separate allocation will be the mechanism supporting the above ASI will be encouraged by a mechanism involving a separate allocation), and water reservoirs and watercourses. (Supporting the above ASI will be encouraged by a mechanism of preferences within the framework of the project selection criteria).
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of specific objectives and the result. Only projects not having a negative impact on the condition or potential of the body of water on lists No. 1 forming appendices to the Master Plans for the Oder and Vistula river basins. Co-financing of projects having a substantial impact on the condition or potential of the body of water and which are can be implemented only after meeting the conditions set out in Article 4.7 of the Water Framework Directive on lists No. 2 forming appendices to Master Plans for the Oder and Vistula rivers will not be allowed until sufficient evidence is presented that the conditions set out in Article 4.7 of the Water Framework Directive in the second cycle of River Basin Management Plans are met. The condition will be considered to have been met when the European Commission confirms the compliance of the second cycle of River Basin Management Plans with the Water Framework Directive. An important role of the spatial planning in this area needs also to be stressed; on the one hand it will limit the losses in already built-up areas, while at the same time offering a higher possibility to prevent the location of new investments on flood plains. Current experience will be used in carrying out investments and solutions applied to projects in the small retention development. Small retention shall be understood as the whole of technology and non- technology activities leading to the improvement of the of the catchment’s water balance through increasing its retention capacity. Actions using comprehensive efforts combining environmentally friendly natural and technological methods and other best practices laid down in the Guidelines for small retention facilities in forestry inspectorates and Guidelines for small retention in the mountains. In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability, as well as consistency with the principles of sustainable development, equality between men and women and non-discrimination. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency. The investment priority envisages, first of all, the application of the competitive mode of project selection. The non-competitive mode will be applied mostly in the area of interventions of regional importance, provided that it is justified in particular by: a legal obligation incumbent on a given entity or a group of entities to carry out specific tasks, arising from the law or strategic documents, in particular in the case of a competition monopoly,
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prior direct identification of specific projects - in a manner ensuring transparency of such identification - in the operational programme (the list of major projects in accordance with Article 100 of the Framework Regulation, projects negotiated in the territorial contract, development strategy, documents prepared for the ex-ante conditionalities and holding a positive opinion of the relevant MA based on criteria indicated by the MA).
Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted exclusively through non-refundable grants, with no use of financial instruments.
Planned use of major projects At the stage of the programme preparation, no major projects contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives of the investment priority have been identified.
Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
Target value Measureme Category of Source of Frequency of No. Indicator Fund (2023) nt unit region data reporting
M W T The number of rescue units with new equipment for 1. carrying out rescue actions and item ERDF less developed - - 12 SL2014 annually for removing the effects of disasters
(20) Number of people 22 5 Sl2014 2. befitting from flood protection person ERDF less developed - - annually 00 measures
Number of flood protection SL2014 3. item ERDF less developed - - 5 annually measures facilities
Thematic objective 6. Preserving and protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency Investment priority 6b. Investing in the water sector to meet the requirements of the Union's environmental acquis and to address needs, identified by the Member States, for investment that goes beyond those requirements
Specific objective Increased percentage of the population using the sewage treatment system conforming to the directive on urban waste water
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Results that the Member State The intervention will result in an improvement of the natural seeks to achieve with Union environment and its water resources by targeting investment at support the development of key sectors of water and wastewater management. The development of water and sewage infrastructure will enhance residents’ access to the network infrastructure, and therefore improve their standard of living.
Table 3. Programme-specific result indicators
Target Measurement Category of Baseline Baseline Source of Frequency of No. Indicator value unit region value year data reporting (2023)
The percentage of population served 1. % less developed 59.6 2013 68.2 GUS annually by wastewater treatment plants
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported The present condition of water resources in the region calls for further support for investment in water and wastewater management. The support will focus on action aimed at limiting impurities that infiltrate into surface and underground water. Because of the still considerable load of impurities originating from municipal waste, support will be aimed at a comprehensive extension of sewage disposal networks and wastewater treatment plants in agglomerations from 2 000 to 10 000 PE. Priority will be given to investment which directly contributes to ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Waste Water Directive. The action concerned will be supplemented by support for wastewater sludge management in most waste water treatment plants, to enhance other solutions than storing. Water resources of Małopolska amply satisfy its need, but it is necessary to level water supply throughout the region. The intervention will cover projects consisting in construction and modernisation of the water supply infrastructure, but they will be viable only within comprehensive projects regulating wastewater management. This means that the project investments will have to be carried out together with sewage system or individually where the sewage management has already been regulated. Support is envisaged in the following areas: building sewage system, wastewater treatment plants investment in installations for dehydrating wastewater sludge maintenance and extension of water supply systems and optimisation of water consumption. Here, support will first of all be oriented to ensuring the implementation of the EU obligations as regards municipal wastewater treatment and proper management of municipal wastewater sludge. Projects supported under the investment priority will contribute to the implementation of the speci9fic objective, first of all by the construction of municipal infrastructure to ensure effective sewage discharge and treatment. These actions will respond to the still unsatisfactory number of population served by the system. The result of investments will improve the quality of water, which will directly translate into the improvement in the environmental protection and health of the regions residents. In
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parallel, where justified, the water supply system will be supplemented , which, in the context of water deficit areas, will also matter for the residents’ quality of life.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups 1. Territorial self-government units (TSUs), unions between and associations of TSUs 2. Organisational units of TSUs having legal personality 3. Water companies 4. Entrepreneurs 5. NGOs, social and business partners The target group of interventions under the priority will comprise all the residents of the region. The groups of beneficiaries eligible for applying for project grants under the individual support areas will be listed in the particularisation.
Territorial cover age of support The support will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban and rural areas. As regards the planned scope of support, the identified Areas of Strategic Intervention include: Areas susceptible to qualitative and quantitative water deficit and Water reservoirs and watercourses. Supporting the above ASI will be encouraged by a mechanism of preferences within the framework of the project selection criteria. As regards the planned water and sewage water management action envisages the application of an instrument for territorial development, i.e. the subregional development programme (instrument dedicated to intervention under functional subregions – the region’s areas of strategic intervention). Use will also be made of a territorial development instrument, namely the subregional development programme (instrument dedicated to interventions within functional subregions, i.e. the region's areas of strategic intervention). At the same time, as regards water and wastewater management , support will also cover interventions concentrated on the Kraków Functional Area - the Kraków Metropolis (Area of Strategic Intervention). Supporting the above ASI will be promoted by mechanism setting aside a financial allocation to support the region's capital city and its functional area delivered through integrated territorial investments.
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of specific objectives and the result. The National Programme for the Municipal Wastewater Treatment (KPOŚK) will be the basic document for project selection along with the Master Plan for the implementation of Directive 91/271/EEC developed in the course of KPOŚK updating and containing the list of investment needs in particular agglomerations. In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability, as well as consistency with the principles of sustainable development, equality between men and women and non-discrimination. The project selection system
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will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency. The investment priority will involve using, above all, a special mechanism based on the subregional path, as a special form of competitive mode. In addition, in the above-mentioned area of support the application of the non-competitive mode, in particular in the area of interventions of regional significance will be possible , provided that it is justified in particular by: a legal obligation incumbent on a given entity or a group of entities to carry out specific tasks, arising from the law or strategic documents, in particular in the case of a competition monopoly, prior direct identification of specific projects - in a manner ensuring transparency of such identification - in the operational programme (the list of large projects in accordance with Article 100 of the Framework Regulation, projects negotiated in the territorial contract, development strategy, documents prepared for the ex-ante conditionalities and projects identified in the ITI strategy holding a positive opinion of the relevant MA based on criteria indicated by the MA). The special mechanism of integrated territorial investment is planned to be used in the above support area within the territory of the Kraków Functional Area. The mechanism is based on negotiations and arrangements between the municipalities associated within the ITI mechanism, provided that the issue concerned is covered by the corresponding ITI strategy – in such a case the application of the non-competitive mode is possible in the strategic project formula.
Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted exclusively through non-refundable grants, with no use of financial instruments.
Planned use of major projects At the stage of the programme preparation, no major projects contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives of the investment priority have been identified
Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
Target value Measureme Category of Source of Frequency of No. Indicator Fund (2023) nt unit region data reporting M W T The number of wastewater 1. item ERDF less developed - - 12 SL2014 annually treatment plants supported
The length of sanitary 2. km ERDF less developed 480 SL2014 annually sewer system
(19) Number of additional persons using improved 3. RLM ERDF less developed - - 80 000 SL2014 annually waste water treatment facilities
(18) Number of additional 4. people using improved persons ERDF less developed - - 26 000 SL2014 annually water supply 120
Thematic objective 6. Preserving and protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency Investment priority 6a. Investing in the waste sector to meet the requirements of the Union's environmental acquis and to address needs, identified by the Member States, for investment that goes beyond those requirements
Specific objective A limited amount of waste deposited in landfills.
Results that the Member State The intervention concerned will contribute to the attainment of seeks to achieve with Union the specific objective of the investment priority by orienting support investment to improving the effectiveness of waste management, and meeting the relevant requirements of the EU acquis. The intervention will result in a better quality of living, lesser environmental impact, and positive economic effect.
Table 3. Programme-specific result indicators Target Measurement Category Baseline Baseline Source of Frequency of No. Indicator value unit of region value year data reporting (2023)
The share of non- landfill municipal less 1. waste in the overall % 17.58 2012 18.8 GUS annually developed mass of municipal waste
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported The main objective while developing the waste management system is to break the link between the growing amount of waste and economic growth. The actions under this priority will contribute to the reduction of the amount of waste, the waste neutralised in landfills and will allow to achieve the objectives formulated in the Waste Directive39 and the Landfill Directive40. Interventions in the waste management sector will be carried out in accordance with the hierarchy of methods of proceeding with waste which gives the priority to prevention of waste generation, selective waste collection and preparation for re-use and recycling. To enable the implementation of the relevant system of waste management in the Małopolska Region and to attain assumed objectives strategic activities are necessary, including, among others: intensification of recover y, in particular recycling of glass, metal, plastics, paper and cardboard, at the level of at least 50% of waste generated by a household,
39 Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives(OJ L 312 of 22.11.2008). 40 Council Directive 1999/31/EC of 26 April 1999 on the landfill of waste (OJ L 182 of 16.7.1999).
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implementing biodegradable waste collection and processing systems allowing for its selection from overall municipal waste, and proper management and whereby reducing their storage to a maximum of 35%. In order to comply with the national legislative regulations under the new waste management system, municipalities are obliged to establish selective waste collection be residents, i.e. “collection at the source”. Support will be granted, first of all, for activities complementary to the selective collection system, by this ensuring the supply of waste suitable for recycling. In this regard, the intervention will support the establishment of municipal point for selective municipal waste collection as an element of the waste management system. The effects of the creation of a point for free collection of selected categories of waste in the municipality will have a significant environmental impact. The process of raising the public awareness under the projects should contribute to individual accountability of residents for waste they generate. Support will be granted to projects making neutralisation of hazardous waste possible, however, only as regards removal and neutralisation of asbestos. The intervention will be focused on follow-up actions of the Programme for the Cleaning of the Country of Asbestos for the years 2009-2023. As a result of planned activities, all residents of the region will be involved in the organised system of waste segregation, collection, transporting, processing, re-use and neutralisation. Support is envisaged in the following areas: building points of selective collection of municipal waste to collect large-size waste, hazardous waste from the municipal waste stream, construction waste, used electrical and electronic equipment, which will be complementary to the selective “collection at the source” building installations for recover y and recycling of municipal waste. projects connected with the removal of asbestos. Projects supported under the investment priority will contribute to the implementation of the specific objective by concentrating the tasks on compliance with requirements to reach the relevant level of the waste preparation for re-us and recycling. Projects contributing the development a system for selective waste collection will also be eligible for co-financing. In the context of the comprehensive approach to waste management, this will cause actions at the national and regional levels which will jointly ensure the proper functioning of the system. In the context of the diagnosis showing that deposition in landfills is still the main method of municipal waste management, all actions taken together will limit such methods of operation.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups 1. territorial self-government units (TSUs), unions between and associations of TSUs 2. organisational units of TSUs having legal personality 3. entrepreneurs 4. non-governmental organisations, social and business partners 5. entities implementing financial instruments. The main target group will consists of all the residents of the region. The groups of beneficiaries eligible for applying for project grants under the individual support areas will be listed in the particularisation. 122
Territorial cover age of support The support will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban and rural areas. At the same time, as regards selected issues of waste management, action envisages the application of an instrument for territorial development, i.e. the subregional development programme (instrument dedicated to intervention under functional subregions – the region’s areas of strategic intervention).
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of the specific objectives and the result. Investments supported in the sector of the waste management sector will be in accordance with the EU strategy on methods of handling waste, as indicated in the Framework Waste Directive which awards priority to waste generation prevention, as well as preparation for re-use and recycling. Priority will also be given to all investments complementary to the system of selective collection of municipal waste. In order to comply with the ex ante conditionalities, Poland committed itself to updating the national and regional waste management plans to which investment plans approved by the Minister of the Environment will be annexed. The update will be completed by the end of 2016. The investments will be supported under the condition that they are taken into account in waste management investment plans approved by the Minister of the Environment. Projects will be planned based on selective waste collection at the source. In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability, as well as consistency with the principles of sustainable development, equality between men and women and non-discrimination. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency. The investment priority will involve using, above all, a special mechanism based on the subregional path, as a special form of competitive mode. In addition, a non-competitive mode will be applied mostly in the area of interventions of regional importance, provided that the application of such a procedure is justified in particular by: a legal obligation incumbent on a given entity or a group of entities to carry out specific tasks, arising from the law or strategic documents, in particular in the case of a competition monopoly, prior direct identification of specific projects - in a manner ensuring transparency of such identification - in the operational programme (the list of large projects in accordance with Article 100 of the Framework Regulation, projects negotiated in the territorial contract, development strategy, documents prepared for the ex-ante conditionalities and projects identified in the ITI strategy and holding a positive opinion of the relevant MA based on criteria indicated by the MA).
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Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted both in the form of grants, as well as by using financial instruments. The use of financial instruments or the coupling of grants and support in the form of financial instruments is considered regarding interventions concerning investment support for entrepreneurs. Specific arrangements concerning the level of engagement of financial instruments, indicating the types of instruments and their possible coupling with support in the non-repayable form, as well as the conditions for the use of such type of support will be presented in the particularization of the operational programme based on the results of the ex-ante evaluation, referred to in Art. 37 of the General Regulation. The Managing Authority will select the entity / entities implementing financial instruments (the beneficiary of operations) after a decision on contributing to the instrument / instruments. The MA has carried out one of the planned experts' studies for the needs of the ex-ante evaluation referred to in Article 37 of the General Regulation.
Planned use of major projects At the stage of the programme preparation, no major projects contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives of the investment priority have been identified.
Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
Target value Measureme Category of Frequency of No. Indicator Fund (2023) Source of data nt unit region reporting
M W T The number of Points for less 1. Selective Collection of item ERDF - - 110 SL2014 annually developed Municipal Waste supported
(17) Additional capacity in the less 2. tonnes/year ERDF - - 20 000 SL2014 annually field of waste recycling developed
ESF contribution to thematic objectives 5 and 6 European Social Fund resources represent the main source of financing for three priority axes under the Regional Operational Programme: Axis 8 Labour market, Axis 9 Socially coherent region and Axis 10 Knowledge and competences. The delivery of actions under the above axes will contribute directly or indirectly to the attainment of thematic objectives 1-7. Achieving the goal related to enhancing environmental security will be supported indirectly by activities taken under: Priority Axis 8 Labour market. The key actions reinforcing the effects of Objective 5 under Objective 8 include improving the competences of employees of SMEs that are key to ensuring the region’s green safety.
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Performance framework of the priority axis
Table 6. Performance framework of the priority axis
Final Explanation of Milestone target Source of relevance of
Indicator or KIS (2018) No. Fund (2023) data indicator
Priority axis Priority
Indicator type Indicator
Measurement unit Measurement Category of region of Category M W T M W T type of projects OI 1: Number of supported related with output Output less 5 1. municipal wastewater item ERDF - - 0 - - 12 SL2014 indicator1 cover indicator1 developed treatment plants 35.7% of priority axis allocations KIS Estimated value of output less Not KIS for output 5 relating to 2. indicator based on signed item ERDF - - 5 SL2014 developed applicable OI 1 co-financing agreements indicator1 types of projects related with output Output OI 2: Length of sanitary less 5 3. km ERDF - - 0 - - 480 SL2014 indicator2 cover indicator2 sewerage system developed 11.9% of priority axis allocations KIS Estimated value of output less Not KIS for output 5 relating to 4. indicator based on signed item ERDF - - 206 SL2014 developed applicable OI 2 co-financing agreements indicator2 types of projects OI 3: Number of supported related with output Output less 5 5. Points of Selective item ERDF - - 0 - - 110 SL2014 indicator3 cover indicator3 developed Municipal Waste Collection 9.06% of priority axis allocations KIS Estimated value of output less Not KIS for output 5 relating to 6. indicator based on signed item ERDF - - 55 Sl2014 developed applicable OI 3 co-financing agreements indicator3 The indicator measures actual rate Financial Total amount of certified less of incurring and 5 7. EUR ERDF - - 38 157 973 - - 162 352 942 Sl2014 indicator eligible expenditure developed verifying eligible expenditure under projects
Intervention categories planned under the priority axis
Tables 7-11. Indicative catalogue of intervention categories planned for use under the priority axis
Fund and category of region: European Regional Development Fund, less developed region
Table 7: Table 8 Table 9: Table 10: Table 11 Dimension 1 Dimension 2 Dimension 3 Dimension 4 Dimension 6 Intervention field Form of finance Territory type Territorial delivery ESF mechanisms secondary theme (ESF only)
P Cod € P Cod € P Cod € P Cod € P Cod € A e A e A e A e A e
5 017 19 000 000 5 01 138 000 000 5 02 9 300 000 5 01 10 000 000 5 018 4 000 000 5 03 118 700 000 5 05 97 000 000 5 019 2 000 000 5 01 10 000 000 5 07 31 000 000
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5 020 12 000 000 5 021 4 000 000 5 022 66 000 000 5 087 31 000 000
The categories were assigned to individual dimensions assuming that each of the dimensions is independent of the others, which means that each amount allocated to the priority axis is assigned to the intervention categories envisaged in the respective dimension.
Planned use of technical assistance for the purpose of developing administrative capacity
The planned use of technical assistance is described in the priority axis dedicated to technical assistance.
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PRIORITY AXIS 6. REGIONAL HERITAGE
A challenge facing Małopolska is to effectively use its resources in order to achieve its social and economic goals. The diversity, richness, and endogenous potential resulting from the region’s specific conditions as well as its natural, spatial and cultural resources are the main sources of the region’s attractiveness, which account for its competitive advantage. They should be treated as significant resource of the region’s opportunities which condition the development of activity based on leisure industries. A new approach towards those potentials should result in appreciating their roles as factors important for the social and economic development which generate significant part of the regional GDP in the service and manufacturing sectors, and enhance employment. The development of the region’s cultural heritage, and participation in culture (i.e. by stimulating creative thinking and imagination) is an efficient way to develop social and civic competences as well as initiative and entrepreneurship, and thereby to develop key competencies for knowledge- and innovation-based economy. Action taken under the axis will contribute to the attainment of specific objectives of the Partnership Agreement by maintaining and improving the effectiveness of use of natural and cultural resources, and by fostering conditions that enhance employment through the use of the region’s endogenous potential. Given the aforesaid interrelationships, the main objective of the priority axis is to improve the region’s attractiveness and competitiveness based on its regional heritage resources. Axis 6 combines investment priorities under two Thematic Objectives: CT 6 and CT 8. The application of a multi-thematic axis is justified by the direct interrelationship between actions taken to ensure proper use of regional heritage resources, both cultural and natural. Sustainable use of the region’s endogenous resources is a condition for Małopolska to enhance its external competitiveness and improve its attractiveness as a residential and leisure area. The implementation of investment priorities under the two Thematic Objectives will contribute to more efficient pursuing the objective of the thematic axis a/o because of the pursuit of high level of complementarity and cohesion between the planned actions, which will be ensured at the stage of project evaluation criteria.
Link between the Priority Axis and TOs, IPs and Funds
Thematic objective Investment priority Fund 6. Preserving and 6.c. Conserving, protecting, promoting and developing natural and cultural ERDF protecting the environment heritage and promoting resource 6.d. Protecting and restoring biodiversity and soil and promoting ecosystem ERDF efficiency services, including through Natura 2000, and green infrastructure 8. Promoting sustainable 8.b Supporting employment-friendly growth through the development of ERDF and quality employment endogenous potential as part of a territorial strategy for specific areas, and supporting labour including the conversion of declining industrial regions and enhancement of mobility accessibility to, and development of, specific natural and cultural resources
Fund, category of region and calculation basis for Union support Fund European Regional Development Fund
Category of region less developed
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Calculation basis (public or total total expenditure)
Category of region for outermost regions not applicable and northern sparsely populated regions (where applicable)
The following areas of support are planned under the priority axis:
Thematic objective 6. Preserving and protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency Investment priority 6c. Conserving, protecting, promoting and developing natural and cultural heritage
Specific objective Increased attractiveness of the cultural and natural heritage of the region.
Results that the Member State The attainment of the investment priority will contribute to the seeks to achieve with Union achievement of the objective regarding a more effective use of support cultural and natural heritage potentials. The intervention will result, among others, in preserving and improving access to the resources of the region’s tangible and intangible heritage. The action will improve the quality of life and enhance the region’s attractiveness, which will translate into a greater share of its cultural heritage in Małopolska’s economic development. (through, inter alia, an increase in tourist movement). At the same time, thanks to a creative use of the heritage, the intervention planned will contribute to a development of the social capital (through a stimulation of creative attitudes and competences). The planned modernization of cultural infrastructure will contribute to increased participation in culture, as well as positively affect the growth of cultural and creative competences that are important for the development of innovative economy. Given the extraordinary potential of the region, based on valuable natural resources and landscapes, the actions planned in the programme (including developing tourist routes) can produce beneficial effects, not only environmental, but also social and economic ones.
Table 3. Programme-specific result indicators
Target Measureme Category Baseline Baseline Source of Frequency of No. Indicator value nt unit of region value year data reporting (2023)
Number of tourists (domestic and less 1. foreign) persons 3 500 000 2013 3 800 000 GUS annually accommodated at developed group accommodation 128
tourist facilities
at least twice in the Number of people less own MA programming 2. using bike trails in persons 144 000 2013 423 396 developed research period and at the region the end of the program
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported Under the investment priority action will be taken to ensure the protection, development, availability and promotion of cultural heritage resources (both tangible and intangible), natural heritage and the development of cultural resources in particular by: implementing conservation, renovation and protective work as well as construction work (including mining work in historic mines) as regards movable and immovable historic monuments (together with their environment), works related to a digitalisation of structures may be carried out only as part of a larger project taking actions aimed at the protection of cultural landscape, including those implemented within cultural parks or historic gardens sharing cultural heritage through the development of cultural routes adapting historic structures to new economic and social functions (e.g. tourist, cultural), with a simultaneous introduction of activity that enables maintenance of the facilities concerned (where justifiable and feasible); implementation of measures aimed at modernizing the infrastructure of cultural institutions, including equipping them with new technologies, strengthening the cultural offer availability and promotion of the region’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage, and of its tourist offer based on the resources of the said heritage, in particular through the implementation of cultural (exhibitions, festivals, events), artistic, multidisciplinary projects with regional and supraregional significance development and promotion of hiking trails and recreational facilities (including bike trails, cross- country skiing), together with the necessary accompanying infrastructure. The intervention undertaken will contribute to the attainment of the detailed objective of the investment priority through a creation of better conditions for the utilisation of the potential offered by the region’s cultural heritage, which will have a positive impact on the enhancement of the region’s competitiveness. In addition, promotion of the cultural heritage of the region will be conducive to the maintaining of the regional identity of Małopolska’s residents. At the same time, activities concerning the modernization of cultural infrastructure contribute to the creation of new, better conditions and forms of participation in culture and counteract excessive imbalance in the level of access to culture. The total investment supported by the IP 6c cannot exceed EUR 5 million.
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Potential beneficiaries and target groups 1. Territorial Self-Government Units (TSUs), unions between and associations of TSUs 2. organisational units of TSUs having legal personality 3. cultural institutions 4. social and business partners (including NGOs) 5. churches and religious associations and legal persons of churches and religious associations 6. legal and natural persons being authorities that run schools and institutions 7. universities 8. enterprises 9. government administration 10. national parks 11. scientific units The main target group will comprise all the residents of the region, and visiting tourists. The groups of beneficiaries eligible for applying for project grants under the individual support areas will be listed in the particularisation.
Territorial cover age of support The support will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban and rural areas. As regards the planned scope of support, the Region’s Area of Strategic Intervention has been defined to include: Areas with high potential of cultural heritage resources. Supporting the above ASI will be encouraged by a mechanism of preferences within the framework of the project selection criteria. At the same time, in relation to the activities that use local natural resources and landscape to increase tourist attractiveness, using an instrument of territorial development is predicted, i.e. the sub-regional development program (a dedicated instrument of intervention in the framework of functional sub- regions - areas of strategic intervention of the region).
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed The basis for the selection of projects to be financed will be an evaluation based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of specific objectives and results. As regards selection of projects to be co-financed under an investment priority, in addition to such elements as an economic analysis, financial analysis or risk analysis, the following aspects, among other factors, will be reflected in the project selection criteria: demand analysis - demonstration of demand for a particular project, including specification of an estimated number of visitors; implementation of the culture development priorities: improved access to culture - i.e. in the tangible dimension making new space available for the conduct of cultural activities, as well as awareness building and cultural education; preserving the cultural heritage (tangible and intangible) for future generations;
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allowing new forms of participation in culture - creation of conditions to support development of the cultural offer responding to the new needs in the area of cultural activity stemming from technological development and social transformations in a contemporary economy; improvement of the tourist attractiveness of the country or the region. ensuring sustainability of effects, including the multiplier effects generated - such solutions will be promoted so as to contribute to improvement of the effectiveness of operation of structures/institutions in a log-term perspective, including solutions enabling: reduction of the costs of maintenance in order to increase investment expenditure and expenses on cultural activity; application of innovative energy-saving solutions - reduction of demand for and consumption of energy and hence reduction of overall costs of maintenance of buildings; diversification of sources of financing for the activity - attracting external sources of financing; positive economic effects - impact on the direct investment environment; creation of new jobs. in the case of projects involving cultural events, support will be granted only for those events that meet the following criteria: significant impact on the regional economy, demonstrated by tangible long-term benefits contribution to the objectives of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region within the priority area Culture, the promotion of culture, cultural heritage and creative industries, the amount of the ERDF contribution cannot exceed the contribution of the private sector in the implementation of the project (e.g. derived from sponsorship). Direct inflows, such as: from ticket sales are excluded from the calculation of the contribution of the private sector. In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability, as well as consistency with the principles of sustainable development, equality between men and women and non-discrimination. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency. The investment priority will involve using both the competitive mode and a special mechanism based on the subregional path, as a special form of competitive mode. In addition, the use of the non-competitive mode is expected, in particular, in the area of intervention of regional importance (with respect to projects related to the implementation of an integrated network of cycle routes, provided that it is justified in particular by: a legal obligation incumbent on a given entity or a group of entities to carry out specific tasks, arising from the law or strategic documents,
prior direct identification of specific projects - in a manner ensuring transparency of such identification - in the operational programme (resulting from the development strategy).
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Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted exclusively through non-refundable grants, with no use of financial instruments.
Planned use of major projects At the stage of the programme preparation, no major projects contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives of the investment priority have been identified.
Table 5. Common and programme-specific output indicators
Target value Measureme Category of Frequency of No. Indicator Fund (2023) Source of data nt unit region reporting
M W T The number of 1. immovable monuments item ERDF less developed - - 28 SL2014 annually subject to support
Number of supported 2. item ERDF less developed - - 13 SL2014 annually cultural institutions
(9.) Increase in the anticipated number of visits in the sites subject to support, classified as 721 3. visits/year ERDF less developed - - SL2014 annually cultural and natural 000 heritage, and representing tourist attraction
4. Length of tourist trails km ERDF less developed - - 315 SL2014 annually
Thematic objective 6. Preserving and protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency Investment priority 6.d. Protecting and restoring biodiversity and soil and promoting ecosystem services, including through Natura 2000, and green infrastructure
Specific objective Enhanced instruments for the protection of biodiversity in the region.
Results that the Member State Pursuing the investment priority will contribute to the seeks to achieve with Union achievement of the objective regarding improved protection of support biodiversity and to greater effectiveness of use of natural resources in the region. The intervention will result mainly in a slow-down in the drop of biodiversity in naturally valuable areas and in improved conditions that make possible sustainable use of natural heritage resources.
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Table 3. Programme-specific result indicators
Target Measurement Category Baseline Baseline Frequency of No. Indicator value Source of data unit of region value year reporting (2023)
Zespół Parków Krajobrazowych Landscape Województwa parks for which less Małopolskiego 1. conservation % 0 2013 73 annually developed plans were (Małopolska prepared Region Landscape Parks)
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported The investment priority will involve action as regards protection, availability and promotion of natural heritage through: taking action aimed at preserving and protecting biodiversity, including active protection of ecosystems, habitats and species, development of green infrastructure, nature promotion, construction, extension of environmental education centres in the areas of landscape parks. The foregoing actions will be carried out in particular in landscape parks as well as on other areas covered by nature protection forms, such as in natural reserves or protected landscape areas; drawing up planning documents for forms of nature protection, stocktaking and natural valorisation at municipality levels; projects involving creation of biodiversity protection centres in urban and suburban areas like botanical gardens, rehabilitation centres for protected animal species. The intervention undertaken will contribute to the accomplishment of the specific objective of the investment priority through actions taken with a view to halting the process of degradation of biodiversity.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups 1. territorial self-government units (TSUs), unions between and associations of TSUs 2. organisational units of TSUs having legal personality 3. social and business partners (including NGOs) 4. landscape parks 5. PGL Lasy Państwowe (National Forest Administration) and its organisational units 6. enterprises 7. government administration 8. national parks 9. scientific units The main target group will comprise all the residents of the region, and visiting tourists. The groups of beneficiaries eligible for applying for project grants under the individual support areas will be listed in the particularisation.
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Territorial coverage of support The support will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban and rural areas. As regards the planned scope of support, the Areas of Strategic Intervention have been defined to include: Areas with high potential of cultural heritage resources. Supporting the above ASI will be encouraged by a mechanism of preferences within the framework of the project selection criteria.
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed The basis for the selection of projects to be financed will be an evaluation based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of specific objectives and results. As regards selection of projects to be co-financed under an investment priority the following aspects, among other factors, will be reflected in the project selection criteria: support for nature protection forms (priority will be given, in particular, to projects delivered on the areas of landscape parks and on Natura 2000 areas overlapping, in whole or in part, the areas of landscape parks); support for areas with rare or endangered species, or species under strict protection; allowing conduct of an informational and educational activity related to environmental protection (in particular on the areas of landscape parks). Actions implemented on the Natura 2000 areas will be in line with the prioritised action framework for the NATURA 2000 network for Poland (Multiannual EU Funding Programme for the years 2014- 2020) - as provided for in Article 8 of Council Regulation 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability, as well as consistency with the principles of sustainable development, equality between men and women and non-discrimination. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency. Under the investment priority, projects will be selected primarily in the competition-based procedure.
Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted using financial instruments, meaning that support will be granted with non-repayable grants.
Planned use of major projects At the stage of the programme preparation, no major projects contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives of the investment priority have been identified.
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Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
Target value Measureme Category of Source of Frequency of No. Indicator Fund (2023) nt unit region data reporting M W T (23) Area of habitats supported less 1. in order to have a ha ERDF - - 1031 SL2014 annually developed better protection status The number of less 2. supported forms of item ERDF - - 30 SL2014 annually developed nature protection
Thematic objective 8. Promoting sustainable and quality employment and supporting labour mobility Investment priority 8b Supporting employment-friendly growth through the development of endogenous potential as part of a territorial strategy for specific areas, including the conversion of declining industrial regions and enhancement of accessibility to, and development of, specific natural and cultural resources
Specific objective Increase in the employment rate on the areas of high tourist values.
Results that the Member State The planned intervention will contribute to an improvement of seeks to achieve with Union the investment of areas exploiting their nature and spatial support resources, which in turn will translate into a progressive increasing the employment rate and, as a consequence, a social and economic development of the region.
Table 3. Programme-specific result indicators
Target Measureme Category of Baseline Baseline Frequency of N Indicator value Source of data o. nt unit region value year reporting (2023)
less Central Statistical 1. Rate of employment % 49.7 2013 54.7 annually developed Office (GUS)
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported The investment priority will involve action connected with the use and development of endogenous potential, following in particular from the conditions and resources of the region. Support will be given under the action plans that take into account various industries of entrepreneurship, affecting the economic development in the area, including:
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projects involving the use and development of specific virtues of health resorts, in particular through investment in generally accessible facilities and health resort infrastructure, and construction and extension of tourist, recreation and cultural infrastructure in these resorts, projects involving the use and development of the local natural or landscape resources, implemented in particular through a construction and extension of tourist, recreation infrastructure (e.g. development of the areas surrounding water reservoirs and watercourses for tourist purposes), preparing the land for development, in line with local development potentials. The maximum amount of the project’s eligible costs cannot exceed EUR 2 million. Support will be conditional upon the submission by the territorial self-government units (a municipality, municipalities or the region’s self-government) of an action plans for subregions, health resorts, other areas of specific natural and landscape resources, based on the strategic documents for the particular area, including a coherent integrated idea of the development of a given territory, indicating the co-related projects (delivered upon consultation by various entities from a given territory). The action plan should focus on the diagnosed needs, satisfy the support cohesion and effectiveness criteria, and demonstrate the impact of the planned action on the growth of employment within a particular territory. Intervention regarding particular areas should be implemented in a complementary way by a bundle of single-fund projects co-financed from ERDF and ESF funds under the thematic objectives 8, 9, 10. The intervention undertaken will contribute to the implementation of the investment priority’s specific objective through a proper use of identified endogenous resources. This will help to enhance their investment attractiveness and thus increase the level of employment directly related to it.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups 1. territorial Self-Government Units (TSUs), unions between and associations of TSUs 2. organisational units of TSUs having legal personality 3. enterprises. The target group will comprise all the residents of the region, and visiting tourists. The groups of beneficiaries eligible for applying for project grants under the individual support areas will be listed in the particularisation.
Territorial coverage of support The support will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban and rural areas. As regards the planned scope of support, the Areas of Strategic Intervention have been included: Water reservoirs and watercourses, Mountain areas, Areas with high potential of natural heritage resources (supporting the above ASI will be encouraged by a mechanism of preferences within the framework of the project selection criteria), and Health resorts (Supporting the above ASI will be encouraged by a mechanism involving a separate allocation).
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At the same time, as regards tourist and recreation infrastructure, action envisages the application of an instrument for territorial development, i.e. the subregional development programme (instrument dedicated to intervention under functional subregions – the region’s areas of strategic intervention).
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed The basis for the selection of projects to be financed will be an evaluation based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of specific objectives and results. As regards selection of projects to be co-financed under an investment priority, in addition to such elements as an economic analysis, financial analysis or risk analysis, the following aspects, among other factors, will be reflected in the project selection criteria: demand analysis (demonstration of demand for a particular project); ensuring the highest possible effectiveness of support granted (new jobs); ensuring support for complementary projects (implemented with the ESF and ERDF funds) and/or promoting support for partner projects (implemented upon consultation by various entities); channelling of support to areas with specific endogenous potentials for which action plans are prepared, containing a coherent integrated development concept of the territory, including the development of entrepreneurship. In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability, as well as consistency with the principles of sustainable development, equality between men and women and non-discrimination. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency. Under the investment priority, projects will be selected both in a competition-based procedure and under a special mechanism based on the subregional path, as a special form of competitive mode.
Planned use of financial instruments Taking into account the type of activities supported by the investment priority is expected to be primarily supported using grant. However, in the case of activities that are potentially financially viable, possible use of financial instruments will be considered by the MA. Each time, the decision to make use of the mechanism of financial instruments will be preceded by an ex-ante evaluation, in accordance with Art. 37 of the General Regulation.
Planned use of major projects At the stage of the programme preparation, no major projects contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives of the investment priority have been identified.
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Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
Measure Category Target value (2023) Source of Frequency of No. Indicator Fund ment unit of region data reporting M W T (1) Number of less 1. enterprises ERDF - - 27 SL2014 annually supported enterprises developed
(2) Number of less 2. entrepreneurs enterprises ERDF - - 27 SL2014 annually developed receiving grants
(6) Investments complementary to less 3. EUR ERDF - - 17 197 407 SL2014 annually public support to developed enterprises(grants)
(8) Increase in less 4. employment in EPC ERDF - - 258 SL2014 annually developed supported enterprises
The number of less 5. supported tourist and item ERDF - - 87 SL2014 annually developed recreation facilities
ESF contribution to thematic objective 6
European Social Fund resources represent the main source of financing for three priority axes under the Regional Operational Programme: Axis 8 Labour market, Axis 9 Socially coherent region and Axis 10 Knowledge and competences. The delivery of actions under the above axes will contribute directly or indirectly to the attainment of thematic objectives 1-7. Achieving the goal related to the protection and effective management in the region’s resources (Thematic Objective 6) will be supported by activities taken under: Priority Axis 8 Labour market. The key actions reinforcing the effects of Objective 6 under Objective 8 include improving the competences of employees of the region’s SMEs operating within the leisure industry, reinforcing entrepreneurial attitudes, and facilitating the creation of new businesses. Priority Axis 10 Knowledge and competences. The key actions reinforcing the effects of Objective 6 under Objective 10 in the case of vocational school students – including elements that increase their vocational skills as regards e.g. hotel services, catering, tourist services, or conservation of landscape architecture.
Performance framework of the priority axis
Table 6. Performance framework for the priority axis
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Milestone Final target Explanation Indicator or Source
(2018) (2023) of relevance No. KIS Fund of data
of indicator
Priority axis Priority
Indicator type Indicator
Measurement unit Measurement Category of region of Category
M W T M W T project types Number of related with immovable less output Output historical 6 1. item ERDF develo - - 4 - - 28 SL2014 indicator indicator1 monuments ped cover 19% of covered by Priority Axis support allocations project types Number of related to tourist and less output Output 6 2. recreation item ERDF develo - - 24 - - 87 SL2014 indicator indicator 2 facilities ped cover 47% of supported Priority Axis allocations the indicator measures actual rate of Total amount less 46 743 incurring and Financial of certified 198 905 6 3. EUR ERDF develo - - 517 - - SL2014 verification of indicator eligible 132 ped eligible expenditure expenditure under the projects
Intervention categories planned under the priority axis
Tables 7-11. Indicative catalogue of intervention categories planned for use under the priority axis
Fund and category of region: European Regional Development Fund, less developed region
Table 7: Table 8 Table 9: Table 10: Table 11 Dimension 1 Dimension 2 Dimension 3 Dimension 4 Dimension 6 Intervention field Form of finance Territory type Territorial delivery ESF mechanisms secondary theme (ESF only)
P Cod € P Cod € P Cod € P Cod € P Co € A e A e A e A e A de
6 074 35 000 000 6 01 169 069 362 6 01 35 000 000 6 05 60 069 362 6 085 10 000 000 6 02 62 348 553 6 07 109 000 000 6 090 24 000 000 6 03 71 720 809 6 091 10 069 362 6 092 45 000 000 6 094 45 000 000
The categories were assigned to individual dimensions assuming that each of the dimensions is independent of the others, which means that each amount allocated to the priority axis is assigned to the intervention categories envisaged in the respective dimension.
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Planned use of technical assistance for the purpose of developing administrative capacity
The planned use of technical assistance has been described in the priority axis dedicated to technical assistance.
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PRIORITY AXIS 7. TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
Modern and efficient transport infrastructure creates conditions for enhancing the attractiveness of the region for investments and allows spatial dispersal of the effects of socio-economic development. It also improves the spatial accessibility of public services, notably those linked to education and health. For Małopolska, it also acquires a special importance in connection with the region's high volumes of tourism and its continued efforts to create favourable conditions for business operations and attract new investments. On the other hand, socio-economic development generates a growing demand for transport, which, in turn, requires suitable quality of transport infrastructure for the development not to be hindered. Therefore it is vital to ensure an efficient system of connections between rural and urban areas, which is a condition for increasing the professional mobility of rural residents working and studying in nearby cities. Growing flows and on-going suburbanisation processes lead to ever greater traffic congestion, increased environmental pressure and a high number of road accidents and incidents. The Małopolska Region is among the regions with the most highly diversified internal accessibility. Of all Polish regions, it has the longest access times to the region's capital city of the region. Małopolska also has a vast area with the distance to the capital city of another region shorter than that to its own capital (Olkusz – Katowice, Oświęcim – Katowice, Kęty – Katowice via Bielsko-Biała)41. In this context, the main objective of the priority axis is to create a modern transport system efficiently satisfying the needs of economic growth and responding to the needs of a mobile society, through developing transport infrastructure conducive to the region's economic competitiveness and spatial cohesion, while contributing to the reduction of negative environmental impacts. The activities undertaken under the priority axis will work towards achieving the goal of the Partnership Agreement linked to the network infrastructure for growth and employment, in particular with regard to the specific objective of increasing the safety of the transport system, in particular by creating conditions for enhancing the competitiveness of the economy through investments in connecting secondary and tertiary nodes to TEN-T infrastructure.
Link between the Priority Axis and TOs, IPs and Funds
Thematic objective Investment priority Fund 7. Promoting sustainable 7b.Enhancing regional mobility by connecting secondary and tertiary nodes to ERDF transport and removing TEN-T infrastructure, including multimodal nodes bottlenecks in key network infrastructures 7d. Developing and rehabilitating comprehensive, high quality and interoperable ERDF railway systems, and promoting noise-reduction measures
41 R. Guzik, A. Kołoś: Relacje przestrzenne miast oraz identyfikacja i delimitacja obszarów funkcjonalnych [in]: ”Badanie funkcji, potencjału oraz trendów rozwojowych miast w województwie małopolskim”, Institute of Geography and Spatial Management and Institute of Public Affairs of the Jagiellonian University, Kraków 2010, p. 396.
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Fund, category of region and calculation basis for Union support Fund European Regional Development Fund
Category of region less developed
Calculation basis (public or total expenditure) total
Category of region for outermost regions and not applicable northern sparsely populated regions (where applicable)
Under the priority axis, actions are planned in the following areas of intervention:
Thematic objective 7. Promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures Investment priority 7b. Enhancing regional mobility by connecting secondary and tertiary nodes to TEN-T infrastructure, including multimodal nodes
Specific objective Enhanced road accessibility of the region.
Results that the Member State The direct result of the tasks implemented under the seeks to achieve with Union investment priority will be the building of a more efficient support regional transport system connecting the key centres of socio- economic life in Małopolska. Road connections between the subregions will be improved and their internal and external accessibility will be enhanced including through building bypass roads for cities and towns affected by heavy transit traffic. As a result of the road projects delivered, Małopolska will benefit from improved accessibility and system of roads, which will also work towards, among other things, improving the safety on remodelled and newly built roads thanks to the employment of solutions enhancing traffic safety. The investments will respect the principle of sustainable development.
Table 3. Programme-specific result indicators
Measurement Category Baseline Baseline Target value Source of Frequency of No. Indicator unit of region value year (2023) data reporting
Population covered by the 60-minute road 1) 56.1 1) 57.9 Marshal's isochrone to the 2) 19.5 2) 19.8 Office of the from region’s major less % 3) 43.9 3) 46.5 Małopolska 2014/every 2- 1. cities: developed 2014 4) 20.1 4) 21.2 Region 3 years 1) Kraków 5) 15.1 5) 16.6 UMWM) 2) Nowy Sącz 3) Tarnów 4) Oświęcim
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5) Nowy Targ WDDT II (synthetic) (indicator of road from less Ministry of transport Not applicable 41.5023 2013 48.0209 2013/every 2- 2. developed Development accessibility - 3 years calculated on the basis of WMDT)
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported
The investment priority will cover actions linked to developing the road infrastructure crucial for regional development, i.e. roads of regional and subregional significance, subject to the conditions indicated in the Partnership Agreement. In line with the provisions of the Partnership Agreement, investments in the so-called local roads (roads at municipality and poviat levels) are allowable only when they ensure the necessary direct connections with the TEN-T network, border crossings, airports, cargo terminals, logistics centres or platforms, or when they ensure proper access to investment areas/economic activity zone (as a project complementary to one delivered under Axis 3 related to the establishment or extension of the economic activity zone, under the terms and conditions stipulated in the Partnership Agreement, as referred to above). Investment in local roads in the context of TO 7 may not constitute more than 15% of the program allocation earmarked for road transport. In particular, the following investments will be supported under the investment priority: construction and remodelling of roads, including the construction of bypass roads along with related infrastructures construction and remodelling of bridges, flyovers, road tunnels and other engineering structures being parts of roads of regional/subregional importance, along with related infrastructures new traffic management techniques which improve traffic and safety on roads of regional/subregional importance. Focus will continue to be placed on intervention addressing priority issues, i.e. ensuring favourable conditions for creating a cohesive and efficient system of roads for the region and connecting it with the national system of roads, including the TEN-T network, as well as building bypass roads for cities and towns affected by heavy transit traffic, bearing in mind the need to reduce risks for road users and reduce bottlenecks in such places. Investments in infrastructure will not cover repair work, as well as will not be applicable to the current infrastructure maintenance. As regards elements of infrastructure to be potentially used by people with reduced mobility, e.g. pedestrians, the solutions used will respond to the needs of such persons.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups Main groups of beneficiaries: 1. Territorial Self-Government Units (TSUs), unions between and associations of TSUs 143
2. organisational units of TSUs having legal personality. All users of road infrastructure in the region will be the target group of the support. The groups of beneficiaries eligible for applying for project grants under the individual support areas will be listed in the particularisation.
Territorial coverage of support The support linked to road infrastructure cover s the region as a whole, with the investments to be located both in urban and rural areas. As regards support under this investment priority, the following Region’s Area of Strategic Intervention has been identified: Mountain areas. Supporting the above SAI will be encouraged by a mechanism of preferences within the framework of the project selection criteria. At the same time, use will also be made of a territorial development instrument, namely the subregional development programme (instrument dedicated to interventions within functional subregions, i.e. the region's areas of strategic intervention). In parallel, support will cover interventions concentrated on the Kraków Functional Area - the Kraków Metropolis (Area of Strategic Intervention). Supporting the above ASI will be promoted by setting aside a financial allocation to support the region's capital city and its functional area delivered through integrated territorial investments.
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed The framework of support in the area of transport will be indicated in the document prepared at the regional level for the purpose of the fulfillment of the conditions of access modes for TO 7. The project selection criteria, approved by the Monitoring Committee will take into account the substantive criteria included the above-mentioned document. The basis for the selection of projects to be financed will be an evaluation based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of specific objectives and results. The project evaluation system will examine, in particular, such factors as: contribution to the secondary Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) connections, improvement of road safety, solutions least colliding with the environment, reduction of the problem of the so-called bottlenecks and excessive congestion in road traffic, promotion of integration of the transport system, and the socio-economic value of the project. Given the importance of activities oriented to increasing traffic safety, preference is envisaged for projects involving the use of infrastructure-related solutions meant to enhance road users' safety, consistent with the applicable legal regulations. In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability, as well as consistency with the principles of sustainable development, equality between men and women and non-discrimination. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency. Under the investment priority both competitive and non-competitive modes will be applied. As regards the latter mode, strategic projects will be used. 144
For roads of regional significance, an open competition procedure will be used. In the aforementioned area of support, as regards roads of subregional importance, the special mechanism of integrated territorial investment is planned to be used within the territory of the Kraków Functional Area. The mechanism is based on negotiations and arrangements between the municipalities participating in the ITI mechanism, provided that the issue concerned is covered by the corresponding ITI strategy – in such a case the application of the non-competitive mode involving strategic projects will be possible. As regards investments related to roads of subregional importance, except for the ITI area, use is planned to be made, first of all, of a special subregional mechanism based on the subregional path, as a special form of competitive mode.
Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted exclusively through non-refundable grants, with no use of financial instruments.
Planned use of major projects At the stage of the programme preparation, no major projects contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives of the investment priority have been identified.
Table 5. Common and programme-specific result indicators
Target value Measurement Category (2023) Source of Frequency No Indicator Fund unit of region data of reporting M W T
Total length of new and less 1. km ERDF - - 274 SL2014 annually remodelled or developed upgraded roads
(13) Total length less 2. km ERDF - - 41 SL2014 annually of new roads developed
(14) Total length less 3. of remodelled or km ERDF - - 233 SL2014 annually developed upgraded roads
Thematic objective 7. Promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures Investment priority 7d. Developing and rehabilitating comprehensive, high quality and interoperable railway systems, and promoting noise-reduction measures
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Specific objective Increased availability of railway transport in the region.
Results that the Member State Pursuing a sustainable development policy requires inter alia seeks to achieve with Union investing in public transportation systems and incentivising support residents to give up car transport and switch to public transport. An efficiently functioning transport system, capable of supporting socio-economic development, requires the road system to be linked, in a synchronised manner, with the rail and air systems and coordination between individual means of transportation and public transport. The planned support will contribute to promoting rail transport in the region, among other things, by creating conditions for building an effective and efficient fast agglomeration railway, which is crucially important for serving transport with Kraków, as the core city of regional and supraregional importance, lying in the heart of the area with the greatest impact on Małopolska's development.
Table 3. Programme-specific result indicators
Target Measurement Category of Baseline Baseline Source of Frequency No. Indicator value unit region value year data of reporting (2023)
WKDT II (synthetic) (rail transport every 2-3 availability less 1. years since indicator – N/A developed 28.4223 2013 45.9829 MIR 2013 calculated in the WMDT base)
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported The investment priority will support actions which work towards developing regional rail transport, in particular: purchasing rolling stock (exclusively new, taking into account the needs of persons with reduced mobility), including for the needs of the fast agglomeration railway, as well as investments in the construction/reconstruction of technical facilities for servicing rolling stock and fitting such facilities with the necessary equipment. Support is also envisaged for integrating rail transport with other modes of public transport (organising and coordinating timetables, systems of fares) and infrastructure for serving passengers, in particular for the needs of the fast agglomeration railway being created in Małopolska, which is a component of the regional rail transportation aimed to improve public transport between the region and the Kraków conurbation, based on railway transport and its integration with other transport subsystems, by means of a single ticket. The support will also comprise projects located within cities, including Kraków. It is assumed that the intervention will be complementary with support under Priority Axis 4. Railway investments concerning railway line infrastructure will be also carried out, in particular if they are of importance for regional railway transport. 146
Investments in infrastructure will not cover repair work, as well as will not be applicable to the current infrastructure maintenance. Only investments for the construction, modernization and, in appropriate cases - the revitalization of the infrastructure of regional importance – will be allowed. Actions to be implemented in the framework of that revitalization measures will be comprehensive, resulting in long-term improvement of technical and infrastructure aimed at adapting to the market needs of carriers (e.g. an increase in the permissible axle loads, modernization of platforms) and passengers (adapting to the needs of people with mobility impairments). The planned amount of allocations for the railway sector, i.e. the total allocation for the regional railway transport projects under IP 7d (allocation to IP 7d) amounts to EUR 100 million, whereas allocation for infrastructure projects of railways is expected to amount to EUR 20 million.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups Main groups of beneficiaries: 1. Territorial Self-Government Units (TSUs), unions between and associations of TSUs, 2. organisational units of TSUs having legal personality 3. enterprises. All users of rail infrastructure in the region will be the target group of the support. The groups of beneficiaries eligible for applying for project grants under the individual support areas will be listed in the particularisation.
Territorial coverage of support The support will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located in the urban and rural areas where rail transport is available. At the same time, as regards actions to integrate various modes of transport, use will be made of a territorial development instrument, namely the subregional development programme (instrument dedicated to interventions within functional subregions, i.e. the region's strategic areas of intervention).
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed The framework of support in the area of transport will be indicated in the document prepared at the regional level for the purpose of the fulfillment of the conditions of access modes for TO 7. The project selection criteria, approved by the Monitoring Committee will take into account the substantive criteria included the above-mentioned document. The basis for the selection of projects to be financed will be an evaluation based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of specific objectives and results. The key factors in the project evaluation process will include the criterion of energy-saving properties of the rolling stock purchased. In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability, as well as consistency with the principles of sustainable development, equality between men and women and non-discrimination. The project selection system 147
will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency. Under the investment priority both competitive, including an open competition procedure, and non- competitive modes will be applied. As regards the latter mode, strategic projects will be used.
The non-competitive procedure will be mainly used for interventions linked to the purchase of rolling stock for regional transport, including the fast agglomeration railway, investment in the construction/reconstruction of technical facilities for servicing rolling stock and fitting such facilities with the necessary equipment, and to investment involving integrating rail transport with other modes of public transport (organising and coordinating timetables, systems of fares), as well as investments concerning railway lines infrastructure, where the use of the mode is justified in particular by: legal obligation to deliver specific tasks by a given entity or group of entities, as provided by legal regulations or strategic documents, in particular where there is a monopoly of competences, previous direct identification of specific projects in the manner which ensures transparency of their identification in the operational programme (projects identified in the development strategy, strategic programme). As regards the other projects, i.e. with respect to investment in the infrastructure serving passengers, in particular for the purposes of the fast agglomeration railway constructed in Małopolska, use is planned to be made, first of all, of a special subregional mechanism based on the subregional path, as a special form of the competitive mode.
Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted exclusively through non-refundable grants, with no use of financial instruments.
Planned use of major projects At the stage of the programme preparation, no major projects contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives of the investment priority have been identified.
Table 5. Common and programme-specific result indicators
Target value Measurement Category Source of Frequency No. Indicator Fund (2023) unit of region data of reporting M W T
Number of less 1. railway vehicles item ERDF - - 10 SL2014 annually developed purchased
(12) Total number of remodelled or less 2. km ERDF - - 29 SL2014 annually upgraded railway developed lines
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ESF contribution to thematic objective 7 European Social Fund resources represent the main source of financing for three priority axis under the Regional Operational Programme: Axis 8 Labour market, Axis 9 Socially coherent region and Axis 10 Knowledge and competences. The delivery of actions under the above axes will contribute directly or indirectly to the attainment of thematic objectives 1-7. Achieving the goal related to creating a modern transport system (Thematic Objective 7) will be supported indirectly by activities undertaken under: Priority Axis 8 Labour market. The key actions reinforcing the effects of Objective 7 under Objective 8 include improving competences of personnel linked e.g. to the transport sector. Priority Axis10 Knowledge and competences. The key actions reinforcing the effects of Objective 7 under Objective 10 with respect to students of vocational schools – integrating into the teaching process elements improving the students' vocational skills, e.g. in the area of construction engineering, mechanics and use of IT technologies
Performance framework of the priority axis
Table 6. Performance framework for the priority axis
Final Explanatio
Source of target n of data Category (2023) relevance Final target No. Indicator or KIS Fund of region of (2023)
ent ent unit indicator Priority axis Priority Measurem M W T M W T Indicator type Indicator types of projects Total length of related with the Output new roads and less output indicator 7 1. km ERDF 37 274 SL2014 indicator remodelled or developed cover 74.4% of upgraded roads Priority Axis allocations the indicator measures actual Total amount of rate of incurring Financial less 7 2. certified eligible EUR ERDF 70 592 250 459 411 765 SL2014 and verification indicator developed expenditure of expenditure eligible under the projects
Categories of intervention planned under the Priority Axis
Tables 7-11. Indicative list of categories of intervention planned to be used under the Priority Axis
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Fund and category of region: European Regional Development Fund, less developed region
Table 7: Table 8 Table 9: Table 10: Table 11 Dimension 1 Dimension 2 Dimension 3 Dimension 4 Dimension 6
Intervention field Form of finance Territory type Territorial delivery ESF secondary mechanisms theme (ESF only)
P Cod € P Cod € P Cod € P Cod € P Cod € A e A e A e A e A e
7 026 40 000 000 7 03 155 250 000 7 01 10 060 000
7 027 50 000 000 7 01 80 000 000 7 05 53 515 000
7 031 140 000 000 7 02 155 250 000 7 07 326 925 000 7 01 390 500 000 7 032 7 000 000
7 034 143 500 000
7 044 10 000 000
The categories were assigned to individual dimensions assuming that each of the dimensions is independent of the others, which means that each amount allocated to the priority axis is assigned to the intervention categories envisaged in the respective dimension.
Planned use of technical assistance for the purpose of developing administrative capacity
The planned use of technical assistance has been described in the priority axis dedicated to technical assistance.
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PRIORITY AXIS 8. LABOUR MARKET
A high employment level has an undeniable impact on the region’s economic development and the development of the intellectual and social capitals of its residents. At the same time, due to the continuous dynamic changes in the labour market with various backgrounds –demographic, social, economic – the need to adapt to the changing circumstances is a challenge to be faced by all market participants: employees, employers, people without jobs. Having regard to the foregoing interrelations, the primary aim of the priority axis is widely understood support for employment in the regional labour market. The actions planned within the axis are complementary one to another and pursue the specific objective of the PA, being a better use of the resources on the labour market.
Link between the Priority Axis and TOs, IPs and Funds
Thematic objective Investment priority Fund
8. Promoting sustainable 8i Access to employment for job-seekers and inactive people, including the long- ESF and quality employment term unemployed and people far from the labour market, also through local and supporting labour employment initiatives and support for labour mobility mobility 8iii Self-employment, entrepreneurship and business creation including innovative ESF micro, small and medium sized enterprises 8iv Equality between men and women in all areas, including in access to ESF employment, career progression, reconciliation of work and private life and promotion of equal pay for equal work 8v Adaptation of workers, enterprises and entrepreneurs to change ESF 8vi Active and healthy ageing ESF
Fund, category of region and calculation basis for Union support Fund European Social Fund
Category of region less developed
Calculation basis (public or total Total expenditure)
Category of region for outermost regions Not applicable and northern sparsely populated regions (where applicable)
The following support areas are planned under the priority axis:
Thematic objective 8. Promoting sustainable and quality employment and supporting labour mobility Investment priority 8i. Access to employment for job-seekers and inactive people, including the long-term unemployed and people far from the labour market, also through local employment initiatives and support for labour mobility
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Specific objective Increasing the level of employment of people in the most difficult situation on the labour market, i.e. persons aged 50+, long-term unemployed persons, disabled persons, low- skilled persons and women.
Results that the Member State Implementation of the IP will contribute to enhancement of seeks to achieve with Union employment opportunities for people in the most difficult support situation on the labour market. Use of various methods of occupational activation, selected based on the individual needs of each person provided with support, will have a material impact on the improvement of employment opportunities for such persons and this will be reflected in a high rate of employment effectiveness.
Table 4. Common result indicators for which a target value has been set and programme specific result indicators corresponding to the specific objective by investment priority
Measure Common ment unit Measureme output Baseline Target value Category for Baselin Source of Frequency of No. Indicator nt unit for indicator used value (2023) of region baseline e year data reporting indicator as basis for and target setting target M W T M W T Specific objective: Increasing the level of employment of people in the most difficult situation on the labour market, i.e. persons aged 50+, long- term unemployed persons, disabled persons, low-skilled persons and women. Number of long- at least 4 term evaluation times during Number of unemployed - -- 59 % 2014 - - 59 survey by the the people people covered MA programming working for 6 by support under months after period less the programme 1. leaving the person developed programme (including Number of at least 4 self-employed inactive persons evaluation times during ones) covered by - -- 40 % 2014 - - 40 survey by the the support under MA programming the programme period
Number of created microenterpris at least twice evaluation es in operation less in the 2. item N/A - - 48 % 2014 48 survey/statist 30 months developed programming ical data after received period financial support
Number of Number of people unemployed working after (including long- leaving the less term 3. person - - 45 % 2014 - - 45 SL2014 annually programme developed unemployed) (including covered by self-employed support under ones) the programme
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Number of inactive persons person covered by - - 40 % 2014 - - 40 SL2014 annually support under the programme
Number of Number of unemployed persons who (including long- acquired less term 4. qualifications person - - 31 % 2014 - - 31 SL2014 annually developed unemployed) after leaving covered by the support under programme the programme
Number of persons who Number of acquired inactive persons less 5. qualifications person covered by - - 27 % 2014 - - 27 SL2014 annually developed after leaving support under the the programme programme
Number of created jobs under ESF less 1165 6. allocations item N/A - - item 2014 - - 3850 SL2014 annually developed 1 provided to setting up a business
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported Under the specific objective Increasing the level of employment of people in the most difficult situation on the labour market, i.e. persons aged 50+, long-term unemployed persons, disabled persons, low- skilled persons and women42 through the application of comprehensive, various tools aimed to facilitate their entrance into or return to the labour market, such as, for example: identification of the participant’s individual needs, employment agency, job counselling, training and/or counselling aimed at improving, supplementing or changing one’s professional skills, initiatives preparing for the taking up of employment, such as, for example: internships, practical vocational training, volunteer work, subsidies to equipping or additional equipping of work position at the employer’s premises, support to set up a business (only for non-competition projects) as well as other tools, methods and programmes supporting occupational activation. At the same time, the delivery of the EURES targeted transnational mobility schemes (TTMS), diagnosed on the basis of the region’s socio-economic analyses has been planned. An operation of this type is carried out on conditionally, depending on the diagnoses of sectors, professions and competences for which the labour market situation requires a TTMS.
42 Activation support under IP8i is addressed to people aged 29+.
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The support offered within the projects should correspond, to the largest degree possible, to the personal characteristics of project participants and should be based, as far as possible, on their existing occupational experience and skills. Additionally, the programmed actions should be closely related to the actual demand for particular qualifications and skills in the regional or local labour market, particularly through the inclusion in the projects of cooperation with potential employers, and an effective choice of active forms of support, which will enable unemployed people, to the greatest degree possible, to acquire new or update their existing skills, competences, qualifications, acquire work experience and, consequently, take up employment. In the provision of support, emphasis should also be placed on the cooperation particularly between public and non-public employment services, social welfare institutions and other parties which will provide support to occupationally activate unemployed people. In order to ensure high efficiency of the actions undertaken under the IP, mandatory employability performance criteria are planned to be introduced (depending on the target group), setting out the minimum percentage of participants who should become employed as a result of being covered by the support. At the same time, necessary investment into adapting the infrastructure to the needs of the supported people using the cross-financing mechanism is allowed provided that the costs of such investment are necessary for the proper implementation of and directly associated with the project.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups In the area of occupational activation (in competition-based projects) , the beneficiaries can be, as a rule, all entities – except natural persons (this does not apply to people engaging in business or educational activities under separate regulations), in particular labour market institutions, entrepreneurs and employers, non-governmental organisations (including, for example, LAGs). At the same time, other programme documents or project selection criteria provide for the possibility of detailing/narrowing the group of beneficiaries who can apply for project co-financing. The poviat labour offices of the Małopolska Region and the Regional Labour Office (EURES) will be beneficiaries of projects carried out under non-competitive mode. The support target group will be people without work (regardless of whether they are registered with poviat labour offices, (PUP), whose situation in the labour market is the most difficult, i.e. mature people (above 50 years of age) long-term unemployed people, disabled people, low-skilled people and women (in particular persons who perform the function of the carer of a dependent person). Additionally, the target group will comprise also employers, in particular ones who have difficulty finding employees domestically and need placement support from the EURES network.
Territorial coverage of support Occupational activation support will cover the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban and rural areas. At the same time, due to considerable intra-regional differences, concerning the planned scope of support, the Area of Strategic Intervention (ASI) has been identified in the Region: Areas on which the labour market situation is most difficult – unemployment. Supporting the above ASI will be encouraged by a mechanism of preferences within the framework of the project selection criteria account being taken of current data and depending on the changing situation in the region.
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Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed Under the investment priority both competitive and non-competitive modes will be applied. Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, the projects to be co-financed will be selected basically under the competitive mode. Use of the non-competitive mode will be limited exclusively to justified cases involving delivery or coordination of tasks stipulated in the relevant legal regulations applicable to occupational activation of unemployed persons and will concern non-competitive projects implemented by the poviat labour offices and the project concerning coordination and implementation of targeted translational mobility schemes (TTMS) EURES implemented by the Regional Labour Office. The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of the Programme objectives and broader strategic objectives arising under the Development Strategy of the Małopolska Region for 2011-2020, taking into account the specific objectives for the individual investment priorities. At the same time, the introduction of project selection criteria will contribute, inter alia, to: channelling comprehensive43 support to groups in most disadvantageous situation in the regional/local labour market; channelling the support to residents of the areas where the labour market situation is the most difficult, ensuring the highest possible effectiveness of the support (employment effectiveness), possible taking into account of the job-creation potential in the white and green sectors of the economy, if the diagnosis carried out demonstrates that such interventions are justified, pointing to the necessity to guarantee equal access and combating any discrimination. In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency.
Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted exclusively through grants, with no use of financial instruments.
Planned use of major projects Not applicable.
Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
43 I.e. involving at least 2 activation tools selected to respond to a project participant’s individual needs.
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Frequency No. Measure Category Target value (2023) Source Output indicator Fund of ment unit of region of data reporting M W T Number of long- term unemployed less 1. person ESF 6 180 9 270 15 450 SL2014 annually covered by developed support under the programme Number of people aged above 50 and less 2. person ESF 3612 5 418 9 030 SL2014 annually more, covered developed by support under the programme Number of people with disabilities less 3. person ESF 880 1 320 2 200 SL2014 annually covered by developed support under the programme
Number of low- skilled people less 4. covered by person ESF 14 004 21 006 35 010 SL2014 annually developed support under the programme Number of people who received non- refundable funds less 5. person ESF 2 503 1 348 3 850 SL2014 annually for self- developed employment under the programme Number of unemployed (including long- term less 6. person ESF 16 136 24 204 40 340 SL2014 annually unemployed) developed covered by support under the programme Number of inactive people less 7. covered by person ESF 1 152 1 728 2 880 SL2014 annually developed support under the programme
Thematic objective 8. Promoting sustainable and quality employment and supporting labour mobility Investment priority 8iii. Self-employment, entrepreneurship and business creation including innovative micro, small and medium sized enterprises
Specific objective Increasing the number of new and sustainable microenterprises in the region.
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Results that the Member State Creation of 3290 new business entities offering at least 3320 seeks to achieve with Union jobs in the region. support
Table 4. Common result indicators for which a target value has been set and programme specific result indicators corresponding to the specific objectively investment priority
Common Measure output Baseline ment unit Target value Measureme Category indicator value for Baselin (2023) Source of Frequency of No. Indicator nt unit for of region used as basis baseline e year data reporting indicator for target and setting target M W T M W T Number of jobs created with less 1. item N/A - - 3503 item 2014 - - 3320 SL2014 annually ESF funds for developed self-employment Number of created at least twice microenterprises evaluation less during the – 2. operating 30 item N/A - - 48 % 2014 - - 48 survey/stati developed programming months after stical data receiving period financial support
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported The investment priority Increasing the number of new and sustainable microenterprises in the region will address actions intended for unemployed people interested in setting up their own business (including also spin offs/spin outs). The support matching the individual demands of entrepreneurial residents of Małopolska will include: training and/or consulting in preparation to start a business granting financial support (grant) for starting business activity by persons whose situation on the labour market is the most difficult, i.e. persons 50+, long-term unemployed, disabled, low-skilled or women, support in the form of a loan for setting up a business (including spin offs/spin outs), actions to support and develop short experience entrepreneurs (project participants) at the start-up stage of their business activity in the form of training and consultancy through advisory, training and consultancy support. The support offered under the projects will include the provision of high-quality training and consulting services available at each stage of business set-up, both before formal registration, and during the initial period of functioning of the newly established enterprise. The services on offer should constitute real help to people who are preparing to set up a business or have been doing that for a relatively short period of time and, consequently, contribute to improving the effects of the intervention and the survival rate of the businesses. In view of the foregoing, the actions under the investment priority should include wide access to individual consultations and engagement in the training and consulting process of people who are knowledgeable in self-employment.
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As an additional objective of the promotion of additional, new jobs under the investment priority, the application of a mechanism to diversify the amount of grants is planned depending on the number of jobs created in newly created businesses.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups In the area of setting up microenterprises, when granting financial support (grant), the beneficiaries can be, as a rule, all entities – except natural persons (this does not apply to people engaging in business or educational activities under separate regulations), including in particular entrepreneurs, higher schools, social and business partners (including non-governmental organisations). In the event of support is granted in the form of a financial instrument – eligible beneficiaries should be entities experienced in implementing the financial instruments. At the same time, other programme documents or project selection criteria provide for the possibility of detailing/narrowing the group of beneficiaries who can apply for project co-financing. The target group for training and advisory services to prepare for starting up a business will consist of unemployed natural persons who are interesting in setting up a business. The target group for financial support (grant) will consists of unemployed natural persons interested in setting up their own business and whose situation on the labour market is the most disadvantaged, i.e. persons 50+, long-term unemployed, disabled, low-skilled and women. Support for other target groups will be carried out with the use of financial instruments, for which no more than 20% of the allocation for the IP will be allocated. The target group for support in the form of financial instruments (loans to set up a business) will consist of unemployed persons interested in setting up their own business. The target group for training and advisory support will consist of entrepreneurs with a short experience in business who set up their business under the projects (project participants).44
Territorial coverage of support The support for business set-up will cover the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban and rural areas. At the same time, due to considerable intra-regional differences, concerning the planned scope of support, the Area of Strategic Intervention (ASI) has been identified in the Region: Areas with low entrepreneurship levels. Supporting the above ASI will be encouraged by a mechanism of preferences within the framework of the project selection criteria taking into account the current data and depending on the changing situation in the region.
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed Under the investment priority the competitive mode will be applied. The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of the Programme objectives and broader strategic objectives arising under the Development Strategy of the Małopolska Region for 2011-2020, taking into account the specific
44 Support under IP 8iii is addressed to persons aged 29+.
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objectives for the individual investment priorities. At the same time, the introduction of project/programme guidelines selection criteria will contribute, inter alia, to: addressing grant support to groups in the most disadvantageous situation in the regional/local labour market; more extensive use of financial instruments, addressing the support in particular to less economically developed areas in the region, ensuring the highest possible sustainability of the support. pointing to the need to guarantee equal access to and combat any discrimination. Operations which encompass financial instruments will be selected by the Managing Authority on the basis of the ex-ante evaluation referred to in Article 37 of the General Regulation. The Managing Authority will select an entity/entities implementing the financial instruments (the operations’ beneficiary) after the decision to make a contribution to the financial instrument/ instruments. Among other things, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency.
Planned use of financial instruments Under the IP support is planned to be granted both in the form of grants and financial instruments (loans). Detailed arrangements concerning the scope of engagement of financial instruments, identification of the types of their potential combination with support in the non-repayable form, as well as the terms and conditions of benefiting from such support will be presented in the document which details the operational programme based on the results of the analysis required under the provisions of Article 37 of the General Regulation. The MA has carried out one of the planned experts' studies for the needs of the ex-ante evaluation referred to in Article 37 of the General Regulation.
Planned use of major projects Not applicable.
Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
Target value Frequency Measure Category Source of No. Output indicator Fund (2023) of ment unit of region data reporting M W T Number of unemployed people who less 1. received non- person ESF developed - - 2 960 SL2014 annually repayable funds to set up their own business 159
under the programme Number of unemployed people who received 2. less repayable funds person ESF - - 330 SL2014 annually developed to set up their own business under the programme
Thematic objective 8. Promoting sustainable and quality employment and supporting labour mobility Investment priority 8v. Adaptation of employees, enterprises and entrepreneurs to change
Specific objective 1. Increasing accessibility of development services for SMEs 2. Increasing adaptability of persons exempt and threatened with job loss
Results that the Member State Providing access to high quality development services for seeks to achieve with Union SMEs and their employees support Equipping those made redundant or threatened with job loss for reasons related to the workplace with skills, competences to enable them to keep their jobs with their existing employers or take up work at a new place.
Table 4. Common result indicators for which a target value has been set and programme specific result indicators corresponding to the specific objective by investment priority
Common Measure output ment unit Measurem indicator Baseline Target value Category of for Baselin Source of Frequency of No. Indicator ent unit for used as value (2023) region baseline e year data reporting indicator basis for and target target setting M W T M W T Specific objective 1: Increasing accessibility of development services for SMEs Number of microenterprises and small and medium sized enterprises which less 1. item N/A - - 50 % 2010 - - 50 SL2014 annually have attained their developed development objective owing to their participation in the programme Number of persons less 2. person N/A - - 74 % 2010 - - 74 SL2014 annually who acquired developed 160
qualifications or having acquired competences after leaving the programme Number of employed Number of persons persons in a better situation covered by at least 4 times on the labour market less support evaluation during the 3. person - - 20 % 2014 - - 20 6 months after developed under the survey programming leaving the programme period programme (including self- employed) Specific objective 2: Increasing adaptability of persons exempt and threatened with job loss Number of people who, having left the less 1. programme took up person N/A - - 52 % 2013 - - 52 SL2014 annually developed or continued employment
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported Within the specific objective Increasing accessibility of development services for SMEs, as complementary to actions aimed to enhance the competitiveness of the SME sector and its research and development potential take up under Priority Axis 3 Entrepreneurship in Małopolska (IP 3c) and Priority Axis 1 Knowledge economy (IP 1b), high-quality support adapted to the needs will be offered to improve the competencies of staff in the SME as part of the personal finance services and development (in particular training, counselling). During 2014-2020, support for staff development will be based on the demand-oriented system in which the decisive role in the selection and creation of the development service will be played by the entrepreneur.45 It is the employer who, having analysed current development needs of its employees, will choose the relevant service to be used by its employees or the employer itself. The new, easily accessible system will be based on a register of training providers rendering high-quality services. Such a concept will contribute tangibly to improving the quality of training services offered on the market, considerably shortening the actual duration of the provision of the development service which will, as a consequence, improve its usefulness and effectiveness for employees and their employers.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups In the area of enhancing the potential of staff, the beneficiaries can be all entities – except natural persons (this does not apply to people engaging in business or educational activities under separate regulations), in particular entrepreneurs, business environment institutions, social and business partners (including non-governmental organisations). At the same time, other programme documents or project selection criteria provide for the possibility of detailing/narrowing the group of beneficiaries who can apply for project co-financing. The target group will be entrepreneurs in the SME sector and their employees, including self- employed people.
45 Development support for enterprises is not granted to large enterprises
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Territorial coverage of support The support in the area of enhancing the potential of staff will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban and rural areas.
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed Under the investment priority the competitive mode will be applied for project selection. In the demand-oriented system, projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of the Programme objectives and broader strategic objectives arising under the Development Strategy of the Małopolska Region for 2011-2020, taking into account the specific objectives for the individual investment priorities. At the same time, the introduction of project selection/programme guidelines criteria will contribute, inter alia, to: ensuring the diversification of the financing amount depending on the target groups to which support will be addressed (persons 50+, low-skilled), high growth enterprises and industries/sectors of significance for the region. In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency.
Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted exclusively through non-refundable grants, with no use of financial instruments.
Planned use of major projects Not applicable.
Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
Target value Measurem Category Source Frequency of No. Indicator Fund (2023) ent unit of region of data reporting M W T Number of microenterprises and small and medium less 1. sized enterprises item ESF developed - - 6 980 SL2014 annually covered by development services in the programme Number of employed persons covered by support under the less 2. person ESF - - 27 310 SL2014 annually programme developed (including self- employed)
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A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported Within the specific objective Increasing adaptability of persons exempt and threatened with job loss, actions will be taken up because of the dynamically changing economic circumstances in the national, local and regional markets, require support in future to adapt themselves to the new circumstances (adaptation). The planned support in this regard will be comprehensive and will be granted, through development and implementation of outplacement programmes46, to individuals who are threatened with or have lost their jobs for reasons attributable to the employer.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups In the area of outplacement support, all entities can be beneficiaries – except natural persons (this does not apply to people engaging in business or educational activities under separate regulations), in particular entrepreneurs, business environment institutions, social and business partners (including non-governmental organisations). At the same time, other programme documents or project selection criteria provide for the possibility of detailing/narrowing the group of beneficiaries who can apply for project co-financing. The support target group will be persons who are threatened with redundancy for reasons attributable to the employer or who have lost their jobs for such reasons.
Territorial coverage of support Support in the area of adaptation to change will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban and rural areas.
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed Under the investment priority the competitive mode will be applied. The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of the Programme objectives and broader strategic objectives arising under the Development Strategy of the Małopolska Region for 2011-2020, taking into account the specific objectives for the individual investment priorities. At the same time, the introduction of project selection criteria will contribute, inter alia, to: ensuring the greatest possible effectiveness of the support (employment effectiveness). In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency.
Planned use of financial instruments Taking into account the type of activities supported by the investment priority, grants are expected to be primarily used as support. However, in the case of activities that are potentially financially viable,
46 The staff of large enterprises may be covered by outplacement programmes.
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possible use of financial instruments will be considered by the MA. Each time, the decision to make use of the mechanism of financial instruments will be preceded by an ex-ante evaluation, in accordance with Art. 37 of the General Regulation.
Planned use of major projects Not applicable.
Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
Target value Measurem Category Source Frequency of No. Output indicator Fund (2023) ent unit of region of data reporting M W T Number of employees threatened with redundancy and less people laid off for person ESF developed - - 1 940 SL2014 annually 1. reasons attributable to
the employer covered by support under the programme
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Thematic objective 8. Promoting sustainable and quality employment and supporting labour mobility Investment priority 8vi. Equality between men and women in all areas, including in access to employment, career progression, reconciliation of work and private life and promotion of equal pay for equal work
Specific objective Raising employment level among persons who perform the function of a child carer
Results that the Member State Doubling the number of care places for children of up to 3 seeks to achieve with Union years of age in the region. support
Table 4. Common result indicators for which a target value has been set and programme specific result indicators corresponding to the specific objective by investment priority
Common Measure output Baseline Target value ment unit Measurem indicator value (2023) No. Category of for Baselin Source of Frequency of Indicator ent unit for used as region baseline e year data reporting indicator basis for and target target setting M W T M W T
Specific objective: Raising employment level among persons who perform the function of a child carer Number of people who returned to the labour market after a break less 1. person N/A - - 80 % 2014 - - 80 SL2014 annually caused by giving developed birth to/raising a child after leaving the programme Number of unemployed who found a job or are less 2. person N/A - - 51 % 2014 - - 51 SL2014 annually seeking a job after developed leaving the programme Number of created child care places at least twice for children up to evaluation less during the 3. 3 years, in item N/A - - 58 % 2013 - - 58 survey/stati developed programming operation 2 years stical data after receiving period ESF co-financing
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported This investment priority Raising employment level among persons who perform the function of a child carer will support initiatives aimed at enabling the return to or entrance into the labour market for persons (in particular women) who do not participate in it due to their functions of child carer. Interventions in pursuance of this aim will include: support for the creation and/or functioning of establishments providing care for children of up to 3 years of age, including crèches (also with employers) and child clubs47 and actions to increase the number of places in existing institutions, creating conditions for the development of care for children of up to 3 years of age by daily carers, inter alia, through the support to services provided by the daily carer, upgrading competences of persons who wish to become a daily carer, information about and promotion of the use of such form of care and about performing the function of a carer (only when coupled with other forms of support). At the same time, the possibility to make necessary investments to adapt the infrastructure to make the functioning of child care institution for children under the age of 3 possible and adjusting it to the needs of persons covered by support by using the cross-financing, provided that their costs are necessary for and directly related to the adequate implementation of the project, is acceptable.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups In the area of reconciliation of work and private life, the beneficiaries can be all entities – except natural persons (this does not apply to people engaging in business or educational activities under separate regulations), in particular entrepreneurs and employers, territorial self-government units, unions and associations of TSUs, organisational units of TSUs having legal personality, social and business partners (including non-governmental organisations). At the same time, other programme documents or project selection criteria provide for the possibility of detailing/narrowing the group of beneficiaries who can apply for project co-financing. The support target group will be people returning to/entering the labour market, who have not participated in it to date due to their performing functions of care for children.
Territorial coverage of support The support in the reconciliation of work and private life will cover the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban and rural areas.
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed Under the investment priority the competitive mode will be applied. The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of the Programme objectives and broader strategic objectives arising under the Development Strategy of the Małopolska Region for 2011-2020, taking into account the specific objectives for the particular investment priorities. At the same time, the introduction of project selection criteria will contribute, inter alia, to:
47 Complementary to the actions taken up under priority axis (IP 9.7) to facilitate access to social services for dependants (elderly, disabled people)
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directing the support as regards the creation of new places of care for children of up to 3 years of age, particularly to municipalities with a high degree of unsatisfied demand for places in facilities providing care for children of up to 3 years of age, ensuring sustainability of the support when creating new places of care for children of up to 3 years of age, pointing to the need to guarantee equal access to the support and combating any discrimination. In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency.
Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted exclusively through grants, with no use of financial instruments.
Planned use of major projects Not applicable.
Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
Target value Measurem Category Source Frequency of No. Output indicator Fund (2023) ent unit of region of data reporting M W T
Number of people looking after children less 1. up to 3 years of age person ESF developed - - 5 270 SL2014 annually covered by support under the programme
Number of places to less 2. care for children of item ESF developed - - 5 270 SL2014 annually up to 3 years of age
Thematic objective 8. Promoting sustainable and quality employment and supporting labour mobility Investment priority 8vi. Active and healthy ageing
Specific objective 1. Raising employment rate of employees 50+ and support to those working on the posts with high burdens on their health. 2. Increasing participation of working age persons in 167
health programmes.
Results that the Member State Adjusting the competence of mature workers to their needs seeks to achieve with Union and possibilities support Increasing the access to health prevention, diagnostics and rehabilitation services
Table 4. Common result indicators for which a target value has been set and programme specific result indicators corresponding to the specific objective by investment priority
Common Measure output ment unit Measurem indicator Baseline Target value Category of for Baselin Source of Frequency of No. Indicator ent unit for used as value (2023) region baseline e year data reporting indicator basis for and target target setting M W T M W T Specific objective 1: Raising employment rate of employees 50+ and support to those working on the posts with high burdens on their health. Number of people 50+ who, having left the less 1. programme, person N/A - - 52 % 2013 - - 52 SL2014 annually developed took up a job or continued employment Number of less 2. strategies for item N/A - - 87 % 2013 - - 87 SL2014 annually developed age management Specific objective 2: Increasing participation of working age persons in health programmes. Number of people who, after leaving the less 1. programme, person N/A - - 53 % 2012 - - 53 SL2014 annually developed undertook or continued employment Number of persons who underwent less 144 2. preventive person N/A - - % 2012 - - 48 800 SL2014 annually developed 835 health tests thanks to EFS intervention
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported The specific objective Raising employment rate of employees 50+ and support to those working on the posts with high burdens on their health will address the following initiatives: programmes to reskill employees, especially mature (aged 50+) ones preparing them to take up a job at other modified/modernised positions with a smaller burden for their health, implementing solutions friendly to mature employers at their place of work including additions to and equipment of their workplaces, age management training/consultancy addressed to employers and employees. The specific objective Increasing participation of working age persons in health programmes will address the following initiatives:
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implementation of health programmes48 relating to education, prevention and rehabilitation for combating and early diagnosis of diseases which are the most frequent cause for occupational deactivation for health reasons, including oncologic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, osteoarticular and muscular system diseases, respiratory system diseases, mental illnesses (disorders), respiratory system diseases. At the same time, necessary investment to adapt the infrastructure to the needs of the people covered by support using the cross-financing mechanism is accepted, provided that their costs are necessary for and directly related to the adequate implementation of the project. The Policy Paper for Health Care 2014-2020 is the document forming a strategic framework for all health projects in the 2014-2020 Perspective. The main instrument to coordinate interventions undertaken in the health sector form the EU funding is the ESIF Steering Committee for Coordination of Interventions in the health sector, under the chairmanship of the Minister in charge for health. In order to ensure an adequate coordination mechanism, the Committee analyses health care issues on an on-going basis, in particular in view of the effectiveness and efficiency of EU-funded interventions, the accomplishment of expected results and the impact of the Action Plan’s implementation on the Policy Paper health protection objectives and on the objectives of the Partnership Agreement and Operational Programmes. The compliance with the Action Plan in the Health Sector (Action Plan) as agreed within the Steering Committee is a prerequisite for taking any ESI Funds- funded interventions in the health sector. The Action Plan, directly connected with the Partnership Agreement and encompassing investments from national funds (including those under competitions for tasks financed from the public funding and contracts for services provision), contains, inter alia, the list of potential projects to be implemented on the national and regional level. The list was created after the analysis of complementariness and cost-effectiveness of the proposals presented by the MA, the principles referring to modes and criteria of project selection under the calls for projects announced under central and regional projects. The investments shall be carried out solely by entities which [provide medical treatment (whether public or private), providing health care services financed from public funds. In the case of expansion of the scope of the entity providing medical treatment, they shall be required to have a contract for the provision of publicly-funded health care services, in the successive contracting period after the project completion at the latest. Allocation for the implementation of health programs specific to the region will amount to no more than 15% of the allocation on health programs.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups In the area of active ageing, as regards activities unrelated with the implementation of health programmes, the beneficiaries can be, as a rule, all entities – except natural persons (this does not apply to people engaging in business or educational activities under separate regulations). As regards implementation of health programmes, Beneficiaries can be, in particular: 1. public and private institutions providing medical care, 2. employers – enterprises dealing with social integration and social economy entities,
48
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3. social and business partners (including non-governmental organisations) experienced in delivery of health programmes. At the same time, other programme documents or project selection criteria provide for the possibility of detailing/narrowing the group of beneficiaries who can apply for project co-financing. The support target group will be persons of working age, in particular people aged 50+ amongst whom the risk of discontinuation of their occupational activity for health reasons is high, and employers.
Territorial coverage of support Support concerning active and healthy ageing will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban and rural areas.
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed Under the investment priority the competitive mode will be applied. The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of the Programme objectives and broader strategic objectives arising under the Development Strategy of the Małopolska Region for 2011-2020, taking into account the specific objectives for the individual investment priorities. At the same time, the introduction of project selection criteria will contribute measurably, inter alia, to: directing the support in particular to people aged 50+, ensuring the highest possible effectiveness of the support provided to the participants. In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency.
Planned use of financial instruments The investment project does not envisage the use of financial instruments which means that support will be given exclusively in the form of grants.
Planned use of major projects Not applicable.
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Table 5. Common and programme-specific output indicators
Target value Measurem Category Source Frequency of No. Output indicator Fund (2023) ent unit of region of data reporting M W T
Number of people aged less 1. 50+ supported in the person ESF developed - - 3 300 SL2014 annually programme
Number of employers less 2. supported in the field item ESF developed - - 225 SL2014 annually of age management
Number of persons less covered by a health 3. person ESF developed - - 50 020 SL2014 annually programme thanks to
ESF
Number of health programmes implemented of less 4. item ESF - - 3 SL2014 annually significance in view of developed the region’s, including employers’ needs
Performance framework of the priority axis
Table 6. Performance framework for the priority axis
Explanation of Measure Milestone (2018) Final target (2023) Indicator Category of Source of relevance of No. Indicator or KIS ment type region unit Fund data indicator
Priority axis Priority M W T M W T
the indicator measures the Total amount actual rate of Financial E of certified less incurring and 8 progress 1. EUR S 77 208 901 318 546 057 SL2014 eligible developed verification of indicator F expenditure the eligible expenditure in the projects
Number of unemployed E basic output Output persons less 8 2. person S 5720 8580 14300 16136 24204 40340 SL2014 indicator for indicator (including developed F IP 8i long-term unemployed) Number of E basic output Output inactive Less 8 3. person S 408 612 1020 1152 1728 2880 SL2014 indicator for indicator persons developed F IP 8i covered by
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support under the programme
Number of unemployed persons who received non- E basic output Output less 8 4. refundable person S 560 2960 SL2014 indicator for indicator developed support to start F IP 8iii a business under the programme
Categories of intervention planned in the priority axis
Table 7-11. An indicative catalogue of categories of interventions planned to be used within the priority axis is provided in the table below.
Fund and category of region: European Social Fund, less developed region
Table 7: Table 8 Table 9: Table 10: Table 11 Dimension 1 Dimension 2 Dimension 3 Dimension 4 Dimension 6
Intervention field Form of finance Territory type Territorial delivery ESF secondary theme mechanisms (ESF only)
P Cod € P Co € P Co € P Co € P Co € A e A de A de A de A de
8 102 124 764 148 8 01 265 764 148 8 01 120 000 000 8 07 270 764 148 8 03 85 000 000
8 104 50 000 000 8 04 5 000 000 8 02 92 496 696 8 04 15 000 000
8 105 25 000 000 8 03 58 267 452 8 05 15 976 415
8 106 45 000 000 8 06 270 764 148
8 107 26 000 000 8 07 270 764 148
The categories were assigned to individual dimensions assuming that each of the dimensions is independent of the others, which means that each amount allocated to the priority axis is assigned to the intervention categories envisaged in the respective dimension.
Planned use of technical assistance for the purpose of developing administrative capacity
The planned use of technical assistance has been described in the priority axis dedicated to technical assistance.
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PRIORITY AXIS 9. SOCIALLY COHERENT REGION
A considerable scale of poverty and social exclusion is amongst the factors which constitute a barrier for the region’s development. At the same time, the absence of effective forms of support to people threatened with social exclusion as well as restricted access for such people to high-quality social and health services may lead to an accumulation of unfavourable phenomena in the region. Having regard to the foregoing, the principal aim of the priority axis is enhanced intraregional cohesion in the social and health dimension. The support planned within the priority axis is complementary one to another and contributes to the accomplishment of the specific objectives set out in the Partnership Agreement as regards increased chances of employment for people suffering from or threatened with social exclusion, and reduced the risk of social exclusion caused by disproportions in access to public services.
Link between the Priority Axis and TOs, IPs, and Funds
Thematic objective Investment priority Fund 9.Promoting social 9i. Active inclusion, including with a view to promoting equal opportunities and ESF inclusion, combating active participation, and improving employability poverty and any 9iv. Enhancing access to affordable, sustainable and high-quality services, ESF discrimination including health care and social services of general interest 9v. Promoting social entrepreneurship and vocational integration in social ESF enterprises, and the social and solidarity economy in order to facilitate access to employment
Fund, category of region and calculation basis for Union support Fund European Social Fund
Category of region less developed
Calculation basis (public or total total expenditure)
Category of region for outermost not applicable regions and northern sparsely populated regions (where applicable)
The following support areas are planned under the priority axis:
Thematic objective 9. Promoting social inclusion, combating poverty and any discrimination Investment priority 9i. Active inclusion, including with a view to promoting equal opportunities and active participation, and improving employability
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Specific objective Active inclusion of persons at risk of poverty or social exclusion through the improvement and enhancement of their employability
Results that the Member State The pursuance of the IP will contribute to greater seeks to achieve with Union employability of persons threatened with poverty or social support exclusion. The use of varied methods of social, vocational and educational activation selected depending on the individual needs of each of the persons subject to the support will significantly improve their chances of employment.
Table 4. Common result indicators for which a target value has been set and programme specific result indicators corresponding to the specific objective
Measure Common output ment unit Target Measurement Baseline Category of indicator used as for Baselin value Source of Frequency of No. Indicator unit for value region basis for target baseline e year (2023) data reporting indicator setting and target M W T M W T Specific objective 1: Active inclusion, including with a view to promoting equal opportunities and active participation, and improving employability Number of people threatened with poverty or social exclusion, less 1. working after person N/A - - 10 % 2014 - - 10 SL2014 annually developed leaving the programme (including self- employed people) Number of people threatened with poverty or social less 2. exclusion person N/A - - 36 % 2014 - - 36 Sl2014 annually developed seeking employment after leaving the programme Number of people threatened with poverty or social less 3. exclusion who person N/A - - 27 % 2014 - - 27 Sl2014 annually developed obtained qualifications after leaving the programme Number of persons at risk at least 4 of poverty or times during social exclusion less evaluation 4. person N/A - - 24 % 2014 - - 24 the working 6 developed survey programming months after period leasing the programme
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(including self- employed)
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported The specific objective Active inclusion, including with a view to promoting equal opportunities and active participation, and improving employability will address actions concerning active integration of people in a special social and occupational situation: The planned support will be directed primarily at the delivery of social/vocational activation programmes for people threatened with poverty or social exclusion, their families, and other persons from their environment. In view of the huge diversification of the target group, strong emphasis will be put on the comprehensiveness of support and on customising the support as much as possible to the diagnosed needs and predispositions of concrete people. Various instruments of educational, vocational, or social activation will be used in the above mentioned programmes, including assistance services, supported employment, and other services that facilitate employee adaptation to the work environment; psychological and vocational counselling, employment agency, traineeship and work-based practice, subsidised employment, vocational reintegration activities at the employer’s, courses and training that facilitates the acquisition of, rising or changing one’s qualifications; services accompanying the process of young people’s ageing out of foster care, as well as other instruments for social and vocational activation of people supported by the Programme. A very important aspect is going to involve support for the environment of persons at risk of poverty or social exclusion (e.g. in the form of mediation, family therapy, family counselling, local activity programmes, action aimed at preventing child and youth exclusion), which will improve the effectiveness of the support concerned. In order to increase the effectiveness and comprehensiveness of the support, strong emphasis will be put on the cooperation among various entities which act for the benefit of social inclusion and combating poverty, in particular labour market institutions, social welfare institutions, guardian services and NGOs. In order to improve the efficiency of the fight against poverty, the MA will provide the ROP use of mechanisms ensuring complementarity of the support from the ESF and the European Fund for support to the most needy within the Operational Programme Food Aid (OP FA), in particular, ensure the flow of information on the possibilities of obtaining support between ESF beneficiaries and partner organizations and their regional and local entities involved in food distribution. The investment priority provides for a possibility to make the necessary investment in the social infrastructure using the cross-financing mechanism, provided that its cost is necessary for the proper delivery of and is directly linked to the project. The planned support will contribute to the pursuance of Priority III: Active Integration Within Local Communities as defined in the National Programme for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion 2020.
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Potential beneficiaries and target groups In the area of active inclusion, the Beneficiaries can be all entities who are experienced in running activities fostering social inclusion – except natural persons (this does not apply to people engaging in business or educational activities under separate regulations), in particular: 1. Social Welfare Centres, 2. Poviat Family Support Centres, 3. Territorial Self-Government Units (TSUs), unions between and associations of TSUs, 4. organisational units of TSUs having legal personality, 5. NGOs, 6. social economy entities, 7. churches and religious associations, and legal persons of churches and religious associations. At the same time, other programme documents or project selection criteria provide for the possibility of detailing/narrowing the group of beneficiaries who can apply for project co-financing. The support target group will be primarily: people at risk of poverty or social exclusion49, who primarily need social activation, including the homeless who, subject to the Act on the promotion of employment and labour market institutions, are in the third group of persons, i.e. persons far removed from the labour market (in respect of the persons profiled by Poviat Employment Agencies)50. the environment of people threatened with poverty or social exclusion (including their families).
Territorial coverage of support Support in the area of active integration of people in a special social and occupational situation will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban (including urban areas in need of revitalisation) and rural areas. At the same time, due to considerable intra- regional differences as regards accumulated social problems, concerning the planned scope of support, the Area of Strategic Intervention (ASI) has been identified in the Region: Areas threatened with accumulated social problems – poverty. Supporting the above mentioned ASI will be encouraged by a mechanism of preferences within the framework of the project selection criteria (taking into account the current data and research results and depending on the changing situation in the region).
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed Under the investment priority the competitive mode will be applied. The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of the Programme objectives and broader strategic objectives arising under the
49 Support to ”marginalised societies” (such as Roma, or prisoners) is envisaged only on the national level under the Knowldege, Education, Development OP. 50 The definition of persons threatened with poverty or social exclusion will be provided in the horizontal national guidelines by the minister competent for regional development in respect of the implementation of TO9. 176
Development Strategy of the Małopolska Region for 2011-2020 taking into account the specific objectives for the individual investment priorities. The introduction of project selection criteria will contribute, inter alia, to: directing support to groups in a special social/occupational situation, including for reasons of there being many children in the family, or for reasons of disability, the need to care over a dependent person, being covered by crisis intervention services; focusing the interventions on areas where disadvantageous social phenomena and problems accumulate and where there are deficits as regards access to high-quality social and health services; ensuring due efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of support (e.g. by applying socio- occupational efficiency criteria). In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency.
Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted exclusively through grants, with no use of financial instruments.
Planned use of major projects Not applicable.
Table 5. Common and programme-specific output indicators
Measurem Category of Target value (2023) Source of Frequency of No. Indicator Fund ent unit region data reporting M W T Number of people threatened with poverty or social 1. person ESF less developed - - 23 900 SL2014 annually exclusion covered by support under the programme Number of people with disabilities 2. covered by person ESF less developed - - 5 000 SL2014 annually support under the programme
Thematic objective 9. Promoting social inclusion, combating poverty, and any discrimination Investment priority 9.iv Enhancing access to affordable, sustainable and high- quality services, including health care and social services of general interest
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Specific objective 1. Enhanced access to social services 2. Enhanced access to health services
Results that the Member State 1. Increasing the number of places in entities which provide seeks to achieve with Union social services support 2. Increasing the number of places in entities which provide health services
Table 4. Common result indicators for which a target value has been set and programme specific result indicators corresponding to the specific
Common Measure output ment unit Measureme Baseline Target value Category indicator for Baselin Source Frequency of No. Indicator nt unit for value (2023) of region used as basis baseline e year of data reporting indicator for target and setting target M W T M W T Specific objective 1: Enhanced access to social services Number of places providing social less 1. item N/A - - 6153 item 2013 - - 5900 SL2014 annually services existing after developed the end of the project Number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion looking for work, participating in less 2. education or training, person N/A - - 1000 person 2013 - - 1900 SL2014 annually developed gaining qualifications, working (including the self- employed) after leaving the programme Specific objective 2: Enhanced access to health services
Number of places providing healthcare less 1. item N/A - - 5325 item 2013 - - 1850 SL2014 annually services existing after developed the end of the project
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported Under the specific objective Enhanced access to social services, actions to improve the access to and quality of social services will be carried out, in particular: support for the creation and/or activity of entities that offer day-care support to children and youth, support for the creation and/or activity of crisis intervention centres that offer support to individuals and families with problems and in crisis situations, -- comprehensive support ensuring a temporary shelter, psychological care, information, legal counselling, help line etc.
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support for the creation and/or functioning of temporary stay facilities for dependants who need professional care in cases of their informal carers’ temporary inability to provide the care concerned and other forms of support for carers of dependent persons; support for the creation or activity of day-care facilities that activate dependants and satisfy their needs in the way which makes possible their independent functioning as well as participation in social life, e.g. by providing care and assisted living services, rehabilitation services, psychological support and counselling, organising occupations that support the activity of seniors and of the disabled, and ensuring the facilities’ performance of their field activity. Under the specific objective Enhanced access to health services initiatives for improving access to and the quality of health care services will be carried out, in particular: support to creation and/or operation of multispecialist early intervention centres for families with a disabled child or at risk of disability; implementing health programmes, including those focused on solving problems of children and youth in areas where there is accumulation of negative phenomena and social problems; development of long-term care services in forms other than hospital, provided that they fall within the prescribed list of priority areas (i.e. oncology, psychiatry, geriatrics, and neurology, as well as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory, osteoarticular and muscular systems diseases, care of mothers with children), taking into consideration the services provided in deinstitutionalised forms of care. At the same time, the investment priority provides for a possibility to implement the necessary investment in the social infrastructure using the cross-financing mechanism, provided that its cost is necessary for the proper delivery of and is directly linked to the project. The planned support will focus largely on preventive and prophylactic measures (addressed in particular to children and youth and families threatened with dysfunctions or undergoing difficulties in performing their care and child-raising functions), being an effective tool preventing social exclusion. At the same time, actions will be taken to provide specialist support to crisis-affected people and families (inter alia through the development of the offer of services provided to such people and support for the creation of new places, including for night accommodation, in crisis intervention centres). Also support for initiatives improving access to and the quality of services addressed to dependants and their carers will be of particular importance. The Health Policy Paper 2014-2020 is the document that defines the strategic framework for intervention in the healthcare sector in the 2014-2020 perspective. The ESIF Coordination Steering Committee in the healthcare sector, presided over by the Minister in charge of health, is the main instrument which coordinates intervention in the healthcare sector within the EU funds. In order to ensure an adequate coordination mechanism., the Committee analyses health protection-related issues on an ongoing basis, in particular in view of ensuring efficiency and effectiveness of EU-funded interventions, the accomplishment of expected results and the impact of the Action Plan on the objectives of the Policy Paper in the health protection area and the objectives of the Partnership Agreement and Operational Programmes. A condition necessary to intervene in the healthcare sector is the conformity of any intervention with the Action Plan for the healthcare sector (Action Plan).
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The Action Plan is directly linked with the Partnership Agreement and takes into account investments from national funding (including those granted under competitions for publically-funded tasks and contracts for services). The Plan contains, among other things, the list of potential projects implemented on the national and regional levels, created after the analysis of MA proposals in view of their complementarity and cost-effectiveness, along with the principles concerning project selection modes and criteria within calls for applications under central and regional programmes. The investments will be carried out only by entities (public and private) which provide medical care, conducting health care services financed from public funds. Should the scope of operation of the entity providing medical care be expanded, a contract for the provision of publically-funded health care services will be required, at the latest in the next contracting period for the services after the project completion. The planned support will contribute to the pursuance of Priority I: Preventing the Social Exclusion of Children and Youth, and Priority IV: The Security and Activity of the Elderly as defined in the National Programme for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion 2020.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups In the area of development of social and health services, the Beneficiaries can be all entities – except natural persons (this does not apply to people engaging in business or educational activities under separate regulations), in particular: 1. Territorial Self-Government Units (TSUs), unions between and associations of TSUs, 2. organisational units of TSUs having legal personality, 3. NGOs, 4. non-profit organisations 5. churches and religious associations, and legal persons of churches and religious associations, 6. social economy entities, 7. public and private institutions providing medical care services, 8. entrepreneurs. At the same time, other programme documents or project selection criteria provide for the possibility of detailing/narrowing the group of beneficiaries who can apply for project co-financing. The target group will be in particular: people threatened with poverty or social exclusion51; the environment of people threatened with poverty or social exclusion (including families); children and young people up to the age of 18 and their families; people dependent due to age, disability or health condition and their care givers.
Territorial coverage of support The support in the development of social and health services will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban (including urban areas in need of revitalisation) and rural areas. At the same time, due to considerable intra-regional differences concerning accumulated social problems, the Area of Strategic Intervention (ASI) has been identified
51 The definition of persons threatened with poverty or social exclusion will be provided in the horizontal national guidelines by the minister competent for regional development in respect of the implementation of TO9.
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in the Region: Areas threatened with accumulated social problems – poverty. Supporting the above ASI will be encouraged by a mechanism of preferences within the framework of the project selection criteria taking into account the current data and research results and depending on the changing situation in the region. At the same time, regarding the planned actions to improve the access to and the quality of crisis intervention services, as well as services addressed to dependants and their caretakers (except long- term and tele care), the application of a territorial development instrument is envisaged, i.e. sub- regional development programme (instrument dedicated to interventions within functional sub-regions – the region’s areas of strategic intervention) and instrument dedicated to interventions within Krakow and its functional area – area of strategic intervention by the state).
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed Under the investment priority, the competitive mode will be applied. As regards actions for the improving access to and the quality of crisis intervention services, as well as services addressed to dependants and their caretakers (except long-term and tele care), it is planned to use, primarily, a special mechanism based on the subregional path, as a special form of the competitive mode and integrated territorial interventions. The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of the Programme objectives and broader strategic objectives arising under the Development Strategy of the Małopolska Region for 2011-2020, taking into account the specific objectives for the individual investment priorities. In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability, as well as consistency with the principles of sustainable development, equality between men and women and non-discrimination. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency. The introduction of project selection criteria will contribute, inter alia, to: directing the support to groups in a special social/occupational situation, including for reasons of there being many children in the family, or for reasons of disability; focusing the support on areas where disadvantageous social phenomena and problems accumulate and where there are deficits in the access to high-quality social and health services; ensuring due efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of support. In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency.
Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted exclusively in the form of grants, with no use of financial instruments.
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Planned use of major projects Not applicable.
Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
Category of Measurement region Target value (2023) Source Frequency No. Indicator Fund unit (where of data of reporting relevant) M W T Number of persons at risk of poverty or social exclusion covered less 1. person ESF - - 22 600 SL2014 annually by social services developed of general interest under the programme Number of persons at risk of poverty or social less 2. exclusion covered person ESF - - 7 500 SL2014 annually developed by healthcare services under the programme
Thematic objective 9. Promoting social inclusion, combating poverty and any discrimination Investment priority 9v. Promoting social entrepreneurship and vocational integration in social enterprises and the social and solidarity economy in order to facilitate access to employment
Specific objective Higher employment in the social economy sector
Results that the Member State Creating 600 new jobs in social enterprises seeks to achieve with Union support
Table 4. Common result indicators for which a target value has been set and programme specific result indicators corresponding to the specific objective
Common output Baseline Measurem Target value Measureme Category indicator value ent unit for Baseline (2023) Source of Frequency of No. Indicator nt unit for of region used as basis baseline year data reporting indicator for target and target M W T M W T setting Specific objective 1: Higher employment in the social economy sector
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Number of jobs less 1. created in social item N/A 309 item 2014 - - 600 SL2014 annually developed enterprises
Number of jobs at least twice created in social less evaluation under the 2. enterprises still item N/A 85 % 2014 - - 85 developed survey programming existing at least period 30 months
Number of persons at risk of poverty or social exclusion less 3. working after person N/A 26 % 2014 - - 26 SL2014 annually developed leaving the programme including self- employed)
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported The specific objective Higher employment in the social economy sector will include initiatives for the development of social economy in the region through: actions supporting the development of social economy, including local animation services, including animation activities, enabling the creation of civil entities and support for their development, construction and support of partnerships for the development of social economy and social participation); services for the development of social economy, including activities aiming to initiate the creation of new social economy entities (e.g. training, individual and group counselling), and comprehensive support in creating new jobs in social enterprises, e.g. grants and bridge support (while opening an enterprise and in initial stages of its development) for persons interested in establishing, joining or being employed at social enterprises; services to provide support to existing social economy entities, including legal, business, and financial consulting, support for the services offered by social economy entities; coordination activities at the regional level to support the development of social economy. The ROP MA ensures that the mechanisms will be in place to prevent overlapping actions and doubling the financing of allocations for coordination actions carried out by the Regional Self- Government and OWES. The planned support will contribute to the pursuance of Priority III: Active Integration Within Local Communities as defined in the National Programme for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion 2020.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups In the area of initiatives for the development of social economy, the Beneficiaries can be, first of all: 1. Institutions Supporting Social Economy (OWES) which have been accreted to provide support services to social economy; 2. The Regional Social Policy Centre;
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3. social economy entities, including among others social enterprises and re-integration entities; 4. NGOs; 5. non-profit organisations. The support target group will be primarily: social economy entities, including, inter alia, social enterprises and re-integration entities; natural persons and entities interested in setting up and/or engaging in operations in the social economy sector, including in the form of a social enterprise; persons at risk of poverty or social exclusion52; Territorial Self-Government Units.
Territorial coverage of support Support in the development of social economy and rural areas will cover the region as a whole, with the investments located in urban and rural areas.
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed Under the investment priority both competitive and non-competitive modes will be applied. In accordance with the Partnership Agreement, the basic mode for the selection of projects to be co- financed will be the competitive mode. Non-competitive mode will be applied only in justifiable cases involving the coordination of tasks specified in the provisions of law which apply to the particular entities, i.e. actions coordinating social policy development on the regional level conducted by the Regional Social Policy Centre. The implementation of such actions is one of the tasks entrusted to the regional self-government pursuant to the Social Assistance Act. At the same time, pursuant to the National Programme for Social Economy Development, the Regional Social Policy Centre should be the body in charge for such actions in the region. The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of the Programme objectives and broader strategic objectives arising under the Development Strategy of the Małopolska Region for 2011-2020, taking into account the specific objectives for the individual investment priorities. The introduction of project selection criteria will contribute, inter alia, to: directing the support to groups in particularly disadvantageous social and occupational situation; ensuring due efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of the support (e.g. by applying socio- occupational effectiveness criteria). Decisions about the selection of operations within actions in support of social economy development will be based on the project selection criteria indicating quantitative effects of OWES activity in view of selected OWES accreditation criteria (implemented under the HC OP 2007 – 2013) for particular types of services (animation, incubation, business). The ROP MA will also ensure the monitoring o the OWES services’ effectiveness in the above respect.
52 The definition of persons threatened with poverty or social exclusion will be provided in the horizontal national guidelines by the minister competent for regional development in respect of the implementation of TO9.
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In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability, as well as consistency with the principles of sustainable development, equality between men and women and non-discrimination. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency.
Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted exclusively through grants, with no use of financial instruments.
Planned use of major projects Not applicable.
Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
Category of Target value Measurement region Source Frequency No. Indicator Fund (2023) unit (where of data of reporting relevant) M W T Number of social economy entities less 1. item ESF - - 500 SL2014 annually covered by the developed support Number of persons at risk of poverty or social less 2. exclusion person ESF - - 1 200 SL2014 annually developed covered with support under the programme
Performance framework of the priority axis
Table 6. Performance framework for the priority axis
Milestone Final target
(2018) (2023) Explanation of
Indicator Measurem Category of Source of relevance of No. Indicator or KIS type ent unit region Fund data indicator
M W T M W T Priority axis Priority
the indicator measures the Total amount of Financial less 272 941 actual rate at 9 1. certified eligible EUR ESF 44 528 291 - - SL2014 indicator developed 177 which eligible expenditure expenditure is made and verified Number of people basic output Output threatened with less 9 2. person ESF 4 190 - - 23 900 SL2014 indicator for IP indicator social exclusion developed 9i covered by support under the 185
programme Number of persons at risk of poverty or social exclusion basic output Output less 9 3. covered by social person ESF 3 960 - - 22 600 SL2014 indicator for IP indicator developed services of 9iv general interest under the programme
CATEGORIES OF INTERVENTION PLANNED UNDER THE PRIORITY AXIS
Tables 7-11. Indicative list of categories of intervention planned to be used under the Priority Axis
Fund and category of region: European Social Fund, less developed region Table 10: Table 11 Table 7: Table 8 Table 9: Dimension 4 Dimension 6 Dimension 1 Dimension 2 Dimension 3 Territorial delivery ESF secondary theme Intervention field Form of finance Territory type mechanisms (ESF only) P Cod P Cod P Cod P Cod P Cod € € € € € A e A e A e A e A e 9 109 100 000 000 9 01 232 000 000 9 01 99 000 000 9 01 14 000 000 9 03 15 000 000 9 112 115 000 000 9 02 80 000 000 9 05 31 000 000 9 05 25 000 000 9 113 17 000 000 9 03 53 000 000 9 07 187 000 000 9 06 232 000 000 9 07 232 000 000
The categories were assigned to individual dimensions assuming that each of the dimensions is independent of the others, which means that each amount allocated to the priority axis is assigned to the intervention categories envisaged in the respective dimension.
Planned use of technical assistance for the purpose of developing administrative capacity
The planned use of technical assistance has been described in the priority axis dedicated to technical assistance.
PRIORITY AXIS 10. KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCES
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High-quality education received from the earliest years, taking into account the various needs and capacities of children and youth, as well as adults, open to challenges and ready to remove barriers to access, is an indispensable basis for building a well-educated society of Małopolska, with competences reflecting the learners' personal talents, and capable of responding to the changing conditions and needs on the labour market. The main objective of the priority axis is to develop the intellectual capital of residents as a basis for building a strong position for the region. Interventions planned under this priority axis are consistent with the specific objective regarding education formulated in the PA: better competences for staff in the economy.
Link between the Priority Axis and TOs, IPs and Funds:
Thematic objective Investment priority Fund 10. Investing in education, 10i Reducing and preventing early school-leaving and promoting equal access to ESF training and vocational good quality early-childhood, primary and secondary education including formal, training for skills and non-formal and informal learning pathways for reintegrating into education and lifelong learning training 10iii Enhancing equal access to lifelong learning for all age groups in formal, non- ESF formal and informal settings, upgrading the knowledge, skills and competences of the workforce, and promoting flexible learning pathways including through career guidance and validation of acquired competences 10iv Improving the labour market relevance of education and training systems, ESF facilitating the transition from education to work, and strengthening vocational education and training systems and their quality, including through mechanisms for skills anticipation, adaptation of curricula and the establishment and development of work-based learning systems, including dual learning systems and apprenticeship schemes.
Fund, category of region and calculation basis for Union support Fund European Social Fund
Category of region less developed
Calculation basis (public or total total expenditure)
Category of region for outermost not applicable regions and northern sparsely populated regions (where applicable)
Under the priority axis, actions are planned in the following areas of intervention:
Thematic objective 10. Investing in education, training and vocational training for skills and lifelong learning Investment priority 10i Reducing and preventing early school-leaving and promoting equal access to good quality early-childhood, primary and secondary education including formal, non-formal and informal learning pathways for reintegrating into education and training
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Specific objective 1. Increasing the number of pre-school education places and extending the extra offer of pre-school education facilities. 2. Raising students' key competencies and appropriate attitudes for the labour market and the individualization of approach in particular to students with special needs.
Results that the Member State The expected result with regard to pre-school education will seeks to achieve with Union involve, above all, creating new places in kindergartens and support providing extracurricular classes to as many children as possible. As regards schools, the expected result of intervention will involve the maintenance of good effects of teaching, and preparing students for further stages of learning, and as a consequence – for their better adaptability on the labour market.
Table 4. Common result indicators for which a target value has been set and programme specific result indicators corresponding to the specific objective
Common Measure output Measure ment unit indicator Target value Category ment unit Baseline value for Baselin Source Frequency of No. Indicator used as (2023) of region for baseline e year of data reporting basis for indicator and target target setting M W T M W T Specific objective 1: Increasing the number of pre-school education places and extending the extra offer of pre-school education facilities. Number of pre- evaluatio at least twice, in school facilities n study less the 1. operating 2 years item N/A - - 57 % 2012 - - 70% by the developed programming after receiving MA/statis period ESF co-financing tical data Specific objective 2: Raising students' key competencies and appropriate attitudes for the labour market and the individualization of approach in particular to students with special needs. Number of students who acquired key less 1. person N/A - - 85 % 2012 - - 85% SL2014 annually competences developed after leaving the programme Number of schools and education system establishments less 2. item N/A - - 100 % 2014 - - 100 % SL2014 annually using ICT developed equipment in educational activities Number of teachers who acquired less 3. qualifications or person N/A - - 50% % 2010 - - 50% SL2014 annually developed competences after leaving the programme Number of schools where less 4. item N/A - - 100 % 2014 - - 100 % SL2014 annually labs use developed supplementary 188
equipment to run educational activities Number of at least twice in evaluatio teachers using less the 5. person N/A - - 30 % 2012 - - 30 n study / ICT through the developed programming statistics ESF period
Description of initiatives planned under the investment priority The actions supported under the specific objective Increasing the number of pre-school education places and extending the extra offer of pre-school education facilities will cover: supporting existing and/or new pre-school establishments and other forms of pre-school education, which will contribute in particular to increasing the number of places in such facilities, including: measures to ensure equal opportunities to children with special needs (including disabled children), thus ensuring their fuller participation in pre-school education. The envisaged EFS allocation for support of pre-school education amounts to EUR 30 million. The actions supported under the specific objective Raising students' key competencies and appropriate attitudes for the labour market and the individualization of approach in particular to students with special needs will cover: developing children's and youth’s key competences, in mathematics and science, computer competences, foreign languages, as well as their capabilities and attitudes involving among other things creativity, innovation, team work, the use of modern tools and ICT and digital technologies in teaching, based on the standards developed within the “Digital School” programme (the e-school and e-teacher components), and on a cloud model, action involving educational and occupational counselling, support for children and youth with special needs, including for talented or disabled children and youth, taking into consideration individualized student approach, and using scholarship support, developing vocational and social competences of the staff employed by the supported institutions (including general education teachers at vocational schools), in particular as regards the use of modern tools and ICT technologies, teaching science, and employing experimental method. Filling gaps in the necessary facilities by using cross-financing is admitted, provided that it is necessary for the proper delivery of and is directly linked to the project. Projects involving equipment for ICT labs (Digital School) and other school labs will be complementary with publicly funded (including ESF) extracurricular activities for school youth and upgrading teachers’ qualifications. The total upper limit of expenditure incurred for purchasing school lab equipment will not exceed 30% of IP 10i allocation (including cross-financing).
Potential beneficiaries and target groups 189
With respect to pre-school and general primary and post-primary education, as a rule, the group of potential beneficiaries comprises any entities excluding natural persons (this does not apply to persons running business or educational activity under separate provisions). At the same time, the groups of beneficiaries which will be allowed to apply for co-financing may be specified/ narrowed down by other programme documents or project selection criteria.
The main target groups in this area comprise: Within the specific objective 1: - children at pre-school age (including the disabled) and their parents / guardians, - staff of institutions providing pre-school education Within the specific objective 2: - children and youth learning in primary and post-primary schools of general education, - staff of schools and establishments providing general, as well as teachers of general subjects at vocational schools and education establishments, - guardians and parents of the children and youth from the establishments supported, - children and youth with special needs, including children and youth with disabilities.
Territorial coverage of support The support related to pre-school and general primary and post-primary education will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the operations delivered both in urban and rural areas. At the same time, as regards planned actions regarding pre-school education, the application of the territorial development instrument, i.e. the subregional development programme (an instrument dedicated to interventions in functional subregions – areas of strategic intervention of the Region) and integrated territorial investments (an instrument dedicated to interventions in Kraków and its functional area – the area of strategic intervention of the State) are also envisaged. In addition, due to intraregional disparities in the results of lower-secondary school examinations, the following Region’s Area of Strategic Intervention has been identified: Areas with poor results of lower-secondary school examinations. The above ASI will be promoted by using preferences within the project selection criteria (based on most recent data and results of analysis and depending on the developments in the region).
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed Under the investment priority competitive and non-competitive modes will be applied. In accordance with the Partnership Agreement, the basic mode for the selection of projects to be co- financed will be the competitive mode. Non-competitive mode will be applied only in justifiable cases involving the implementation or coordination of tasks specified in the provisions of law which apply to the particular entities or groups of entities. The non-competitive mode is planned to be used for: actions concerning the implementation of the programme supporting gifted children in the region. The non-competitive mode of the project will enable a better use of the tools serving to diagnose their aptitude and support school students in developing their talents
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in key competences, among other things in the form of extracurricular activities at Apt School Youth Support Centres. The coordination of such activities on the regional level will also facilitate cooperation with and support for students/schools in their work with apt students, and will allow to reach a large number of school students and schools. The project also takes into account implementation of some of the projects for schools in the forms of grants. The regional self-government will be the project Beneficiary; actions to support upper secondary education schools in the region, aimed to create an innovative environment for support of education processes with the use of ICT, based on the cloud model and high quality media communication. The non-competitive project will be based on initiating and coordinating cooperation of higher schools within the region with upper secondary schools as well as software and methodological aspects of the entire project. The regional outreach of the project will enable a wide use of higher schools’ equipment, tools and technologies by different schools within the region and will promote modern methods of work with school students. The regional self- government in partnership with higher schools will be the project beneficiary; a regional programme of scholarships for apt students. The project of a regional outreach is part of a wider strategy of supporting talents in the region. It is complementary to the above-mentioned programme supporting gifted children. The regional Management Board foundation will be the project Beneficiary. As regards pre-school education, first of all, the use of a special mechanism based on the regional path is planned, as a special form of the competitive mode, and integrated territorial interventions. The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of the Programme objectives and broader strategic objectives arising under the Development Strategy of the Małopolska Region for 2011-2020, taking into account the specific objectives for the individual priorities. In developing the criteria, such aspects will be considered as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency. The project selection criteria will address, among other things, the specific needs of children and youth (including those coming from large families), removing the barriers in the educational system which lead to unequal access and limit the freedom of educational and career choices, and will promote operations which contribute to enhancing the quality and efficiency of education in the region, among other things, by channelling support to areas recording the poorest lower-secondary school results. The criteria will also be a tool for flexible responding to changes and needs.
Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted exclusively through non-refundable grants, with no use of financial instruments.
Planned use of major projects 191
N/A.
Table 5. Common and programme-specific output indicators
Measurement Category of Target value (2023) Source of Frequency of No. Indicator Fund unit region data reporting
M W T Objective 1: Increasing the number of pre-school education places and extending the extra offer of pre-school education facilities Number of places in pre-school less 1. establishments co- item ESF - - 7 700 SL2014 annually developed financed by the programme Number of children covered by extracurricular activities less 2. increasing their person EFS - - 33 400 SL2014 annually developed pre-school education opportunities under the programme Objective 2: Raising students' key competencies and appropriate attitudes for the labour market and the individualization of approach in particular to students with special needs Number of school students supported in respect of their less 1. development of person ESF - - 54 000 SL2014 annually developed key competences within the programme Number of teachers covered by support less 2. person ESF - - 9 860 SL2014 annually under the developed programme Number of teachers covered by ICT less 3. person EFS - - 2 600 SL2014 annually support under the developed programme Number of schools and education system establishments less 4. granted ICT item EFS - - 230 SL2014 annually developed equipment for educational activities under the system Number of schools where school labs less 5. received additional item EFS - - 230 SL2014 annually developed equipment under the programme
Thematic objective 10. Investing in education, training and vocational training for skills and lifelong learning Investment priority 10iii Enhancing equal access to lifelong learning for all age groups in formal, non-formal and informal settings, upgrading the knowledge, skills and
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competences of the workforce, and promoting flexible learning pathways including through career guidance and validation of acquired competences
Specific objective Upgrading competences of adults, including in particular those in disadvantaged situation on the labour market.
Results that the Member State The expected result of the planned intervention will involve seeks to achieve with Union increasing the number of persons who have acquired support competences giving them employment opportunities or improving the conditions and comfort of their work, in particular among persons with low qualifications or aged 50+
Table 4. Common result indicators for which a target value has been set and programme specific result indicators corresponding to the specific objective
Common output Measurement Measuremen Baseline Target value Category indicator unit for Baseline Source of Frequency of No. Indicator t unit for value (2023) of region used as basis baseline and year data reporting indicator for target target setting M W T M W T Specific objective: Upgrading competences of adults, including in particular those in disadvantaged situation on the labour market. Number of persons aged 25+ who acquired qualifications less 1. person N/A 50% % N/A - - 50% SL2014 annually or developed competences after leaving the programme. Number of persons aged 50+ who acquired qualifications less 2. person N/A 35% % N/A - - 35% SL2014 annually or developed competences after leaving the programme. Number of persons with low qualifications who acquired less 3. qualifications person N/A 33% %% N/A - - 33 % SL2014 annually developed or competences after leaving the programme.
Description of initiatives planned under the investment priority
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The following actions in the area of guidance and lifelong learning will be supported under the specific objective Upgrading competences of adults, including in particular those in disadvantaged situation on the labour market: developing competences and skills of adults, mainly in the context of their functioning on the labour market through: o training/courses/postgraduate studies/school education, in particular in respect of key competences, that is ICT and languages, as well as other responsibilities in respect of which it is possible to confirm the qualifications with generally recognized certificate, o occupational guidance and career planning services, o activities in respect of confirming qualifications. Promotion activity will only be possible as part of a broader project involving support for individuals. In view of Polish authorities’ commitment to comply with ex-ante conditionality No. 10.3, as provided in the Knowledge, Education and Development OP, actions under IP 10iii supervised by the Małopolska Region’s ROP MA depend on the fulfilment of those commitments on the national level by the MA for the Knowledge, Education and Development OP.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups With respect to lifelong learning, as a rule, the group of potential beneficiaries comprises any entities excluding natural persons (this does not apply to persons running business or educational activity under separate provisions). At the same time, the groups of beneficiaries which will be allowed to apply for co-financing may be specified/ narrowed down by other programme documents or project selection criteria. The main target groups in this area comprise:
- adults interested out of their own initiative in improving/changing/acquiring new skills/competences or in having their qualifications confirmed/acquiring qualifications, including persons with disabilities, persons aged 50+, and persons with low qualifications.
Territorial coverage of support Support related to lifelong learning will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments located both in urban and rural areas.
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed Under the investment priority, competitive and non-competitive modes will be applied. The non-competitive mode will be applied only in cases justified by the comprehensive nature of planned support. The path of support to a person interested in upgrading /changing his/her competences/skills/qualifications will be based on an individualised approach to the client. It will lead from the professional advisor to the development service in the form of training/course/certification of key, that is ICT competences and foreign languages and other competences within which confirmations of acquiring is possible by a generally-recognized qualification certificate. The provincial labour office will be the project beneficiary.
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The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of the Programme objectives and broader strategic objectives arising under the Development Strategy of the Małopolska Region for 2011-2020, taking into account the specific objectives for the individual priorities. In developing the criteria, such aspects will be considered as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency. At the same time, the project selection criteria introduced will contribute in a measurable way, among other things, to delivering operations contributing to improving the quality and efficiency of education in the region, channelling support to persons with low qualifications and to persons aged 50+, addressing the need to take into account the specific needs of learning adults, and removing barriers leading to unequal access to education and limiting the freedom of educational and professional career choices. The criteria will also be a tool for flexible responding to changes and needs.
Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted exclusively through non-refundable grants, with no use of financial instruments.
Planned use of major projects N/A.
Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
The (ESF) indicator from the WLWK 2014 list of Target value Measureme Category of Source Frequency of No. indicators and Fund (2023) nt unit region of data reporting Programme-specific indicators Indicator M W T Objective: Upgrading competences of adults, including in particular those in disadvantaged situation on the labour market Number of persons aged 25+ less 1. person ESF - - 25 570 SL2014 annually supported by the programme developed Number of persons aged 50+ less 2. person ESF - - 3 830 SL2014 annually supported by the programme developed Number of persons with low less 3. qualifications supported by person ESF - - 16 620 SL2014 annually developed the programme
Thematic objective 10. Investing in education, training and vocational training for skills and lifelong learning Investment priority 10iv Improving the labour market relevance of education and training systems, facilitating the transition from education to work, and strengthening vocational education and training systems and their quality, including through mechanisms for skills anticipation, adaptation of curricula and the establishment and 195
development of work-based learning systems, including dual learning systems and apprenticeship schemes.
Specific objective 1. Increasing employability of vocational school students, in particular through improving the effectiveness of vocational education. 2. Increasing professional competences of adults
Results that the Member State The expected effect of the planned intervention will consist in seeks to achieve with Union making it possible for students to acquire competences and to support have their qualifications confirmed as necessary for their further education and career path, by creating an effective network of schools and establishments of vocational and continued education (vocational and continued education centres) responding to demographic and labour market development.
Table 4. Common result indicators for which a target value has been set and programme specific result indicators corresponding to the specific objective Common output Measurement Target Measurement indicator Baseline Category unit for Baseline value Source of Frequency No. Indicator unit for used as value of region baseline and year (2023) data of reporting indicator basis for target target setting M W T M W T Specific objective 1: Increasing employability of vocational school students, in particular through improving the effectiveness of vocational education Number of people who have acquired less 1. qualifications as a person N/A 33 % 2014 - - 33 SL2014 annually developed result of non- formal education Number of schools and vocational education establishments less 2. using item N/A 100 % 2014 - - 100 SL2014 annually developed supplementary equipment purchased thanks to ESF Number of people who have been supported by the at least four programme, and evaluation times during who participated in less study 3. person N/A 80 % 2012 - - 80 the education or developed survey of programming worked after 6 the MA period months of completing their education. Specific objective 2: Increasing professional competences of adults Number of people who have obtained qualifications in less 4. person N/A 50 % 2010 - - 50 SL2014 annually the context of developed extracurricular forms of education 196
Description of initiatives planned under the investment priority In particular, the following actions in the area of vocational training will be supported under the specific objective Increasing employability of vocational school students, in particular through improving the effectiveness of vocational education: creating Vocational Competence Centres, and enhancing the offer of schools and establishments providing vocational education, in particular through creating conditions resembling the actual working environment by equipping them with modern equipment and teaching materials, programmes for cooperation between schools and establishments providing vocational education and employers – e.g. student traineeships and practices, acquiring additional qualifications by students (through formal and non-formal education), occupational guidance and career orientation actions – with elements of counselling, inter alia, oriented to active job seeking, the possibility of seeking advice from a career adviser, strengthening cooperation between vocational schools and universities, interventions stimulating greater and fuller participation in vocational education of youth with special needs, including young persons with disabilities.
Action planned within IP 10iv ROP will, as far as possible, be carried out in cooperation with institutions from the school’s social and economic environment, including the employers/entrepreneurs. Traineeship or work-based practice for students will be obligatory components of projects delivered in this area. The activities will take into account the areas / sectors / industries of rapid growth and regional smart specializations. Promotion activity will only be possible as part of a broader project involving support for students. The limit of expenses involved when providing additional equipment necessary as a teaching aid to vocational training in schools and vocational education establishments shall note exceed 20% of the total allocation under IP10iv (including cross-financing). The limit amount will be verified in the course of the programme’s mid-term review or earlier – a the time of the relevant evidence / justification. When planning support under IP 10iv, the Managing Authority analyses the needs of vocational schools in view of the challenges of the regional labour market. Support through the purchase of equipment under IP 10iv is provided based on the above-mentioned analysis. The following activities will be carried out under specific objective Increasing professional competences of adults. developing competencies and skills of adults in the context of extracurricular forms of education activities in the field of confirming qualifications. Filling gaps in the necessary facilities by using cross-financing is admitted, provided that it is necessary for the proper delivery of and is directly linked to the project.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups 197
With respect to vocational education, as a rule, the group of potential beneficiaries includes any entities excluding natural persons (this does not apply to persons running business or educational activity under separate provisions). At the same time, the groups of beneficiaries which will be allowed to apply for co-financing may be specified/ narrowed down by other programme documents or project selection criteria. The main target groups in this area comprise: Within specific objective 1: - youth learning in schools and establishments providing vocational education, - staff of schools and establishments providing vocational education, - guardians and parents of youth of supported schools and establishments, - junior high school students (in relation to activities in the area of advice and counselling) - youth with special needs, in particular persons with disabilities. Within specific objective 2: adults with their own initiative, interested in improving / changing / acquisition of new skills/ competencies or confirming / acquiring professional qualifications
Territorial coverage of support The support related to vocational education will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with activities located both in urban and rural areas. In parallel, the use of territorial development instruments is envisaged for the planned vocational education activities. These will take the form of the sub-regional development programme (instrument dedicated to interventions in 5 functional sub-regions – regional strategic areas of intervention) and integrated territorial investments (instrument dedicated to interventions within Kraków and its functional area – Area of Strategic Intervention of the state).
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed Under the investment priority competitive and non-competitive modes will be applied. In accordance with the Partnership Agreement, the basic mode for the selection of projects to be co- financed will be the competitive mode. Non-competitive mode will be dictated only by the need to coordinate tasks connected with vocational training in the region in such a way that the quality of education is made possible by using the network of high-quality Vocational Competence Centres (entities of the highest techno-didactic potential), which will be a didactic basis for vocational schools in the region and will offer opportunities for vocational education in the environment as close to the actual work conditions as possible. A non-competitive project will involve activities in the field of education and vocational counselling and activities in the field of vocational guidance primarily, aimed at high school students. The project will focus on coordination of the process of change within vocational education in the region and on initiating cooperation and supporting schools as regards the creation of partnerships with business, supporting the teaching process using the potential of higher schools under the cloud model (complementary to IP 10i). Additionally, in the course of the project, Competence Centres will be created, based on the schools for which the Małopolska Region is the founding body. The regional self-government will be the project beneficiary
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As regards vocational education interventions, use is planned to be made, first of all, of a special sub-regional mechanism based on the sub-regional path, as a special form of competitive mode and integrated territorial investments. The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of the Programme objectives and broader strategic objectives arising under the Development Strategy of the Małopolska Region for 2011-2020, taking into account the specific objectives for the individual priorities. In developing the criteria, such aspects will be considered as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency. At the same time, the project selection criteria introduced will contribute in a measurable way, among other things, to: the creation of a rational post-lower-secondary vocational education network contributing to an efficient use of the technological and teaching resources of schools and facilities, improving the quality of education and basing it, to a predominant extent, on practical learning of the profession, the need to take into account the special needs of learning youth and removing barriers causing unequal access to education and limiting the freedom of educational and professional career choices. The criteria will also be a tool for flexible responding to changes and needs. The projects involving the purchase of equipment or infrastructure for schools and education establishments (under cross-financing) will be financed only when the sustainability of the ESF investment is guaranteed.
Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted exclusively through non-refundable grants, with no use of financial instruments.
Planned use of major projects N/A.
Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
Measurement Category of Target value (2023) Source of Frequency of No. Indicator Fund unit region data reporting
M W T Objective 1: Increasing employability of vocational school students, in particular through improving the effectiveness of vocational education Number of persons participating in less 1. person ESF - - 31 820 SL2014 annually non-formal developed education under the Programme Number of school students of less 2. schools and person ESF - - 14 000 SL2014 annually developed establishments providing 199
vocational education participating in traineeships and work-based practice Number of schools and vocational education establishments which received less 3. supplementary item EFS - - 180 SL2014 annually developed equipment and teaching aids necessary for vocational training under the programme Number of entities carrying tasks of a vocational education and less 4. continuing item EFS - - 25 SL2014 annually developed education centre covered by support under the programme Objective 2: Increasing professional competences of adults Number of persons participating in less 1. person EFS - - 14 780 SL2014 annually non-formal developed education under the Programme
Performance framework of the priority axis
Table 6. Performance framework for the priority axis
Milestone Final target Explanation of
Category of (2018) (2023) Source relevance of
Indicator or KIS Fund
No. axis
type region of data indicator
ent unit ent
Priority Priority Indicator Indicator
Measurem M W T M W T
the indicator measures the Total amount of actual rate at financial less 241 094 10 1. certified eligible EUR ESF 42 627 657 - - SL2014 which eligible indicator developed 869 expenditure expenditure is made and verified
Number of school students covered by basic output output support to develop less 10 2. persons ESF 11 300 - - 54 000 SL2014 indicator for IP indicator key competences developed 10i under the programme
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Number of entities carrying tasks of a vocational education basic output output and continuing less 10 item ESF 4 - - 25 SL2014 indicator for IP indicator 3. education centre developed 10iii covered by support under the programme
Categories of intervention planned under the Priority Axis
Tables 7-11. Indicative list of categories of intervention planned to be used under the Priority Axis.
Fund and category of region: European Social Fund, less developed region Table 10: Table 11 Table 7: Table 8 Table 9: Dimension 4 Dimension 6 Dimension 1 Dimension 2 Dimension 3 Territorial delivery ESF secondary theme Intervention field Form of finance Territory type mechanisms (ESF only) P Cod P Cod P Cod P Cod P Cod € € € € € A e A e A e A e A e 10 115 88 430 638 10 01 204 930 638 10 01 70 000 000 10 01 20 000 000 10 05 33 000 000 10 117 20 000 000 10 02 71 029 915 10 05 75 000 000 10 06 204 930 638 10 118 96 500 000 10 03 63 900 723 10 07 109 930 638 10 07 204 930 638
The categories were assigned to individual dimensions assuming that each of the dimensions is independent of the others, which means that each amount allocated to the priority axis is assigned to the intervention categories envisaged in the respective dimension.
Planned use of technical assistance for the purpose of developing administrative capacity
The planned use of technical assistance has been described in the priority axis dedicated to technical assistance.
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PRIORITY AXIS 11. REVITALISATION OF REGIONAL SPACE
The existence of degraded, neglected and isolated areas, often affected by social exclusion, requires taking actions towards improving social and territorial cohesion. For this purpose, comprehensive social, physical, economic and spatial revitalisation is envisaged based on revitalisation programmes to be supported by the two funds: the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund. The areas to be revitalised will be designated on the basis of social, spatial and economic criteria, with particular attention being paid to social issues. ERDF investments should be oriented to solving the social problems diagnosed and work towards the thematic objectives of the ESF. This axis will finance projects relevant for the ERDF. However, given the direct interdependence between infrastructure-related actions and measures working towards reviving social life within the revitalised areas and the aims of ensuring a high level of complementarity between social and infrastructural activities within the areas, support for social projects will be delivered under IPs 8i, 8iv, 9i, 9iv, 10i financed by the ESF under the relevant priorities axes. Such an approach will ensure that: infrastructural investments are linked with social integration activities, investment activities are delivered only when they contribute to solving diagnosed social problems, the process for the selection of bunches/beams of selected types of interventions supported by both Funds is coordinated in time. Comprehensive revitalisation will contribute to the inclusion of communities in peripheral and degraded areas, and thus the activities under the priority axis will contribute to the implementation of the specific objectives of the PA. Furthermore, revitalisation measures financed under the ERDF may be pursued under other priority axes. Such actions may include in particular creating and developing economic activity zones within brownfield areas, enhancing energy efficiency of buildings and regeneration of degraded land for environmental purposes. Bearing this in mind, the main objective of the priority axis involves limitation of social issues in cities and in rural areas.
Link between the Priority Axis and TOs, IPs and Funds:
Thematic objective Investment priority Fund 9. Promoting social 9b. Providing support for physical, economic and social regeneration of deprived ERDF inclusion and combating communities in urban and rural areas any discrimination
Fund, category of region and calculation basis for Union support Fund European Regional Development Fund
Category of region less developed
Calculation basis (public or total total expenditure)
Category of region for outermost not applicable regions and northern sparsely
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populated regions (where applicable)
Under the priority axis, actions are planned in the following area of intervention: Thematic objective 9. Promoting social inclusion and combating any discrimination Investment priority 9.b. Providing support for physical, economic and social regeneration of deprived communities in urban and rural areas.
Specific objective Limited social issues in urban and in rural areas.
Results that the Member State Comprehensive social, physical, economic, and spatial seeks to achieve with Union revitalisation based on revitalisation programmes will support contribute to improving social and territorial cohesion of peripheral and degraded areas. It will also contribute to social and professional inclusion of the populations inhabiting such areas. At the same time, the actions will lead to bringing the areas out of a crisis by giving them new functional quality and creating conditions for their development. The supported operations will be conductive to solving the diagnosed social issues. This IP will support projects relevant for the ERDF, while support for social projects will be delivered under IPs 8i, 8iv, 9i, 9iv, 10i, financed by the ESF under the respective priority axes.
Table 3. Programme-specific result indicators
Category of Target Measurement Baseline Baseline Source of Frequency No. Indicator region (where value unit value year data of reporting relevant) (2023) At-risk-of- 1. relative poverty % less developed 15.8 2013 15.21 GUS annually rate
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported: The scope of support will involve physical revitalisation of urban areas and renewal of rural areas by delivering investment projects aimed at improving living standards for citizens and economic and social revival. Interventions within this area will comprise projects concerning: public space, public utility buildings, activities leading to the recovery of the revitalized areas housing (exclusively in respect of common spaces within multi-family residential houses - unless an energy audit demonstrates the need for intervention into the substance of the building in a wider range) housing projects should take into consideration, whenever it is justified and feasible, the modernisation of the buildings’ power use parameters,
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local social infrastructure such as day-care support facilities for children and youth, recreation facilities, cultural facilities, facilities where services aimed at social and vocational activation of residents are provided and multi-function facilities which combine various social functions, road investment projects aimed at providing or improving access to revitalised areas, given they are an indispensable and non-dominant component of the project. The maximum amount of the project’s eligible costs in the field of culture cannot exceed EUR 2 million. The investment activities will work towards solving the diagnosed social problems. The intervention concerned will contribute to the achievement of the specific objective of the IP by strengthening the potential of entities that provide varied social services which have been identified as being in demand, on the problematic areas. It will also be important to carry out activities aimed at the activation of economic revitalization areas, The achievement of the objective will also be affected by broadly-defined aesthetisation operations, both in respect of public space, and residential and public utility buildings – through the improvement of the quality of living. Elements of action taken in respect of improving the accessibility of areas subject to revitalisation will have complementary impact.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups 1. territorial self-government units (TSUs), unions between and associations of TSUs 2. organisational units of TSUs having legal personality 3. cultural institutions 4. legal and natural persons managing schools and educational establishments 5. social and business partners (including non-governmental organisations) 6. churches and religious associations and legal persons of churches and religious associations 7. housing cooperatives and communities, Social Building Societies 8. national and landscape parks 9. state Forests National Forest Holding (PGL Lasy Państwowe) and its organisational units 10. other units of the sector of public finance having legal personality 11. schools of higher education 12. entrepreneurs, in particular: a) entrepreneurs – owners of real property within areas under revitalisation b) entrepreneurs acting in partnership/ agreement with Territorial Self-Government Units 13. public administration The population/ residents of the revitalised areas will be the target group of the support. The groups of beneficiaries eligible for applying for project grants under the individual support areas will be specified in the particularisation.
Territorial coverage of support Urban revitalisation actions will be located within urban areas (in cities with a population of more than 5 thousand). As regards the planned scope of support, the following Area of Strategic Intervention has been identified: Cities and city districts requiring regeneration. Supporting the above ASI will be promoted by setting aside a separate financial allocation to support urban areas requiring revitalisation, with a simultaneous use of complementarity mechanisms for actions financed under the ERDF and ESF. In addition, preferences will be given to the capitals of poviats and cities with more than 15 thousand residents.
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Rural renewal actions will be located within rural areas (in towns with a population of less than 5 thousand). As regards the planned scope of support, the following Area of Strategic Intervention has been identified: Rural areas, especially those with the poorest access of citizens to goods and services conducive to development. The above ASI will be promoted by the application – at the project selection stage – of preferences for areas with the lowest accessibility to public services. In parallel, the complementarity mechanism for ERDF and ESF intervention will be put in place. In addition, a considerable part of ASI: Areas threatened with accumulated social problems in respect of unemployment, poverty, education, and the level of entrepreneurship, is located in rural areas.
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed For the most part, the competitive procedure is to be used with respect to urban revitalisation and rural renewal actions. Support will be granted only to projects resulting from planning documents in the field of urban regeneration and renewal of rural areas for which the MA indicates the minimum quality requirements. The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of the Programme objectives and broader strategic objectives arising under the Development Strategy of the Małopolska Region for 2011-2020, taking into account the specific objectives for the individual investment priorities. The project selection criteria introduced will contribute, among other things, to ensuring: the delivery of comprehensive social, physical, economic, environmental and spatial revitalisation projects; suitable efficiency, effectiveness and durability of the support granted. In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability, as well as consistency with the principles of sustainable development, equality between men and women and non-discrimination. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency. In addition, the following conditions will be taken into account in the project selection procedure: the areas to be revitalised will be selected on the basis of social, spatial and economic criteria, with particular attention being paid to social issues. revitalisation initiatives will be carried out on the basis of local documents that present orderly plans for such action. The documents will be developed in accordance with the requirements specified by the Managing Authority. complementarity of the area covered by the process of revitalization and renewal of the activities funded by the ESF. all of the supported projects should take into account the adaptation of the relevant infrastructure and equipment to the needs of the disabled. promotion will be granted to projects that envisage high standards in respect of energy efficiency and economy.
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Operations involving financial instruments will be selected by the Managing Authority on the basis of the results of the ex-ante evaluation referred to in Article 37 of the General Regulation. The Managing Authority will select the entity/entities to implement financial instruments (the operations’ beneficiary) upon its making a decision in respect of the contribution into the financial instrument(s).
Planned use of financial instruments Taking into account the type of the activities supported by the investment priority, grants are expected to be primarily used as support. However, in the case of activities that are potentially financially viable, possible use of financial instruments will be considered by the MA. Each time, the decision to make use of the mechanism of financial instruments will be preceded by an ex-ante evaluation, in accordance with Art. 37 of the General Regulation.
Planned use of major projects No major projects contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives of the investment priority have been identified at the preparation stage of the programme.
Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
Category of Target value Measurement Source Frequency No. Indicator Fund region (where (2023) unit of data of reporting relevant) M W T Area covered by 1. revitalisation ha ERDF less developed - - 370 SL2014 annually projects (37) Population of residents of areas covered by 2. person ERDF less developed - - 283 000 SL2014 annually integrated Urban development strategies
Number of rebuilt / converted 3. facilities located item ERDF less developed - - 290 SL2014 annually on the revitalized areas
Performance framework of the priority axis
Table 6. Performance framework for the priority axis
Explanation of Final Indicator or Category Milestone Source of relevance of
target
unit No. KIS Fund of region (2018) data indicator (2023)
Priority axis Priority
Measurement Measurement Indicator type Indicator OI1:Area types of projects Output less 11 1. covered by ha ERDF 0 370 SL2014 relating to output indicator 1 developed revitalisation indicator cover 206
projects 100% of priority axis allocation Estimated value of output KIS indicator based less KIS for the output 11 relating to 2. item ERDF 70 N/A SL2014 on signed co- developed indicator OI 1 financing agreements the indicator Total amount of measures the actual Financial less 200 000 11 3. certified eligible EUR ERDF 19 078 987 SL2014 rate at which indicator developed 000 expenditure eligible expenditure is made and verified
The assumptions and estimated values for the contribution of financial instruments for achieving the intermediate and final output indicators are estimates. After receiving the final results of the ex-ante evaluation, there may be a need for adjustments.
Categories of intervention planned under the Priority Axis
Tables 7-11. Indicative list of categories of intervention planned to be used under the Priority Axis
Fund and region category: the European Social Fund, less developed region Table 10: Table 11: Table 7: Table 8: Table 9: Dimension 4 Dimension 6 Dimension 1 Dimension 2 Dimension 3 Territorial delivery ESF secondary theme (exclusively Intervention field Form of finance Area type mechanisms ESF) PA Code € PA Code € PA Code € PA Code € PA Code €
11 054 30 000 000 11 01 140 000 000 11 01 90 000 000 11 02 135 000 000
11 055 140 000 000 11 04 30 000 000 11 02 45 000 000 11 04 35 000 000
11 03 35 000 000
The categories were assigned to individual dimensions assuming that each of the dimensions is independent of the others, which means that each amount allocated to the priority axis is assigned to the intervention categories envisaged in the respective dimension.
Planned use of technical assistance for the purpose of developing administrative capacity The planned use of technical assistance has been described in the priority axis dedicated to technical assistance.
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PRIORITY AXIS 12. SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE The intervention under the priority axis will involve interventions for the development of selected categories of social infrastructure, i.e. health and education infrastructures that make it possible to pursue high-quality public services in health and education. Preventing social exclusion is connected, to a significant extent, with ensuring access to health services. With reference to the Partnership Agreement, absence or shortage of such services often reduces people's capacity to participate in social and economic life and to undertake and maintain employment, which may directly lead to poverty. Therefore it is necessary to take actions in this area to improve the accessibility and quality of deficit health services in the fields identified at national and regional level. Support for the education infrastructure, in a narrow and specialised scope, follows from the diagnosed lack of a centre that could popularise science and innovation in Małopolska which is a region with a strong scientific position. Action will be taken to establish an education facility which will enhance the rising of the residents’ scientific and innovation competences. This will result in the creation of a centre that carries out systemic educational activity which is cognitive, developmental and pro- innovative in nature. In view of the above, the main objective of the Priority Axis is to enhanced access to selected social services in respect of healthcare and education.
Link between the Priority Axis and TOs, IPs and Funds
Thematic objective Investment priority Fund 9. Promoting social 9a. Investing in health and social infrastructure which contributes to national, ERDF inclusion and combating regional and local development, reducing inequalities in terms of health any discrimination status, promoting social inclusion through improved access to social, cultural and recreational services and the transition from institutional to community- based services 10. Investing in education, 10a. Investing in education, skills and life-long learning through the development ERDF training and vocational of an education and training infrastructure training for the benefit of acquiring skills and life- long learning
Fund, category of region and calculation basis for Union support Fund European Regional Development Fund
Category of region less developed
Calculation basis (public or total total expenditure)
Category of region for outermost not applicable regions and northern sparsely populated regions (where applicable)
The following support areas are planned under the priority axis:
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Thematic objective 9. Promoting social inclusion, combating any discrimination Investment priority 9a Investing in health and social infrastructure which contributes to national, regional and local development, reducing inequalities in terms of health status, promoting social inclusion through improved access to social, cultural and recreational services and the transition from institutional to community-based services
Specific objective Enhanced access to and quality of health services in the region
Results that the Member State Action aimed at social inclusion and combating poverty may seeks to achieve with Union also be carried out through investment in health infrastructure. support The action concerned will address the actual patients’ needs as the planned intervention follows from the Health Policy Paper for 2014-2020 and from the Strategic Programme which provides framework for the Małopolska health policy. This is also why support will be channelled to those fields of health care which significantly affect employability and improve the quality of or access to health services, and which are targeted at those territories, in particular at those areas, which need improvement in order to reduce or prevent social exclusion. Support for health infrastructure must not be the only response to patients’ needs. In order to strengthen the sustainability of the whole intervention, those needs will also be satisfied by innovation, development of new products and services as well as of sectors connected with healthcare, enhancement of organisational effectiveness and efficiency, and improvement of employee skills, which is necessary to strengthen the sustainability of the whole intervention.
Table 3. Programme-specific result indicators:
Category of Target Measurement region Baseline Baseline Source of Frequency No. Indicator value unit (where value year data of reporting (2023) relevant) Average length of stay of a less 1. days 5.9 2013 5.6 CSO annually patient in general developed hospitals
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported: The Policy Paper for Health Care 2014-2020 is the document forming a strategic framework for all health projects in the 2014-2020 Perspective. The main instrument to coordinate interventions undertaken in the health sector from the EU funding is the ESIF Steering Committee for Coordination of Interventions in the health sector, under the chairmanship of the Minister in charge for health. In order to ensure an adequate coordination mechanism, the Committee analyses health care issues on an on-going basis, in particular in view of the effectiveness and efficiency of EU-funded interventions, the accomplishment of expected results
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and the impact of the Action Plan’s implementation on the Policy Paper’s health protection objectives and on the objectives of the Partnership Agreement and Operational Programmes. The compliance with the Action Plan in the Health Sector (Action Plan) as agreed within the Steering Committee is a prerequisite for taking any ESI- funded interventions in the health sector. The Action Plan, directly connected with the Partnership Agreement and encompassing investments from national funds (including those under competitions for tasks financed from the public funding and contracts for services provision), contains, inter alia, the list of potential projects to be implemented on the national and regional levels. The list was created after the analysis of complementarity and cost-effectiveness of the proposals presented by the MA, the principles referring to the modes and criteria of project selection under the calls for projects announced for central and regional projects. The investments shall be carried out solely by entities (whether public or private) which provide medical treatment, providing health care services financed from public funds. In the case of expansion of the scope of operation of the entity providing medical treatment, it shall be required to have a contract for the provision of publicly-funded healthcare services, in the successive contracting period after the project completion at the latest. Only the investments verified by the identified deficits and needs in view of the demographic and epidemiological situation will be undertaken, the situation being appropriately identified on the regional level, depending on the specificity of the entity providing medical treatment and the services it offers and the actual demand for and availability of the healthcare infrastructure on a given area, using the health maps being prepared by the Ministry of Health, in line with of the Guiding Principles of project selection: Following the principles and within the scope of the Policy Paper, support will be granted, inter alia, to projects involving renovation and construction works necessary from the point of view of the provision of healthcare services, including the adjustment of infrastructure to the needs of the elderly and the disabled, as well as the provision of medical equipment, and – as an element of the project – IT solutions (software, hardware). Considering the nature of basic healthcare services , investments carried out under such projects may be targeted at all health problems of adults and children which are dealt with under guaranteed basic healthcare services, while at the same time these should contribute to the development of coordinated care, including integrated forms of community care. Complementarily, under the Knowledge, Education, Development OP actions will be taken to upgrade the competences of doctors, including those working in basic health care. The scope of intervention should result from the diagnosis or data available in relevant registers, indicating the needs. ERDF-supported development of social and health services for persons at risk of poverty or social exclusion agrees with the assumptions of the European principles which envisage the shift from institutional to community care and directions indicated in the Programme to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion 2020. ERDF investments should be focused on large care and residence institutions, defined, in accordance with the Polish law, as providing services of long-term assistance for the disabled, children, the elderly and the mentally ill.
Territorial coverage of support Support for health infrastructure will cover interventions concerning the region as a whole, with the investments to be located mainly in urban areas.
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In parallel, the use of territorial development instruments is envisaged for the planned activities concerning health infrastructure of sub-regional importance. These will take the form of the sub- regional development programme (instrument dedicated to interventions in 5 functional sub-regions – regional strategic areas of intervention) and integrated territorial investments (instrument dedicated to interventions within Krakow and its functional area – Area of Strategic Intervention of the state).
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed (a) The projects are eligible if they comply with the Action Plan in the Health Sector (the Action Plan), as agreed by the Steering Committee and if they are justified by the map of needs. The projects will be selected following the criteria based on recommendations laid out in the Action Plan. (b) Expenditure incurred under projects regarding hospital care infrastructure (including the preparation of and incurring expenses under such projects) may be certified when the maps of medical needs are in place and where the type of services is in line with the thematic scope of the project. (c) By way of derogation, the condition referred to in paragraph (b), infrastructural investments in the context of coordinated care, aimed to enhance the basic health care, specialist outpatients’ care and community care (in the context of deinstitutionalisation and development community forms of care) may be co-financed immediately after the acceptance by the Action Plan Steering Committee, provided that the diagnosis or date available in the register allow for the verification of their justification and implementation. (d) Preference will be given to projects supporting the shift from services which require hospital treatment to basic health care and outpatients’ care, as well as supporting coordinated care, including community care. (e) The investments to adjust existing infrastructure to the binding legislation shall not be eligible, unless they are justified in view of enhanced effectiveness (including cost-effectiveness) and access to healthcare services. (f) The following projects will be promoted: i. projects that are cost-effective and delivered by entities that show the highest financial effectiveness, ii. projects envisaging consolidation and other forms of cooperation between entities providing medical treatment, iii. as well as measures taken to reorganise and restructure entities that provide medical treatment, in order to take the maximum use of existing infrastructure, including neighboring infrastructure and taking into account the level of its adjustment to existing deficits. The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of the specific objectives and bringing results. Under the investment priority both competitive and non-competitive modes will be applied. It is assumed that non-competitive procedures will be used when justified by the subject matter and nature of the support, type of beneficiary, competence-related monopoly or expected number of
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actions and their scale. As regards actions related to supporting health infrastructure of subregional importance, use is planned to be made, first of all, of a special mechanism based on the subregional path, as a special form of competitive mode. The non-competitive mode will cover the key actions concerning specialist health infrastructure of regional importance. This is justified by the fact that the project selection path will apply to investments in health infrastructure of the greatest impact on the region, to be delivered by a public university engaged in teaching and research in the area of medical sciences. The application of the non-competitive mode is justified because of: the existence of a legal obligation for a particular entity or group of entities to carry out certain tasks under the relevant provisions of law or strategic documents, in particular in the case of a monopoly of competence, prior direct identification of concrete projects – in a way which ensures transparency of their identification – in the operational programme (the list of major projects in accordance with art. 100 of the Framework Regulation, projects identified in the Integrated Territorial Investments Strategy, and holding positive opinions by the competent Managing Authorities against the criteria specified by the Managing Authorities). In addition, the special mechanism of integrated territorial investments is planned to be used with respect to healthcare entities within the Krakow Functional Area. The mechanism is based on negotiations and arrangements between municipalities participating in the ITI, provided that the issue concerned is covered by the ITI strategy – in such a case the use of the non-competitive mode, i.e. strategic projects, will be possible. In developing the criteria, such aspects will be considered as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups 1. As regards projects concerning support for entities providing medical treatment, which offer healthcare services in geriatrics, long-term care, palliative and hospice care: entities providing medical treatment services, providing publically-funded healthcare services, excluding the entities eligible for support under the Infrastructure and Environment Operational Programme (the exclusion does not apply to supraregional hospitals having geriatric wards within their structures) 2. As regards other projects: entities providing medical treatment services, which provide publically- funded healthcare services -- independent public health care establishments, entrepreneurs, budgetary units, as well as doctors and nurses who practice their profession within the framework of medical activities and provide publically-funded healthcare services, excluding the entities eligible for support under the Infrastructure and Environment Operational Programme (the exclusion does not apply to supraregional hospitals having geriatric wards within their structures) 3. Jagiellonian University - Medical College - in terms of the major identified project. The residents of Małopolska will be the target group of the support. The groups of beneficiaries eligible for applying for project grants under the individual support areas will be specified in the particularisation.
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Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted exclusively through non-refundable grants, with no use of financial instruments.
Planned use of major projects Identification of a major project does not relieve project applicant from the requirements concerning projects in the field of health protection, as set out in the section: A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported and Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co- financed. At the current stage of work under this investment priority, potential use of major projects has been identified with respect to providing state-of-the-art medical equipment for the new building of the Krakow–Prokocim University Hospital. The investment is necessary to ensure the required level of highly specialist health care to the residents of Małopolska. This will enhance Krakow's metropolitan functions in terms of health care, enabling the city to provide higher-level public services in this area. Support under the regional operational programme will be complementary to a multi-annual investment project planned by the government which will be the main source of finance for the construction of the new seat of the hospital. The investment is indispensable for the Jagiellonian University Medical College, given that its existing facilities cannot be expanded, being for most part historical heritage, and considering that the University needs new infrastructure reflecting the needs of 21st-century medicine. The new Kraków–Prokocim University Hospital is going to be a multi-profile specialist hospital with top healthcare standards which will take over the services that are now being provided by the University Hospital in Kraków. The hospital is going to include conservative and operative wards. The functions offered in the new seat of the hospital will involve treatment (services complementary to the other healthcare facilities in the region, and services that are not available elsewhere in Małopolska), research (complementary to the research carried out by the other units of the Jagiellonian University Medical College), and didactics (complementary to the other didactic facilities within the Jagiellonian University Medical College). The project conforms to the following strategic documents: Development Strategy of the Małopolska Region for 2011-2020 Health strategic programme (project) Regional Innovation Strategy strategic programme for the Małopolska Region 2014-2020 Strategy 2020. Active Society, Competitive Economy, Efficient State Europe 2020 – strategy for intelligent and sustainable development supporting social inclusion Health for economic growth programme, the third multi-annual programme of action for health (2014-2020) National Programme for Combating Cancer National Programme for the Development of Transplantation Medicine The National Programme for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases POLKARD The National Research Programme 213
The project pursues the IP specific objective as regards its output indicators in respect of: The number of supported health entities – 1 (the ROP’s target value – 24), The number of residents who may use the improved health services – 3.3 million (the ROP’s target value – 3.3 million; it should be assumed that because of the hospital’s great influence, the project will work towards the said indicator to a large extent). The initially estimated value of eligible cost: EUR 100 million (to be specified in detail at a further stage of the large project approval procedure).
Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
Category Target value Source Frequency Measurement of region (2023) No. Indicator Fund of of unit (where data reporting relevant) M W T Number of supported less 1. item ERDF - - 24 SL2014 annually entities providing developed medical treatment
(36) Residents covered by the less 3 300 2. persons ERDF - - SL2014 annually improved health developed 000 services
Thematic objective 10. Investing in education, training and vocational training for acquiring skills and lifelong learning Investment priority 10a. Investing in education, skills and lifelong learning through the development of education and training infrastructure
Specific objective Improved educational process
Results that the Member State The intervention concerned will contribute to the promotion, seeks to achieve with Union among the inhabitants of the Małopolska Region, particularly support school children, competences within science and innovation, which will lead to the creation of a centre running a systematic educational and pro-innovation activity for cognitive- development, associated with popularizing, among the society, various fields of science, in particular those in the areas of smart regional specialization. The intervention in this IP will affect the development of educational services in the region and development of key competencies among students.
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Table 3. Programme specific result indicators:
Measurement Target Frequency Category Baseline Source of No. Indicator unit for Baseline value value of of region year data indicator (2023) reporting Number of visitors less 1. to paramuseum person 874 107 2013 1 000 000 CSO annually developed institutions Including, school less 2. children in person 151 763 2013 225 000 CSO annually developed organized groups
A description of the type and examples of actions to be supported The investment priority will address the following group of operations: creating a centre for the promotion of science and innovation. Construction of new infrastructure will be feasible only in the case of documented inability to adapt the existing facilities, as well as taking into account the demographic trend. Support will be granted to the initiative regarding the creation of a regional centre for the promotion of science and innovation. Given the high potential of the scientific sector in Małopolska, the support envisages the creation of an education entity which will in a systemic way carry out its cognitive and developmental as well as pro-innovative activity connected with the social promotion of those particular fields of science which fall within the areas of smart regional specialisation. The intervention concerned will also contribute to the pursuance of the specific objective of the investment priority through the promotion of scientific and innovation competences. This will result in a strengthened promotion of science and research initiatives and institutions concentrated in Małopolska. The creation of a regional centre for popularizing science and innovation to serve creating favourable conditions for the development of the talents and creativity of the inhabitants of the Małopolska Region at every stage of the education of children and youth and in the context of lifelong learning for adults. The proper use of intellectual capital is a need for the development of new forms of education. Realising the potential of creative people in the region will be possible by improving the quality of education and raising the level of the efficiency of acquiring knowledge and skills by the Małopolska Region residents. For this purpose, it is necessary to apply modern ways of teaching and awake cognitive interests. One of the most important projects responding to this need involves the creation of a regional centre for popularizing science and innovation, which is an answer to: the need for improving the effectiveness of mechanisms for identification and development of talents the need for expanding the educational offer realized in the region and improving its quality by implementing educational and andragogical innovations the need for creating space and strengthening cooperation mechanisms of establishments and educational institutions, universities and business entities in order to improve the quality of education and research services tailored to contemporary economic trends the need for creating educational interactive space using new technologies, kinetic technologies and interactive projections.
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The creation of a regional centre for popularizing science and innovation is a response to the lack of institutions whose innovation is based on the use of interactive exhibition in educational processes. Implementation of the project will contribute to improving social and territorial cohesion in the equalization of access to educational services and equal development opportunities of people with different backgrounds and areas.
Territorial coverage of support Support will be granted for an intervention concerning the entire region. The location of the regional centre for popularizing science and innovation will be determined on the basis of an analysis of possible location.
Guiding principles for the selection of projects to be co-financed The projects to be co-financed will be selected based on such selection criteria, considered and approved by the monitoring committee, as to ensure that the projects selected are optimal for the accomplishment of the specific objectives and results. In particular, the project selection criteria will include such aspects as: objectivity, precision, measurability, cohesion and separability, as well as consistency with the principles of sustainable development, equality between men and women and non-discrimination. The project selection system will focus, above all, on ensuring the following elements: effectiveness of the selection process, transparency, impartiality of assessment and procedural efficiency. Support will be able to cover only infrastructure directly related to the conduct of educational services. Investment activities must arise from the demand analysis for the planned offer of educational institutions, in particular with regard to the planned number of visitors, including students in organized school groups. Assessment will also cover long-term financial sustainability of the investments and the use of a comprehensive plan supported by the infrastructure, which will include a program of cooperation with educational institutions to ensure active participation of students (promote greater creativity, teamwork, work with talented students). The supported investment will need to demonstrate complementarity with actions funded by the ESF, in particular with regard to priority axis 10. Knowledge and competences. The project selection criteria will reflect the impact of the project on: improving the conditions of talent and creativity of the inhabitants of the Małopolska Region through the use of modern infrastructure and implementation of innovative educational programs in the field of science learning, perceiving, learning understanding and perception of the world and their own body, stimulating and awaking curiosity the development of key skills and competencies that contribute to achieving adequate quality of human capital necessary conditioning the potential for economic growth and improving the well-being of residents development of key competencies (math and science), and the popularization of scientific knowledge strengthening the mechanisms for cooperation between institutions of the socio-economic environment focused around the regional centre for popularizing science and innovation in education
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consolidating the image and potential of Małopolska as an innovative and creative, prosperous region, with intellectual capital. Under the investment priority non-competitive mode will be applied for project selection. The non- competitive mode will be applied in the area of intervention of regional significance, bearing in mind the subject of support for which competitive modes are ineffective, mainly for cost reasons.
Potential beneficiaries and target groups Potential groups of beneficiaries: 1. scientific institutions 2. universities 3. territorial self-government units (TSUs) and organisational units of TSUs having legal personality. The main target groups for intervention under the investment priority are the residents of the region, including children and youth.
Planned use of financial instruments Under the investment priority support will be granted exclusively through grants, with no use of financial instruments.
Planned use of major projects No major projects that would contribute to the attainment of the investment priority’s specific objectives have been identified at the stage of the programme preparation.
Table 5. Common and Programme-specific output indicators
Frequency Measurem Category of Target value (2023) Source of No. Indicator Fund of ent unit region data reporting M W T Number supported institutions which 1. item ERDF less developed - - 1 SL2014 annually popularise science and innovation School children in organized groups visiting supported 2. person ERDF less developed - - 100 000 SL2014 annually institutions promoting science and innovation
Performance framework of the priority axis
Table 6. Performance framework for the priority axis
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Explanation of
Indicator or Category Final target Source relevance of
Milestone (2018)
unit No. KIS Fund of region (2023) of data indicator
Priority axis Priority
Measurement Measurement Indicator type Indicator
types of projects OI1: Number of relating to output Output less 12 1. supported health item ERDF 0 24 SL2014 indicator cover indicator developed entities 86.75% of priority axis allocation.- Estimated value of output KIS indicator based less KIS for output 12 related 2. item ERDF 5 N/A SL2014 on signed co- developed indicator 1 with OI financing agreements indicator measures the Total amount of Financial less actual rate at 12 3. certified eligible EUR ERDF 33 388 226 177 647 059 SL2014 indicator developed which eligible expenditure expenditure is made and verified
Categories of intervention planned under the Priority Axis
Tables 7-11. Indicative list of categories of intervention planned to be used under the Priority Axis
Fund and Region category: the European Social Fund, a less developed region
Table 11: Table 10: Table 7: Table 8: Table 9: Dimension 6 Dimension 4 Dimension 1 Dimension 2 Dimension 3 ESF secondary Territorial delivery Intervention field Form of finance Area type theme (exclusively mechanisms ESF)
P PA Code € PA Code € Code € PA Code € PA Code € A
12 053 131 000 000 12 01 151 000 000 12 01 121 000 000 12 01 5 000 000
12 051 20 000 000 12 02 30 000 000 12 05 30 000 000
12 07 116 000 000
The categories were assigned to individual dimensions assuming that each of the dimensions is independent of the others, which means that each amount allocated to the priority axis is assigned to the intervention categories envisaged in the respective dimension.
Planned use of technical assistance for the purpose of developing administrative capacity
The planned use of technical assistance has been described in the priority axis dedicated to technical assistance.
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PRIORITY AXIS 13. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (ESF)
The main objective of the Priority Axis is to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the Regional Operational Programme for the Małopolska Region 2014-2020.
Fund and category of region Fund European Social Fund
Category of region less developed
Calculation basis (public or total total expenditure)
Specific objectives and expected results of the Priority Axis
Specific objective 1. Ensured maximum effectiveness and transparency of the program delivery by supporting the individual management and implementation stages. 2. Ensured coherence of the ROP MR 2014-20 information and publicity system.
Results that the Member State 1. Strengthening the capacity of institutions responsible for seeks to achieve with Union the preparation, management, implementation, support certification, monitoring, evaluation, and control of the Programme. 2. Popularising knowledge in respect of the Programme and the advantages for the region and its residents resulting from its delivery.
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Table 12. Programme-specific output indicators Target value Frequency Measurement Baseline value Baseline Source of No. Indicator ( for 2023) of unit year data M W T M W T reporting The level of employee fluctuation in monitoring 1. institutions % - - 3.4 2013- - - 3.4 annually system involved in the cohesion policy The average annual number of training companies monitoring 2. number - - 1.8 2013 - - 2.0 annually per an system employee of institutions implementing the EF The average time of approval of the project (from the number of monitoring 3. - - 200.3 2013 - - 180.3 annually submission days system of a grant application to signing the contract) Assessment of usefulness 4. of training scale 1-5 - - 4.453 2013 - - 4.4 surveys annually forms for beneficiaries
Description of actions to be financed and their expected contribution to the achievement of the specific objectives The resources purchased/used in the 2007-2013 perspective will be used as much as possible in the present financial perspective – while respecting the principle of a necessity to replace the purchased equipment upon its natural wear/upon its failure to offer the necessary technical functions/upon the expiry of its depreciation period. The following non-repayable co-financing will be provided under the Priority Axis:
Action Description Specific objective 1
Ensured maximum efficiency and transparency of the Programme implementation by supporting service for individual management and implementation stages
1) providing employment and giving employees As regards ensuring suitable Programme access to various forms of education; management, implementation, and certification, it
53
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2) ensuring suitable working conditions; will be particularly vital to provide the necessary 3) building and maintaining the local computer HR potential, including regular upgrading of system and other computer systems; employees' skills, and ensuring the required office and storage as well as technical facilities and covering the related operating costs, as well as preparing work places and work tools and building, implementing, and maintaining an efficient computer system allowing participation in a single consistent computerised monitoring system. 4) ensuring the functioning of bodies which Organisation and managing the work of the support the ongoing Programme management Monitoring Committee. It may also prove necessary and implementation ; to organise and manage, on a day-to-day basis, the operation of other bodies engaged in Programme implementation 5) providing analyses, evaluations, expert Delivering evaluation studies, analyses, expert opinions, research and studies; opinions and evaluations with the aim of streamlining the system for the management and implementation of EU funds, both in the current and future financial perspective. 6) on-going monitoring of projects and the Ensuring proper process for the recruitment, Programme, as well as verification of evaluation and selection of projects to be co- payments, control of projects and examining financed by the Programme, as well as monitoring complaints and appeals related to the of projects and verification of payments, control of Programme; projects and examining complaints and appeals related to the Programme; 7) providing Regional Territorial Observatories Support will be also provided for day-to-day (Regionalne Obserwatoria Terytorialne – operations of ROTs at regional level, excluding ROT) in Małopolska, excluding evaluations evaluations and studies going beyond the region's and studies going beyond the region's borders; borders;
8) taking actions related to the completion of the It will be also crucial to allocate technical assistance Małopolska Regional Operational Programme funds to finance tasks related to the completion of 2007-2013, and Human Capital Operational the Małopolska Regional Operational Programme Programme 2007-2013; 2007-2013, Human Capital Operational Programme 9) financing actions working towards the 2007-2013 (for the regional component of the IP of preparation of the next financial perspective the Human Capital Operational Programme) and after 2020; programming the new financial perspective after 2020, and ensure smooth transition between the 2007-2013, 2014-2020 financial perspectives and after 2020. 10) support in respect of the preparation of Counselling will be dedicated in particular to beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries under entrepreneurs, NGOs and beneficiaries/potential structural interventions. beneficiaries of projects under the TO4. 11) Ensuring monitoring, evaluation, and updating of the regional smart specialisation strategy54, including: entrepreneurial discovery process engaging regional managing authorities and intermediate modes and the stakeholders, such as universities, other higher education establishments, entrepreneurs and social partners, and; return on investment in the area of smart
54 As regards EFDF and ESF support for the regional smart specialisation strategy
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specializations, calculated for ERDF and ESF55 Specific objective 2
Ensured cohesion of the ROP MR 2014-2020 information and publicity system
12) holding in particular training, consultations, As regards information and publicity measures, information meetings (including mobile supported actions will include those aimed to contact points managed by the Implementing improve beneficiaries' knowledge about the Authority/Intermediate Body) which in effect possibility of obtaining support under assistance increase the beneficiaries’ and potential schemes, and about the project delivery rules, beneficiaries’ knowledge about the including through contact points managed by the possibilities of obtaining support, and about Implementing Authority/Intermediate Body, inter project delivery and settlement rules ; alia those providing free consultation services and 13) providing regular information to the public training, which will improve the quality and about the progress made towards the efficiency of the delivery of projects submitted implementation of the Programme, and about under ROP MR 2014-2020, thus contributing to the the possibility for potential beneficiaries to maximum use of the funds available under the use the Programme; Programme. Furthermore, activities in this area are meant to keep the public informed about progress 14) publicising the effects of the Programme made towards the implementation of the through promotion activities; Programme, inter alia via a dedicated website, 15) ensuring exchange of experience and which will guarantee transparency of its procedures facilitating the coordination of information and will disseminate the effects of support. and publicity activities delivered by institutions implementing the Programme; The information and publicity measures delivered will be complementary with actions financed under the Technical Assistance OP and will respect the single fund information system.
Decisions to grant co-financing for measures delivered under this priority axis will be taken by the MA by way of the non-competition mode. If the beneficiary is the Managing Authority, Intermediate Body or Certifying Authority, the annual expenditure limits for the financing of tasks under the priority axis: in the case of the Managing Authority, Implementing Authority/ 2nd-level Intermediate Body and the Certifying Authority, will be specified in the form of budgetary tasks in the budget of the Małopolska Region, or will be set forth in an agreement concluded between the Managing Authority and the Intermediate Body. The needs for funding have been estimated using the institutional system established for the 2007- 2013 perspective, taking due account of the changes in the situation between the perspectives, as well as the inflation and socio-economic developments.
55 Return on investment should be calculated beginning from 2016 using an uniform methodology 222
Table 13. Output indicators56 Target value (for 2023) Measurement No. Indicator name (optionally) Source of data unit M W T Number of full-time employment equivalents per monitoring 1. item N/A N/A N/A month financed by technical system assistance funds Number of purchased monitoring 2. equipment and components of item N/A N/A N/A system workplace equipment Number of participants in monitoring 3. person N/A N/A N/A training forms for institutions system Number of conducted monitoring 4. item N/A N/A N/A evaluations system Number of organized monitoring 5. meetings, conferences, item N/A N/A N/A system seminars The number of expertises monitoring 6. item N/A N/A N/A developed system Number of persons monitoring 7. participating in training for person N/A N/A N/A system beneficiaries Number of portal / website monitoring 8. item N/A N/A N/A visits system Number of informational and monitoring 9. item N/A N/A N/A promotional actions system
Tables 14-16. Intervention categories
Table 14 Dimension 1 – Intervention field Category of region: less developed Priority axis Code Amount (in EUR) 13 Technical Assistance (ESF) 121 (Preparation, implementation, 86,000,000 monitoring and control) 13 Technical Assistance (ESF) 122 (Evaluation and studies) 5,000,000 13 Technical Assistance (ESF) 123 (Information and communication) 10,933,476
Table 15 Dimension 2 – Form of finance Category of region: less developed Priority axis Code Amount (in EUR) 13 Technical Assistance (ESF) 01 (Non-refundable grant) 101,933,476
Table 16 Dimension 3 – Territory type Category of region: less developed Priority axis Code Amount (in EUR) 13 Technical Assistance (ESF) 07 (N/A) 101,933,476
Main beneficiaries 1. Managing Authority 2. Intermediate Body, 3. Certifying Authority.
56 As provided by the General Regulation, there is no obligation to establish the target values of output indicators for technical assistance.
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3. FINANCIAL PLAN
The Regional Operational Programme for the Małopolska Region 2014-2020 is an operational programme financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund. It is implemented within the territory of the Małopolska Region. Małopolska is considered to be a less- developed region.
Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, the allocation of EU funding for the Programme amounts to EUR 2 068 587 710 under the ERDF and EUR 809 628 262 under the ESF. The minimum contribution of national funding – as estimated in accordance with Article 120 of the Framework Regulation, which allows the maximum ERDF and ESF contribution for each priority in less- developed regions of 85% – amounts to EUR 507 920 472 million as at the time of programming. The Programme will be financed by national public and private funds. It is assumed that the ultimate engagement of national funds, mainly private ones, as at the Programme closure may be higher depending on the scope and degree of public aid granted to the Programme.
Certification basis The calculation of the EU contribution to the programme will be based on the total eligible expenditure.
Categories of regions The Programme is delivered within a single region considered to be a less-developed region.
Performance reserve A performance reserve has been set aside under the programme amounting to 6% of its total the ERDF allocation and 6% of its total the ESF allocation. The share of the performance reserve in the individual years will amount to 6% of the ERDF allocation and 6% of the ESF allocation (Table 17). The performance reserve is set aside under each programme’s priority axis in equal proportion to its value, except for the Technical Assistance priority axis (financed solely under the ESF), for which no reserve has been established, in line with the law (excluding the TA priority axis requires, in order for the required fund level to maintained in the Programme, a corresponding increase of the reserve for another/other ESF priority axis/axes, Table 18a).
Thematic concentration The concentration levels adopted under the programme ensue from the PA and allow the concentration levels required by EU Regulations at AP level to be maintained.
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Table 17. Total amount of funding envisaged as the contribution of each fund to the Programme, by years and categories of regions, with indication of the performance reserve (EUR)
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 TOTAL No. Fund Region category Basic Performance Basic Performance Basic Performance Basic Performance Basic Performance Basic Performance Basic Performance Basic Performance allocation1 reserve allocation reserve allocation reserve allocation reserve allocation reserve allocation reserve allocation reserve allocation reserve
Less developed 1 regions 236 673 848 15 106 841 250 560 075 15 993 196 265 039 164 16 917 393 278 249 398 17 760 600 291 481 834 18 605 223 304 680 710 19 447 705 317 787 420 20 284 303 1 944 472 449 124 115 261 Transitional 2 regions ERDF Better developed 3 regions
4 TOTAL 236 673 848 15 106 841 250 560 075 15 993 196 265 039 164 16 917 393 278 249 398 17 760 600 291 481 834 18 605 223 304 680 710 19 447 705 317 787 420 20 284 303 1 944 472 449 124 115 261
Less developed 5 regions 92 632 203 5 912 694 98 067 158 6 259 606 103 734 154 6 621 330 108 904 532 6 951 353 114 083 599 7 281 932 119 249 530 7 611 672 124 379 389 7 939 110 761 050 565 48 577 697 Transitional 6 regions ESF2 Better developed 7 regions
8 TOTAL 92 632 203 5 912 694 98 067 158 6 259 606 103 734 154 6 621 330 108 904 532 6 951 353 114 083 599 7 281 932 119 249 530 7 611 672 124 379 389 7 939 110 761 050 565 48 577 697 YEI – 9 additional Not applicable allocation 10 Not applicable SF Special allocation for peripheral areas 11 ERDF or sparsely populated areas
12 TOTAL 329 306 051 21 019 535 348 627 233 22 252 802 368 773 318 23 538 723 387 153 930 24 711 953 405 565 433 25 887 155 423 930 240 27 059 377 442 166 809 28 223 413 2 705 523 014 172 692 958 1 Total allocation (EU support) less performance reserve 2 Total ESF allocation including YEI
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Table 18a. Programme's financial plan (EUR)
Share of performanc e reserve For (EU Indicative distribution of information Basic allocation Performance reserve support) In national contribution Co- EU National purposes total Mount Category of Certificatio Total funding financin Priority axis Fund contribution contributio of EU region n basis (E=A+B) g level (A) n (B=C+D) support per (F=A/E) priority axis National National National EIB EU EU National contributio (L=(J/A)*10 public private ONTRIBU contribution contributio contribution n 0) funding (C) funding (D) TION (H=A-J) n (J) (K=B*(J/A)) (I=B-K) Total 1. Knowledge Less ERDF eligible 250 018 348 44 120 885 19 611 211 24 509 674 294 139 233 85,00% 235 017 248 41 473 632 15 001 100 2 647 253 6,00% economy developed expenditure
Total 2. Digital Less ERDF eligible 140 000 000 24 705 883 22 081 235 2 624 648 164 705 883 85,00% 131 600 000 23 223 530 8 400 000 1 482 353 6,00% Małopolska developed expenditure
Total 3. Entrepreneurship Less ERDF eligible 240 000 000 42 352 942 20 373 993 21 978 949 282 352 942 85,00% 225 600 000 39 811 765 14 400 000 2 541 177 6,00% in Małopolska developed expenditure
Total 4. Regional energy Less ERDF eligible 420 000 000 74 117 648 36 423 529 37 694 119 494 117 648 85,00% 394 800 000 69 670 589 25 200 000 4 447 059 6,00% policy developed expenditure
Total 5. Environmental Less ERDF eligible 138 000 000 24 352 942 21 917 647 2 435 295 162 352 942 85,00% 129 720 000 22 891 765 8 280 000 1 461 177 6,00% protection developed expenditure
Total Less 6. Regional heritage ERDF eligible 169 069 362 29 835 770 26 331 116 3 504 654 198 905 132 85,00% 158 925 201 28 045 624 10 144 161 1 790 146 6,00% developed expenditure
Total 7. Transport Less ERDF eligible 390 500 000 68 911 765 67 723 632 1 188 133 459 411 765 85,00% 367 070 000 64 777 059 23 430 000 4 134 706 6,00% infrastructure developed expenditure
Total Less 8. Labour market ESF eligible 270 764 148 47 781 909 40 281 909 7 500 000 318 546 057 85,00% 252 178 312 44 502 056 18 585 836 3 279 853 6,86% developed expenditure
Total 9. Socially coherent Less ESF eligible 232 000 000 40 941 177 40 341 177 600 000 272 941 177 85,00% 216 075 020 38 130 886 15 924 980 2 810 291 6,86% region developed expenditure
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National contribution Total financing
Total 10. Knowledge and Less ESF eligible 204 930 638 36 164 231 35 934 859 229 372 241 094 869 85,00% 190 863 757 33 681 840 14 066 881 2 482 391 6,86% competences developed expenditure
Total 11. Revitalisation of Less ERDF eligible 170 000 000 30 000 000 26 476 057 3 523 943 200 000 000 85,00% 159 800 000 28 200 000 10 200 000 1 800 000 6,00% regional space developed expenditure
Total 12. Social Less ERDF eligible 151 000 000 26 647 059 25 314 705 1 332 354 177 647 059 85,00% 141 940 000 25 048 235 9 060 000 1 598 824 6,00% infrastructure developed expenditure
Total 13. ESF technical Less ESF eligible 101 933 476 17 988 261 17 988 261 0 119 921 737 85,00% 101 933 476 17 988 261 0 0 0,00% assistance developed expenditure
Total Less TOTAL ERDF ERDF eligible 2 068 587 710 365 044 894 266 253 125 98 791 769 2 433 632 604 85,00% 1 944 472 449 343 142 199 124 115 261 21 902 695 6,00% developed expenditure
Total Less TOTAL ESF EFS eligible 809 628 262 142 875 578 134 546 206 8 329 372 952 503 840 85,00% 761 050 565 134 303 043 48 577 697 8 572 535 6,00% developed expenditure
Total Less TOTAL eligible 2 878 215 972 507 920 472 400 799 331 107 121 141 3 386 136 444 85,00% 2 705 523 014 477 445 242 172 692 958 30 475 230 6,00% developed expenditure
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Table 18c. Programme allocation by priority axes, funds, categories of region and thematic objectives for ERDF, ESF and SF (EUR)
Community National Category of region Thematic objective Total financing Priority axis Fund contribution contribution
1. Knowledge economy ERDF Less developed region 1. Supporting scientific research, technology development and innovation 250 018 348 44 120 885 294 139 233 2.Enhancing accessibility and the level of use and quality of information and Less developed region 140 000 000 24 705 883 164 705 883 2. Digital Małopolska ERDF communication technologies 3. Raising competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises, the agriculture 3. Entrepreneurship in ERDF Less developed region sector with regard to ERDFOW) and the sector of fisheries and aquaculture (with 240 000 000 42 352 942 282 352 942 Małopolska regard to EFMR)
4.Supporting the shift to low-carbon economy in all sectors 404 275 507 71 342 737 475 618 244 4. Regional energy policy ERDF Less developed region 6. Environmental protection and supporting effective use of resources 15 724 493 2 774 911 18 499 404
5. Promoting adaptation to climate change, risk prevention and risk management 31 000 000 5 470 589 36 470 589
5. Environmental protection ERDF Less developed region 6. Environmental protection and supporting effective use of resources 107 000 000 18 882 353 125 882 353
6. Environmental protection and supporting effective use of resources 89 069 362 15 718 123 104 787 485 6. Regional heritage ERDF Less developed region 8. Supporting employment and mobility of employees 80 000 000 14 117 647 94 117 647 7. Promoting sustainable transport and removing throughput deficiencies in the Less developed region 390 500 000 68 911 765 459 411 765 7. Transport infrastructure ERDF operation of the most important network infrastructures
8. Labour market EFS Less developed region 8. Supporting employment and mobility of employees 270 764 148 47 781 909 318 546 057
9. Socially coherent region EFS Less developed region 9. Supporting social inclusion and combating poverty 232 000 000 40 941 177 272 941 177
10. Knowledge and EFS Less developed region 10. Investing in education, skills and lifelong learning 204 930 638 36 164 231 241 094 869 competences 11. Revitalisation of regional Less developed region 170 000 000 30 000 000 200 000 000 space ERDF 9. Supporting social inclusion and combating poverty Less developed region 131 000 000 23 117 647 154 117 647 9. Supporting social inclusion and combating poverty 12. Social infrastructure ERDF Less developed region 10. Investing in education, skills and lifelong learning 20 000 000 3 529 412 23 529 412
13. ESF technical assistance EFS Less developed region 11. Enhancing institutional potential and effectiveness of public administration 101 933 476 17 988 261 119 921 737 TOTAL 2 878 215 972 507 920 472 3 386 136 444
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Table 19: Allocation by priority axes for climate change interventions 1. Knowledge economy 0 0.00% 2. Digital Małopolska 0 0.00% 3. Entrepreneurship in Małopolska 0 0.00% 4. Regional energy policy 259 200 000 9.01% 5. Environmental protection 32 600 000 1.13% 6. Regional heritage 28 000 000 0.97% 7. Transport infrastructure 40 000 000 1.39% 8. Labour market 0 0.00% 9. Socially coherent region 0 0.00% 10. Knowledge and competences 0 0.00% 11. Revitalisation of regional space 0 0.00% 12. Social infrastructure 0 0.00% 13. ESF technical assistance 0 0.00% TOTAL 359 800 000 12.50%
4. INTEGRATED TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT APPROACH
DESCRIPTION OF THE INTEGRATED TERRITORIAL APPROACH IN MAŁOPOLSKA,
The integrated territorial approach aims to exploit the region's specific territorial potentials and remove barriers to the development of its individual areas, where intervention will be delivered to ensure more effective use of resources and making up for deficits. The territorial dimension supplements the sectoral approach and has been used where it is likely to improve the efficiency of ROP intervention. The sectoral approach remains the crucial means of delivering the ROP interventions.
The intervention planned will contribute to satisfying the needs or removing the barriers of individual areas, including strategic areas of intervention, through direct project delivery dedicated to the territory concerned. ASIs will by supported mainly by grants for actions within the areas identified. ASIs will be promoted inter alia by preferential distribution of funds, project selection criteria, use of complementarity mechanisms, setting aside a separate allocation.
Under the ROP, three types of territorial development instruments are envisaged: 1) the integrated territorial investment - instrument dedicated to interventions within the urban functional area of Krakow – Krakow Metropolis (MK). Thanks to the use of the integrated territorial instrument the MK will be able to meet the important development challenges, inter alia, development of Krakow metropolitan functions, improvement of environmental situation (by reducing air pollution), improving accessibility of transport, enhancing investment attractiveness and improving access to public services; 2) the subregional development programme - instrument dedicated to interventions within 5 functional subregions, implemented with the use of the competitive mode (calls for individual sub- regions); Thanks to this instrument interventions can be adjusted to the development needs of subregions, including, improved accessibility of transport the use of endogenous potentials of economic development, improved accessibility of public services, enhanced investment attractiveness and reducing the effects of natural disasters to the minimum. 3) urban and rural areas regeneration programmes - instrument dedicated to interventions in cities, city districts and rural areas requiring regeneration; The use of this instrument will enable the revitalisation and development of deteriorated urban areas by restoring their lost functions or giving them new uses, as well as the regeneration of rural areas. Comprehensive regeneration of urban and rural areas in crisis manifested by intensified social issues will be possible. In this area, interventions under IP 9b will have specific role, supplemented by the funding from the ESF under IPs 8i, 8iv, 9i, 9iv and 10 to cover actions to regenerate the community and urban fabric, as well as rural areas. Expenditure for rural areas will be monitored and reported in annual reports, taking into account - in accordance with the scope and logic of intervention of the programme - such areas as: 1) development of entrepreneurship and better use of human resources, including retraining of farmers, 2) social and infrastructure revitalization, 3 ) water and sewerage and flood infrastructure. The estimated allocation in the ROP for rural areas: EUR 746.7 million.
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4.1. COMMUNITY-LED LOCAL DEVELOPMENT The ROP does not envisage the “direct formula” implementation of the CLD instrument. Support for the Local Action Groups (LAGs) as potential beneficiaries is planned under the programme. The ROP Managing Authority accepts the possibility of applying the solution according to which the ROP intervention will be complementary to the EAFRD and EMFF support on the territory of the relevant LAG and will be implemented pursuant to the local development strategy. The preparatory costs, current costs and costs of LAG animation will be supported by ESF under the ROP.
4.2. INTEGRATED ACTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT Activities supporting sustainable urban areas’ development will be eligible for support across a range of ROP interventions. Most priority axes do not envisage allocations dedicated exclusively to urban areas or other designated territories. Intervention through the mechanism of integrated territorial investment directly contributing to the achievement of the objectives specified for ASIs at state level – "Region's capital city and its functional area" – will be delivered within Kraków's urban functional area, including the following municipalities: Kraków, Biskupice, Czernichów, Igołomia-Wawrzeńczyce, Kocmyrzów-Luborzyca, Liszki, Michałowice, Mogilany, Niepołomice, Skawina, Świątniki Górne, Wieliczka, Wielka Wieś, Zabierzów and Zielonki. Intervention will comprise IPs 3.a, 4c, 4e, 6b, 7b, 9a, 9iv, 10i 10iv. The Kraków Metropolis was delimited within the subregion of the Metropolitan Area of Kraków. Thus, it will not benefit from the support envisaged for the rest of the Metropolitan Area of Kraków due to the separability of interventions under ITI and the Subregional Development Programme. The thematic scope of ITIs comprises support areas which, on the one hand, respond to the needs identified by partners, and on the other, foster the integration of the central city with its functional surroundings. The use of ITIs will lead to the execution of development goals of KM in the territorial, social and economic dimensions. The intervention will lead to: boosting the economic development and improving transport accessibility of KM (allocation within the Priority Axis 7: 10.06 million for sub-regional roads). At the same time the use of ITIs will contribute to achieving environmental objectives through the implementation of tasks on the improvement of energy efficiency, supporting low-carbon economy and sustainable urban transport. Implementation of tasks related to water and wastewater and waste management contributes to the improvement of ecological safety and the quality of life of KM. Residents will acquire increased access to public services through intervention in the following areas: support for dependent persons and their caregivers (with the exception of long-term care and telecare) and crisis intervention services, creation of pre-school education and vocational training. In this context, there will also be investments in healthcare infrastructure facilities of subregional importance.
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Table 20. Integrated actions for sustainable urban development (estimated allocation supported from ERDF) and estimated ESF allocation
Fund Estimated amount of ERDF Share of column (2) in overall support for integrated actions Fund allocation for OP linked to sustainable urban development (Article 7.2 of ERDF Regulation) and estimated ESF allocation (EUR) Total ERDF funds 202 060 000 9.77% Total ESF funds 34 000 000 4.20% Total ERDF + ESF 236 060 000 8.20%
The scope of tasks connected with the ROP implementation under ITI to be entrusted to municipal authorities is set out in the written agreement between the municipal authorities and the ROP MA. Pursuant to Article 123 (6) of the regulation of 1303/2013, municipal authorities shall, at least, carry out the tasks connected with selection of projects to be co-financed. The minimal scope of tasks entrusted to the municipal authorities means that they shall submit to the ROP MA lists of projects selected in a competition or, where the non-competitive mode is used, identified in the ITI Strategy, following priorities based on criteria approved by the ROP Monitoring Committee according to the ITI objectives. The ROP MA carries out final verification of eligibility of projects for co-financing, pursuant to Article 7 (5) of regulation 1301/2013, unless the agreement provides otherwise. The technicalities of the calls for proposals’ organisation and the full formal and substantive evaluation of projects may be carried out by municipal authorities or the ROP MA, involving external experts, where appropriate, pursuant to the provisions of the agreement.
4.3. INTEGRATED TERRITORIAL INVESTMENTS (ITIS) (IN APPROPRIATE CASES) No other ITI is envisaged to be carried out than the ITI for the Kraków Metropolitan Functional Area.
4.4. SOLUTIONS FOR INTERREGIONAL AND TRANSNATIONAL ACTIONS, WITHIN THE OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME, WITH BENEFICIARIES LOCATED IN AT LEAST ONE OTHER MEMBER STATE N/A.
4.5. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PLANNED ACTIONS UNDER THE PROGRAMME TO MACRO-REGIONAL AND SEA-BASIN STRATEGIES, SUBJECT TO THE NEEDS OF THE PROGRAMME AREA AS IDENTIFIED BY THE MEMBER STATE
European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region When analysing EUSBSR one may notice complementarity between the ROP and the Strategy – individual priority axes of the ROP correspond to the objectives of EUSBSR. The Programme may
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contribute to the delivery of EUSBSR mainly in those areas that will require initiating cooperation processes. In such areas, it will be reasonable to give preference in the project selection process to actions reflecting EUSBSR.
Development Strategy for Southern Poland until 2020 The Development Strategy for Southern Poland until 2020 was adopted by resolution of the Council of Ministers on 8 January 2014. The document was based on the provisions of the Development Strategy for Southern Poland for the Małopolska and Silesian Regions until 2020, adopted by the Małopolska and Silesia Regional Assemblies on 5 April 2013. The strategy identifies the possibilities of cooperation between both regions and indicates the directions of intervention towards furthering and strengthening such cooperation. The activities provided for in the document focus on supraregional and interregional problems which cannot be solved within one of the regions alone and whose specificities do not allow them to be given a universal nationwide rank. The Strategy was used in the work on the Programme in a way allowing support to be provided (e.g. through special criteria) to projects delivered in the Małopolska Region in partnership with entities from Silesia and are complementary with projects supported under the Silesia Programme. This approach is without prejudice to the competences of the Managing Authorities of either programme and respects their territorial competence, while leading to the implementation of actions jointly representing added value for the macroregion. In the context of the implementation of the Strategy, the MA envisages the possibility to use solutions set out in Article 70 of the General Regulation which make the implementation of projects outside the administrative borders of the region possible under the ROP.
The matrix of consistency of the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region’s objectives and the objectives of the Development Strategy for Southern Poland until 2020 with the programme priority axes
EUSBSR objectives DSSP 2020
Saving the Develop Upper Silesia- Southern Southern Sea ment of Increasing prosperity Kraków Europe – Poland – Poland – an Programme connecti an area of An area of area priority axes ons concentration of partnership attracting within innovation and cooperation people, the creativity, setting for the entities and Region development effective use of initiatives trends and development enhancing becoming part of opportunities the
Biologicalsubstances the network of the macroregion’
Internalmarket
Biodiversity most dynamically s potential
Agriculture
Innovation
Education
Transport
Tourism
Threats Culture
Energy
Health SMEs developing European
agglomerations
1. Knowledge 233
economy 2. Digital Małopolska 3. Entrepreneurship in Małopolska 4. Regional energy policy 5. Environmental protection 6. Regional heritage 7. Transport infrastructure 8. Labour market 9. Socially coherent region 10. Knowledge and competences 11. Revitalisation of regional space 12. Social infrastructure source: own study.5.
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5. SPECIFIC NEEDS OF GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS MOST AFFECTED BY POVERTY OR TARGET GROUPS MOST VULNERABLE TO DISCRIMINATION OR SOCIAL EXCLUSION
5.1 GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS WITH HIGHEST POVERTY / TARGET GROUPS MOST VULNERABLE TO DISCRIMINATION OR SOCIAL EXCLUSION
In 2013, over 81.6 thousand households, i.e. over 235 thousand individuals received social welfare benefits in Małopolska, which accounts for 7% of the region’s population. Poverty was the most frequent premise for granting social welfare in the region (over 63% of all social welfare clients). The share of social welfare clients within the total population of Małopolska had been dropping successively since 2003 (when it had reached nearly 15%), and in 2013 was below the country’s average of 8.6%. It is worth noting however that the percentage of population with social welfare benefits in 2013 in individual poviats was significantly different from the region’s average. The situation was most favourable in Kraków (approx. 3.5% of its population) and in the Krakowski poviat (approx. 4.5%). The least favourable rates were recorded in the following poviats: Dąbrowski (approx. 14%), Nowosądecki (approx. 14%), Limanowski (approx. 13%), Gorlicki (approx. 13%) and. It should also be stressed that the poviats with high numbers of social welfare clients were as a rule characterized by high unemployment. In 2013, the following rates of unemployment were recorded in the following poviats: Dąbrowski (approx. 20%), Limanowski (approx. 19%), Nowosądecki (approx. 18%). Kraków recorded the lowest rate of unemployment (approx. 6% as compared to the region’s average of 11.6%). The situation in Małopolska can also be analysed comprehensively from the point of view of social welfare clients, children under 17 whose parents receive child benefits, and the disabled. Each of the aforesaid factors affects and translates into the material situation of individuals and whole families. Therefore, a synthetic index calculated on the basis of the said factors indicates those poviats in Małopolska, where negative social phenomena actually accumulate. The situation is most difficult in the following poviats: Dąbrowski, Gorlicki, Nowosądecki, Limanowski, Tarnowski, and in the city of Tarnów.
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Map 1. A synthetic social situation index in Małopolska
source: own development
To picture the territorial differences in the poverty risk indicator, one can also use a map of poverty at the sub-regional level using 6 explaining variables, i.e. a percentage of singles above 25 years of age, the number of rooms per a household member, a percentage of households having a bathroom, a percentage of households with two persons aged more than 25 years of age, with no more than vocational education, population density, and the ratio of persons registered out and registered as permanent residents of the sub-region. The analysis of the map shows that in the Małopolska Region the residents of households in the Nowy Sącz and Tarnów sub-regions are at the highest risk of poverty whilst the lowest poverty risk indicator is seen in the city of Krakow.
Map 2. Poverty risk indicator at sub-regional level
source: ”Mapy ubóstwa na poziomie podregionów w Polsce z wykorzystaniem estymacji pośredniej” [Poverty maps at the subregional level in Poland using indirect estimation], Statistical Office In Poznań 236
The impact of poverty and social exclusion on particular social groups differs. The group being at the greatest risk of social exclusion includes all households with an unemployed member (in particular, where such unemployed members hare low skilled). According to the Central Statistical Office [GUS], in 2012 13% households with at least one unemployed member were at risk of extreme poverty, and the rate of extreme poverty was as high as 33% for households with at least two unemployed members. At the same time, unemployment was one of the most frequent premises for granting social welfare in Małopolska (in 2013, over 47% of all social welfare clients). Children and youth are another group highly vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion. According to the Central Statistical Office [GUS], in 2012, the extreme poverty risk rate among children and youth under 18 was approx. 9%, and individuals under 18 accounted for nearly one third of population at risk of extreme poverty, while approx. one in five individuals from the general population belonged to this age group. Large families and single-parent families experience particularly difficult situation. According to the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (MPiPS-03 report), there is a big group of families with children (over 40 thousand families in 2013) among the social welfare clients in Małopolska. Nearly 37% of the families with children who were social welfare clients in 2013 were families with several dependants, and over 26% - single-parent families. Although poverty in Poland affects mostly young people, it should also be stated that some elderly people experience difficult situations as well, in particular in the context of demographic changes. Because of their age and health condition, the elderly often have limited abilities to take action aimed at improving their material situations. In 2013, over 595 thousand people in post-productive age lived in the Małopolska Region, accounting for nearly 18% of the region’s total population. Currently Małopolska is ranked among Poland’s best regions in demographic terms, but the forecasts show that within the next 20-30 years to come, the rapid aging of the Małopolska’s population is to be expected. The risk of poverty and social exclusion is also significantly higher in families with a disabled member, which results not only from the disabled having difficulty finding jobs, but also from the fact that other family members need to take care of them and experience increased expenditure (treatment, rehabilitation, activation). According to the Central Statistical Office [GUS], in 2012, the extreme poverty risk rate among households with at least one disabled member was approx. 10% (in households with no disabled members the corresponding figure was approx. 6%). Families with disabled children experienced most difficult situations (12% extremely poor individuals). The 2011 census shows that the number of the disabled in legal and biological terms in Małopolska amounted to more than 394 thousand, i.e. 11.8% of the region’s population, compared to the national average of 12.2%. As regards this group, the very low level of participation in the labour market still remains a major issue. The percentage of disabled persons aged 16-64 in the region reached the level of 19.8% as compared with 20.09% on the national scale57, whilst its share in the registered unemployed barely reached 5.1%. There are other groups at risk of social exclusion that need to be mentioned as well, including representatives of the Roma58. Support for this group is particularly important given the fact that the region of Małopolska is one of the regions with the highest Roma populations.
57 Bank Danych Lokalnych, GUS 58 Comprehensive support for those groups has been envisaged under the Operational Programme: Knowledge, Education, Development 2014 - 2020
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5.2 THE STRATEGY TO ADDRESS PARTICULAR NEEDS OF GEOGRAPHIC AREAS / TARGET GROUPS MOST VULNERABLE TO POVERTY AND, WHERE APPLICABLE, CONTRIBUTION OF AN INTEGRATED APPROACH ESTABLISHED IN THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
In order to improve the social and economic situation of areas with highest poverty or target groups most at risk of discrimination, various types of action will be taken under the operational programme, primarily under Thematic Objectives 8-10. Under TO 8 and TO 9 activities will translate directly into the improvement of social and career situation of persons covered by support as well as those from their closest environment. Under TO 8 activities will be aimed at vocational mobilisation of unemployed people, and a comprehensive action will be dedicated to individuals who are interested in establishing their own business. As a result of planned interventions employment opportunities for persons whose situation on the labour market is the most difficult, including the elderly and the disabled, will improve. Special support has been envisaged under the programme to the persons who are unemployed because they perform functions of carers of children. Project targeted at such persons will contribute to the increased numbers of places at child care establishments for children up to 3 years of age. Initiatives making it possible for persons in productive age to stay in good health, contributing to keeping them active ion the labour market, will also be of major importance. Intervention under TO 9 will be aimed primarily at social and vocational mobilisation of those at risk of poverty or social exclusion (including with the use of social economy). Such persons will be granted comprehensive support tailor-made to their needs, which will contribute to their social integration and – on a longer term – to their employment opportunities. The actions taken will result, first of all, in ensuring children and youth, as well as families in a difficult situation due to their caretaking and upbringing functions, the access to high quality services to reduce the risk of social exclusion. Another very important result will also consist in a wider accessible offer of the forms of care of dependent persons (including the elderly and the disabled), and thanks to this increasing the opportunities of vocational activation of their informal carers. Actions taken under the programme will largely use the potential of the social economy. Social economy entities will have preferences when implementing the projects co-financed by the ESF and the ERDF. The MA will identify the areas in which preferences to such entities will apply. The ROP MA declares that social clauses are to be used in selected actions under TOs 8, 9 and 10. Interventions financed from the ESF will be coupled with investment projects, including, first of all, actions as regards physical revitalization implemented in degraded urban and rural areas. They will contribute to social and vocational inclusion of their residents. At the same time, these actions will help to overcome the crisis in such areas, by giving them a new functional quality and by creating conditions for development. Investments in the healthcare infrastructure, thanks to which inequalities in the access to adequate quality healthcare services in areas resulting from the needs diagnosed at the national and regional level (e.g. geriatrics) will be also of major significance. Actions taken under TO 10 will contribute to the development of the region residents’ intellectual capital (including action aimed at pre-school education as well as general and vocational education, and at the development of counselling and lifelong learning offer). Interventions envisaged under IP 10iii will contribute to upgrading competences and qualifications of adults (including, in particular , aged 50+), offering them opportunities of employment or improving conditions and comfort of their 238
work. Improved quality of education has a significant impact on the competences of young residents of Małopolska, which in turn will translate in the future into their career opportunities. At the same time, interventions planned under TO10 will contribute to the fuller participation of children and youth with special needs (including those with disabilities) in pre-school, general and vocational education. Given the significant internal differences within the Małopolska Region, based on the current data and results of analyses, and depending on the changing situation in the region, preference is envisaged for those labour market, social inclusion and educational projects which are dedicated to the residents of areas where the situation is most severe. At the same time, because of the territorial aspect of poverty, it is highly important in terms of the region’s sustainable development to implement comprehensive revitalisation projects in response to the diagnosed social problems, through introducing new social and economic functions into the revitalized spaces, supporting social inclusion, and taking initiative aimed at enhancing employment and the development of human and social capital.
Table 22: Actions aimed at addressing particular needs of geographic areas / target groups most vulnerable to poverty
Main types of planned Target group/ Region Investment action being part of an Priority axis Fund geographic areas category priority integrated approach
Support for the unemployed involving the use of various Labour less tools aimed at the ESF 8i market developed enhancement of labour market entry or re-entry Comprehensive action aimed Labour at individuals interested in less ESF 8iii establishing their own market developed business Initiative aimed at the process of re-entering or entering the Unemployed Labour labour market by individuals less individuals ESF 8iv who do not participate in it market developed because of their caretaking roles towards children Action as regards active A socially integration of individuals in less cohesive ESF 9i specific social and vocational developed region situations Developing adult Knowledge competences and skills in the less and ESF 10iii context of their functioning developed competence on the labour market Initiative aimed at the process Families (mainly of re-entering or entering the with several labour market by individuals Labour less dependants and ESF 8iv who do not participate in it market developed single-parent because of their caretaking families), children roles towards children and youth at risk Action as regards active A socially of poverty and less 9i integration of individuals in cohesive ESF social exclusion developed specific social and vocational region
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situations Improving the quality and accessibility of social and A socially healthcare services (including less cohesive ESF 9iv support enhancing prevention developed region aimed at proper family functioning) Initiatives aimed at maintaining good health of persons in productive age, Labour less ESF 8vi contributing to their market developed maintained activity on the labour market Investment in healthcare infrastructure facilities and The elderly purchase of specialist medical Social less ERDF 9a devices infrastructure developed Actions concerning long-term care Improving the quality of A socially social and healthcare services less cohesive ESF 9iv (e.g. support for dependent developed region persons and their carers) Support for the unemployed involving the use of various tools aimed at the Labour less ESF 8i enhancement of their entering market developed or re-entering the labour market Action as regards active A socially integration of individuals in less cohesive ESF 9i specific social and vocational developed region situations Improving the quality and accessibility of social and healthcare services (including A socially The disabled less early intervention and cohesive ESF 9iv developed rehabilitation, support for region dependent persons and their carers) Action aimed at a fuller participation of children and Knowledge less youth with specific needs in and ESF 10i developed nursery school education and competences in general education Interventions aimed at a Knowledge greater and fuller participation less and ESF 10iv of youth with specific needs developed competences in vocational education Support to the unemployed by using various instruments Labour less aimed at facilitating their ESF 8i market developed entry or re-entry to the labour Geographic areas market the most affected Actions in the area of active by poverty Socially integration of persons in a less coherent ESF 9i special social and professional developed region situation Improving the quality of and Socially ESF less 9iv 240
access to social and coherent developed healthcare services region Knowledge Actions for pre-school and less and ESF 10i general education developed competences Revitalisation Physical regeneration of less of regional ERDF 9b urban and rural areas developed space
6. SPECIFIC NEEDS OF GEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS SUFFERING FROM SERIOUS AND PERSISTENT ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL OR DEMOGRAPHIC CONDITIONS
The diagnosis presented in the first part of the Programme showed several key areas suffering from adverse environmental conditions. Intervention under the ROP will contribute to eliminating the resulting deficits. In particular, the areas include:
Areas susceptible to landsliding, Areas susceptible to qualitative and quantitative water deficit, Mountain areas. As regards the first area, attention needs to be brought to the fact that Małopolska is a region with significant hazard of landsliding which results from the susceptibility of its bedrock, slope, and the nature of hydration of the near-surface rock. The landsliding hazard is aggravated by the way the land is used, in particular by its more and more intensive development and the expansion of road network, which interferes with water outflow processes. The most vulnerable areas include the Inner and Outer Carpathians, the Carpathian Foredeep, and the Wyżyna Krakówsko-Częstochowska Upland. Given the landsliding hazard identified in the region, the Programme envisages support under IP 5.b involving prevention as regards the movement of land masses whose incidence and range pose significant natural hazard in the region. In view of the geographic characteristics of Małopolska, it needs to be said that the main features of the region’s waters that cause the risk of drought include the largely imbalanced water flow, territorial imbalance of groundwater supply into surface water, as well as varying outflow of surface water supplied directly from rainfall. Areas located along the left bank of the Vistula River are potentially most at risk of water shortages. Particular quantitative and qualitative deficits of groundwater have been identified in the north-west part of the region (in the following municipalities: Wolbrom, Klucze, Olkusz, Bukowno, Chrzanów, Trzebinia, Babice, Alwernia, Oświęcim, Kęty, Wadowice, Czernichów, Liszki, Zabierzów, Wielka Wieś, Skała, Trzyciąż), as well as in the municipalities of Kłaj and Niepołomice. The greatest threat of quantitative groundwater deficits takes place in the municipalities in the following poviats: Miechowski, Proszowicki, Myślenicki, Tarnowski, Gorlicki and Nowosądecki. The highest risk of a qualitative deficit with a parallel high quantitative hazard is found in the municipality of Kościelisko. The highest risk as regards the groundwater potential has been found in the following poviats: Nowosądecki, Brzeski and Limanowski. Given the region’s numerous areas vulnerable to qualitative or quantitative water deficits, the programme envisages support under 241
IP 5b which includes action aimed at increasing the retention capacity of river valleys, including small retention reservoirs, restored floodplains, and river renaturalization, and under IP 6b as regards water and sewage management. Małopolska is characterised by strongly varying topography with many mountains and uplands. Over 70 municipalities in the region which are located in submontane or mountain areas have at least 50 % of their arable land over 350 m above sea level59. Mountain areas have unfavourable physical and geographic, climatic and soil characteristics, which hinders agriculture and the development of transport, thereby generating higher cost of building new infrastructure than in lowlands. Therefore, action taken under Priority Axes 5, 6, 7 will be of paramount importance to ensuring sustainable development of mountain areas.
59 Decree No. 22/03 of 17 July 2003 of the Voivode of Małopolska concerning the list of localities situated in mountain and submontane areas.
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7. INSTITUTIONS, BODIES AND AUTHORITIES INVOLVED IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMME
7.1 INSTITUTIONS INVOLVED IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMME
Table 23. Relevant institutions and entities
Name of authority, department or The authority’s management Institution another organisational unit (position)
The Designation Authority The Ministry of Infrastructure and Minister of Infrastructure and Development Development
ul. Wspólna 2/4, 00 – 926 Warsaw
The Managing Authority The Management Board of the Małopolska Marshal of the Małopolska Region acting serviced by the Marshal’s Region Office of the Małopolska Region, Operational Programmes Management Department
ul. Basztowa 22, 31 – 156 Kraków
The Certifying Authority (where The Board of the Małopolska Region acting Marshal of the Małopolska applicable) serviced by the Marshal’s Office of the Region Małopolska Region, Certification Bureau
ul. Basztowa 22, 31 – 156 Kraków
The Audit Authority The Ministry of Finance – the Department of Minister responsible for public Protection of the Financial Interests of the finance European Union ul. Świętokrzyska 12, 00 – 916 Warsaw
The Authority competent for The Ministry of Finance, the Paying Authority Minister responsible for public receiving payments from the EC Department finance ul. Świętokrzyska 12, 00 – 916 Warsaw
Intermediate Bodies Małopolska Entrepreneurship Centre, ul. Director of the Małopolska Jasnogórska 11, 31-358 Kraków Entrepreneurship Centre
Regional Labour Office, Plac Na Stawach 1, Director of the Regional Labour 30-107 Kraków Office
Krakow Metropolis Association (ITI) President of the Krakow Metropolis Association Management Board
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The institutional system under the programme is in line with the institutional system for the cohesion policy as described in PA. The function of the Coordinating Body for PA implementation is performed by the minister competent for regional development. The function of the Managing Authority and, at the same time, the Certifying Authority is performed by the Board of the Region. In order to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of programme delivery some of the tasks are to be delegated to the Intermediate Bodies whose role and functions will be specified in the relevant interinstitutional arrangements. Detailed rules for the operation of the management, control, monitoring, evaluation, information and publicity, and IT systems arise from PA and the relevant provisions of applicable regulations.
The function of the Managing Authority for Małopolska’s ROP is carried out by the Board of the Małopolska Region.
Pursuant to Article 125 of Regulation (EU) No. 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006, the Managing Authority is responsible for managing and implementing the operational programme in accordance with the principle of sound financial management and, in particular:
- as regards the management of the operational programme, it shall:
support the work of the monitoring committee and provide it with the information it requires to carry out its tasks,
draw up and, after approval by the monitoring committee, submit to the Commission annual and final implementation reports,
make available to intermediate bodies and beneficiaries information that is relevant to the execution of their tasks and the implementation of operations respectively, establish a system to record and store in computerised form data on each operation, ensure that the data relating to each operation is collected, entered and stored in the system, and that data on indicators is broken down by gender where required by Annexes I and II of the ESF Regulation.
- as regards the selection of operations, it shall:
draw up and, once approved, apply appropriate selection procedures and criteria, ensure that a selected operation falls within the scope of the Fund or Funds concerned and can be attributed to a category of intervention of the operational programme, ensure that the beneficiary is provided with a document setting out the conditions for support for each operation including the specific requirements concerning the products or services to be delivered under the operation, the financing plan, and the time-limit for execution,
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satisfy itself that the beneficiary has the administrative, financial and operational capacity to fulfil these conditions before approval of the operation, satisfy itself that, where the operation has started before the submission of an application for funding to the managing authority, applicable law relevant for the operation has been complied with, ensure that operations selected for support from the Funds do not include activities which were part of an operation which has been or should have been subject to a procedure of recovery following the relocation of a productive activity outside the programme area, determine the category of intervention to which the expenditure of an operation shall be attributed.
- as regards the financial management and control of the operational programme, it shall:
verify that the co-financed products and services have been delivered and that expenditure declared by the beneficiaries has been paid and that it complies with applicable law, the operational programme and the conditions for support of the operation, ensure that beneficiaries involved in the implementation of operations reimbursed on the basis of eligible costs actually incurred maintain either a separate accounting system or an adequate accounting code for all transactions relating to an operation, put in place effective and proportionate anti-fraud measures taking into account the risks identified, set up procedures to ensure that all documents regarding expenditure and audits required to ensure an adequate audit trail are held in accordance with the Regulation, draw up the management declaration and annual summary referred to in points (a) and (b) of Article 59(5) of the Financial Regulation. Pursuant to Article 123(3) of Regulation (EU) No. 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013, the Managing Authority for the Małopolska’s Regional Operational Programme carries out, in addition, the functions of the Certifying Authority responsible in particular for:
drawing up and submitting payment applications to the Commission, and certifying that they result from reliable accounting systems, are based on verifiable supporting documents and have been subject to verifications;
drawing up the accounts on the expenditure that was incurred as referred to in point(a) of Article 59(5) of the Financial Regulation, certifying the completeness, accuracy and veracity of the accounts and that the expenditure entered in the accounts complies with applicable law and has been incurred in respect of operations selected for funding in accordance with the criteria applicable to the operational programme and complying with applicable law,
ensuring that there is a system which records and stores, in computerised form, accounting records for each operation;
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ensuring, for the purposes of drawing up and submitting payment applications, that it has received adequate information on the procedures and verifications carried out in relation to expenditure, taking account when drawing up and submitting payment applications of the results of all audits carried out by, or under the responsibility of, the audit authority, maintaining, in a computerised form, accounting records of expenditure declared to the Commission and of the corresponding public contribution paid to beneficiaries, keeping an account of amounts recoverable and of amounts withdrawn following cancellation of all or part of the contribution for an operation. The Managing Authority will carry out its functions in respect of managing and certifying through the competent units at the Marshal’s Office of the Małopolska Region. In order to facilitate the programme implementation process, the MROP Managing Authority plans to delegate some of its competences in this respect (excluding certification) to the Intermediate Bodies established taking into account the existing administrative potential, i.e. using the structures/units that operated on the regional level in the years 2007-2013. The competences shall be delegated pursuant to an understanding / agreement to be concluded with MA or pursuant to the relevant MA resolution. The Managing Authority has decided that the Intermediate Bodies will be partly or fully responsible, among other things, for: preparatory activities – setting up of the organisational structure to ensure separation of functions, clear determination of responsibilities and management levels, and proper performance of tasks delegated to it, day-to-day handling of tasks delegated to it – ensuring technical and administrative support on all stages of performance of the tasks delegated to it, including establishment of centres for submission of applications for funding, receiving applications for funding, evaluating and selecting projects – organising and conducting competitions, evaluating applications, concluding agreements and making settlements of the projects; financial procedures – keeping separate accounting records for the tasks delegated to it so as to enable identification of projects and of the particular banking transactions, monitoring of the physical progress in project delivery, control and audit – developing a manual of internal control procedures in accordance with the MA’s guidelines and submitting the manual for approval to MA, carrying out information activities falling within the scope of its competences, archiving – storing the documentation related to the performance of the role of the Intermediate Body for a period stipulated in the applicable laws, operating an IT system – performing any possible operations falling within the scope of its tasks using the IT systems selected to support the Programme and made available for use to it by the MA.
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Audit Authority: The entity carrying out the function of the Audit Authority is the General Tax Control Inspector. The function of the General Tax Control Inspector is carried out by a Secretary or an Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Finance. The General Tax Control Inspector performs its tasks through the Department for Protection of EU Financial Interests and 16 tax control offices. At the tax control offices separate organisational units were set up to carry out the audit of funds obtained from the European Union. The Audit Authority ensures that the audit activities comply with the internationally recognised auditing standards. The Audit Authority is independent of the Managing Authority and of the Certifying Authority. The Audit Authority has exclusive responsibility in respect of the planning and selection of operations to be audited, as well as the method of auditing and reporting on the findings and recommendations.
The designating institution is the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development.
The institution carrying out the designations with regard to the Managing Authority and the Certifying Authority will evaluate satisfaction of the criteria set forth in Annex XIII of Regulation (EU) No. 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013, related to the following: internal control environment risk management management and control activities monitoring. The institution responsible for the receiving of payments from the Commission is the Ministry of Finance.
Monitoring and reporting system
Monitoring Committee The Monitoring Committee for the programme will be set up within three months of the date of notification to Poland of the European Commission decision adopting the programme. The Committee will be composed of representatives, among other bodies, of the MA, all the intermediate bodies, representatives of the social and business partners, the minister coordinating ROP, and also of the representative of the Commission acting in an advisory capacity. The Monitoring Committee shall be chaired by a representative of the MA who convenes the meeting at least once a year in order to review implementation of the programme and progress made towards achieving its objectives. In establishing the Committee efforts will be made to ensure best possible effectiveness and quality of its work, balanced involvement of all the parties, with the principle of equal opportunities also being taken into account. The Monitoring Committee will carry out the tasks stipulated in Article 110 of Regulation (EU) No. 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 by examining and approving in particular: any issues that affect the performance of the operational programme, 247
progress made in implementation of the evaluation plan and the follow-up given to findings of evaluations, implementation of the communication strategy, major projects and joint action plans, actions to promote equality between men and women, equal opportunities, and non- discrimination, including accessibility for persons with disabilities, actions to promote sustainable development, where applicable ex ante conditionalities are not fulfilled at the date of the submission of the Partnership Agreement and operational programme, progress on actions to fulfil the applicable ex ante conditionalities, financial instruments, the methodology and criteria used for selection of operations, the annual and final implementation reports, the evaluation plan for the operational programme and any amendment of the evaluation plan, the communication strategy for the operational programme and any amendment of the strategy, any proposal by the managing authority for any amendment to the operational programme.
Reporting and monitoring Monitoring of the programme implementation includes concurrent analysis of the financial and physical progress within the framework of the reporting system with the monitoring of the physical progress being based on a list of key indicators for the projects delivered under the particular thematic objectives and also additional programme-specific indicators set out for ROP. Monitoring of the progress will serve to ensure achievement of the strategic objectives and milestones set out in ROP as well as full absorption of allocated funds. The monitoring and reporting obligation under the programme lies with MA. The process takes place on a regular basis and in due time throughout the programming period and is implemented on all the institutional levels of programme delivery and of programme beneficiaries. By 31 May 2016 and by the same date of each subsequent year until and including 2023 the ROP MA submits to the Commission annual reports on implementation of the programme in the previous financial year (with respect to reports to be submitted in 2017 and 2019 the deadline shall fall on 30 June). The report submitted in 2016 shall cover the financial years 2014 and 2015, as well as the period between the starting date for eligibility of expenditure and 31 December 2013. Pursuant to Article 50 and Article 111 Regulation (EU) No. 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013, the annual implementation reports will include information on: implementation of the operational programme and its priorities by reference to the financial data, common and programme-specific indicators and quantified target values, progress in preparation and implementation of major projects and joint action plans, in addition, the annual implementation reports submitted in 2017 and 2019 will set out and assess the progress made towards achieving the objectives of the programme, as well as: 248
progress in the implementation of the evaluation plan and the follow-up given to the findings of evaluations, the results of the information and publicity measures of the Cohesion Policy Funds carried out under the communication strategy, the involvement of the partners in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the operational programme.
Evaluation system The evaluation rules are set forth in Article 54 to Article 57 and in Article 114 of Regulation (EU) No. 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013. Evaluations will be carried out to improve the quality of the design and implementation of programmes, as well as to assess their effectiveness, efficiency and impact. Evaluations will be carried out by internal or external experts that are functionally independent of the authorities responsible for programme implementation. The evaluations include: ex-ante evaluation to be carried out under the responsibility of MA. Such evaluation is submitted to the Commission at the same time as the programme, together with an executive summary, evaluation during the programming period. MA carries out the evaluation based on an evaluation plan. At least once during the programming period, an evaluation shall assess how support from the Funds has contributed to the objectives for each priority. All evaluations shall be examined by the monitoring committee and sent to the Commission, ex-post evaluation carried out by the Commission or by the Member States in close cooperation with MA. Ex post evaluations shall be completed by 31 December 2024. Evaluation tasks will be carried out by the MA and by independent external experts. The duties of the Evaluation Unit will be performed by the separate organisational unit within the structures of the M A. Appropriate potential of the said unit will be guaranteed by drawing on the organisational and staff resources worked out during the financial perspective 2007-2013. The plan of evaluation of the ROP, covering the entire programming period, will be submitted to the Monitoring Committee no later than one year after the adoption of the operational programme, as stipulated in Article 114(1) of Regulation (EU) No. 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013.
Control system The Managing Authority ensures that three types of control be carried out by setting forth the rules governing performance of such controls and distributing the relevant responsibilities within the system: systemic controls to verify that the tasks are carried out properly by the Intermediate Bodies entrusted by the MA with tasks related to the implementation of the operational programme. The systemic controls are carried out directly by the MA. verifications of expenditure to check that the co-financed products and services have been delivered and that expenditure declared by the beneficiaries has been paid and that it complies
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with applicable law, the operational programme and the conditions for support of the operation. Such verifications include the following procedures: a) administrative verifications in respect of each application for reimbursement by beneficiaries, b) on-the-spot verifications of operations, which can be carried out during and upon completion of the project implementation. control durability as provided for in Article 71 of Regulation (EU) No. 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013. Verifications of expenditure and durability controls will be carried out by the Intermediate Bodies.
IT system In accordance with PA, the minister competent for regional development ensures development and operation of the central IT system SL 2014 to support delivery of operational programmes. The system is developed in order to satisfy the requirements of the framework regulation in respect of: the obligation to record and store data on each project, necessary for the monitoring, evaluation, financial management, control and audit, including personal details of project participants, for the purposes of monitoring and evaluation of projects co-financed with the ESF funds (Article 114(2) of the Framework Regulation), computerised systems for accounting, for the storage and transmission of financial data and data on indicators, for monitoring and for reporting (Article 72(d) of the Framework Regulation), ensuring operation of an IT system through which all exchanges of information between the beneficiary and the relevant authorities and bodies are carried out by means of electronic data exchange systems (Article 122(3) of the Framework Regulation). The SL 2014 IT system is designed in particular to support processes related to: management of the project as of the moment the project co-financing agreement is signed or a decision on the project co-financing is taken, recording data related to operational programmes, management of processes related to certification of expenditure. Institutions and beneficiaries use the functionalities made available through the SL 2014 central IT system as regards management of the project as of the moment the project co-financing agreement is signed or a decision on the project co-financing is taken. The following persons and entities have access to data recorded in the SL 2014 system: • all the authorities and bodies involved in the implementation of the operational programmes, including, but not limited to, the Managing Authority, Intermediate Bodies, and the Audit Authority, to the extent required for the proper carrying out of their respective tasks, • beneficiaries, to the extent that the data required pertains to the projects they deliver. The SL 2014 IT system enables generation of certain reports, including: • information on the level of the EU funds expended,
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• expenditure forecast, • information on the progress in the implementation of structural funds, • information on controls carried out. Exchange of information between the European Commission and the Managing Authority will be carried out via the SFC 2014 system.
MA envisages development of a single common IT system for all the authorities and bodies involved in the implementation of the regional programme to support the entire process of the regional programme implementation: e-RPO. The system will enable applying by beneficiaries for the ERDF and the ESF funds. Furthermore, staff at the authorities and bodies involved in the programme implementation will have access to the functionalities related to a management of applications, payment applications, financial corrections, project controls, etc. The system will also enable generation of specifications/reports required for the financial and technical management of MROP based on the information on the projects. In line with the principle of the e-Cohesion policy, set out by the European Commission, submission of applications, letters and other documentation in a form other than electronic will be limited to a minimum. It is assumed that only some types of documents (e.g. agreements and annexes) will be stored in a paper form. The planned system will be compatible with the SL 2014 central IT system and with the MA’s internal systems (e.g. the document flow system). Despite a decision on a development of its own IT system under the regional operational programme, MA is obliged to use the functionalities made available to it in the SL 2014 central IT system as regards: • recording of data related to the operational programmes; • management of processes related to certification of expenditure. Communication between the planned e-RPO system and the other IT systems, including with SL 2014, should be automatic or semi-automatic thus reducing a risk of human error.
Information and publicity system MA is responsible for ensuring proper information on and promotion of the operational programme. In order to ensure efficient coordination of communication activities, as provided for in PA, carried out by the individual authorities and bodies, Poland is drafting a horizontal document, namely a common communication strategy for the cohesion policy. Based on the common communication strategy, pursuant to Article 116 of Regulation (EU) No. 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013, MA develops a communication strategy for the ROP to serve as a basis for the carrying out of information and publicity activities for the programme. MA also prepares annual action plans of executive nature. The information and publicity activities support implementation of the programme. Such support will consist in particular in the following:
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informing potential beneficiaries on the funding opportunities under the programme and means of obtaining such funding, providing beneficiaries with information required to deliver projects at various stages of implementation, disseminating among the region’s city information about the role and the achievements of the Cohesion Policy and the Funds by means of information and publicity measures concerning the effects and the impact of the programme and of the individual projects, and, as applicable, the PA. It is central that in the carrying out of the information and publicity measures in the programming perspective 2014-2020 efforts should be made to enhance coordination of actions in order to ensure that the message delivered is highly coherent and complementary with the tools. A challenge conditioning effective communication will be to draft the documents addressed to potential beneficiaries and beneficiaries, and also the materials designed to be communicated through the media, using a clear and comprehensible language. In the period 2014-2020 more emphasis should be put on the exploitation of the communication potential of beneficiaries themselves. Other key aspects include implementation of the horizontal policies, providing equal access to information for persons with disabilities, care for the natural environment and cooperation with social and business partners.
Financial management The principal financial flow mechanism for the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund is based on the European funds budget, namely a separate section of the State budget to which funds from the EC are transferred (revenue of the European funds budget), and from which payments to beneficiaries are subsequently made in the amounts representing the EU funding granted (expenses from the European funds budget). The European funds budget is exclusive of expenditure incurred as part of technical assistance. The institution making the payments is Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK). The basis for the making of payment to the beneficiary is a payment order submitted to BGK and issued by the institution with which the beneficiary signed an agreement on the project co-financing, prepared based on the beneficiary’s verified payment application. In the case of state-owned budgetary units delivering a project co-financed with the EU funds, the MA may authorise such units to issue payment orders on their own. Eligible expenditure incurred by a beneficiary will be settled based on a payment application filed with the relevant authority or body. Based on verified payment applications the relevant implementing body draws up specifications of expenditure containing the aggregate values and data for the individual projects, which are subsequently transferred to the Managing Authority which, based on the documents received, draws up and sends to the Commission declarations and specifications of expenditure together with the interim payment application. The basis for the calculation of the EU contribution, referred to in Article 130(2) of Regulation (EU) No. 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013, is the total eligible expenditure.
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7.2 INVOLVEMENT OF RELEVANT PARTNERS
7.2.1 MEASURES TAKEN IN ORDER TO INVOLVE THE RELEVANT PARTNERS IN THE PREPARATION OF THE OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME AND THE ROLE OF PARTNERS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF THE OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME
The programme has been developed with participation of a wide group of stakeholders. The principle of partnership in the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the programme is and will be followed as stipulated in Article 5 and in point c) of Article 96(5) of Regulation (EU) No. 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013, the European code of conduct on partnership in the framework of the European Structural and Investment Funds, the provisions of the PA and the horizontal guidelines of the minister competent for regional development, drafted in cooperation with the partners. More effective use of the EU funds in the years 2014-2020 is contingent on a cooperation of the widest possible group of representatives of the social and business environment as early as at the programme preparation stage. Particular importance was attached to collecting opinions and recommendations submitted by the largest possible number of interested persons and institutions. This has had a material impact on precise channelling of the interventions under the particular Priority Axes to the areas actually in need of such support. While following the principle of partnership, it was important to generate added value as compared with the actions taken in the perspective 2007-2013. Such an assumption required that the forms of consultation with the society, available under the applicable law, be broadened. The region’s governing bodies decided to establish a platform for the exchange of opinions between the public administration and the social, business, professional and scientific environments, namely to appoint a Working Group for MROP. On 4 April 2013, the Board of the Małopolska Region appointed a Working Group for the Regional Operational Programme for 2014-202060. This referred to the provisions of the Resolution of the Interministerial Team for the Programming and Implementing of the European Union’s Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund61 to the effect that the task of the working groups on the region’s level should be to support the institutions responsible for the preparation of the operational programmes with regard, among other aspects, to the establishing of the objectives and scope of the programme taking into account the relevant provisions of the national and European strategic documents, the outcome of the negotiations of the legislative package for the years 2014-2020 and the agreed Common Financial Framework. The task of the Working Group in Małopolska was to coordinate the works on ROP as regards its programming aspects and the system of implementation. The following persons were invited to engage in the work of the Group: representatives of the central government and local government administration, business and social partners; entities representing civil society, including partners conducting activities to support environmental protection; non-governmental organisations and entities responsible for the promotion of equality, and external experts. The criteria
60 Resolution No. 397/13 of the Board of the Małopolska Region of 4 April 2013 on the appointment of the Working Group for the Regional Operational Programme for 2014-2020, http://www.wrotamalopolski.pl/root_bip/bip_w_malopolsce/root_um/podmiotowe/zarzad/uchwaly/2013/17432
61 Resolution No. 1/2013 of the Interministerial Team for the Programming and Implementing of the European Union’s Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund of 4 April 2013 on the appointment of Working Groups to support the work on the preparation of the operational programmes for 2014-2020.
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for the selection of persons to work within the Group were dictated by the need to ensure the widest possible and varied representation of the social and business environment in the region, having practical knowledge of the implementation of the Structural Funds and also experience gained in the course of works on the Development Strategy of the Małopolska Region for 2011-2020 and regional strategic programmes until 2020, which served as the starting point for the new operational programme. Engagement of representatives of the central government administration in the works on the preparation of the programme, including the representatives of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, was of particular importance for the ensuring of complementarity of the regional operational programme with the national operational programmes in the preparation of which these ministries were involved. The works of the Working Group were managed by the Chairperson assisted by Deputy Chairpersons. The function was performed by the Marshal of the Małopolska Region together with designated members of the Board of the Region. Ongoing supervision over the efficient performance of tasks was carried out by the Coordinator, namely Director of the Regional Policy Department at the Marshal’s Office of the Małopolska Region. The Coordinator supervised the work of: a. the Editorial Team; b. Task Forces: for Strategic Selection for Programming Rules for Supported Areas for the Management System for Legislative Acts for Information and Publicity for Complementarity with the Rural Development Programme c. Secretary of the Working Group. The process of consultation involved, in particular, the representatives of: the Government (Ministry of Infrastructure and Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, Małopolska Voivodeship Office, Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection in Krakow, State Fire Service, Police, District Inspectorate of Prison Service, Voivodeship Command of Voluntary Labour Corps in Krakow). Territorial Self-Government Units (municipalities and poviats as well as local government forums, such as the Forum of Presidents of Małopolska’s Municipal and Poviat Councils, the Forum of Voyts and Mayors of Małopolska, sub-regional forums). Key social and business partners throughout the region (Małopolska Regional Development Agency, Kraków Technology Park, Małopolska Energy and Environment Agency, Małopolska Tourism Organisation, Małopolska Public Benefit Council, TAURON Polska Energia, “Polish
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Green Network” Union of Associations, trade unions: Regional Board of NSZZ “Solidarność”, Małopolska Regional Board of OPZZ)62. School and education system, in particular higher education. From the beginning of the works, the participation of partners in the process of developing the programme has been ensured through multi-stage public consultation. Participants were also encouraged to develop their own suggestions for the programme ideas (e.g. specifying priorities and detailed objectives of interventions, allocation of funding in individual priority axes, actions and sub- actions, the territorial approach and horizontal principles) and consult their proposals within a wider group within Task Forces and at the meetings of the ROP Working Group. The Working Group developed: Regional assumptions for 2014-2020 Regional Operational Programme for Małopolska Region and The Initial Draft Regional Operational Programme for Małopolska Region 2014-2020 – versions 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 and 4.0 – adopted by the Region’s Board on: 24.06, 18.07, 21.11.2013, and 6.02. and 1.04.2014, respectively. The multi-stage public consultation on the ROP assumptions and on further versions of the project was of particular importance for the programme development. Information about public consultation, conferences, meetings and workshops were regularly announced on the Małopolska Region’s local government’s website (http://www.malopolskie.pl) and on the portal about European Funds in Małopolska (http://www.fundusze.Małopolska.pl). Additionally, a subpage was created on the portal of the European Funds in Małopolska: ”Fundusze na lata 2014-2020” (Funds 2014-2020) (http://www.fundusze.Małopolska.pl/2014_2020/Strony/default.aspx), devoted to the new programme perspective, and in particular the development of ROP 2014-2020. Pursuant to the Act of 3rd October 2008 on Providing Information on the Environment and Environmental Protection, Public Participation in Environmental Protection and on Environmental Impact Assessment (hereinafter: ”EP Act”), the Board of the Małopolska Region has run the strategic environmental impact assessment procedure with regard to The Initial Draft 2014-2020 Regional Operational Programme for the Małopolska Region (version 2.0)
One of the milestones in the assessment was agreeing the scope and the level of detail in the forecast of environmental impact assessment with the Regional Director for Environmental Protection and the State Voivodeship Sanitary Inspector in Krakow. The forecast with the draft ROP were subject to public consultation from 22nd November to 26th December 2013. Information about the launching of consultation was announced on the website http://www.malopolskie.pl, the Public Information Bulletin (BIP) (http://bip.Małopolska.pl/umwm) and the press of regional circulation. The documents could be consulted at the seat of the Marshal’s Office. Opinions and motions could be submitted in the electronic form. in writing, by fax or orally at the Office. On 25th January 2014, the report from public consultation was announced on the regional self- government websites and in BIP. The report contains a list of comments submitted and Board of the Małopolska Region’s opinions, along with relevant decisions and justification. Additionally, the summary of the strategic environmental impact assessment will be published within the scope and in the form required in Article 55 of the EP Act.
62 Detailed list in Section 12.3 List of partners involved in the programme preparation
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The meetings and consultations with partners focused on the following areas: financial allocations under individual priority axes, actions and sub-actions; directions of interventions; types of operations; types of projects; territorial approach; RLKS(community-led local development) mechanism. Most comments and opinions concerned: the shifting of financial funding within individual actions and sub- actions; expanding the catalogue of beneficiaries; adding areas of support within individual priority axes; adding key (strategic) projects to the programme; using the flexibility mechanism to prospective re-allocation of funding; revitalisation programmes; increasing the scope of support to the disabled; increasing support to rescue services and services responsible for security in the region. Some of those postulates were included in subsequent versions of the draft programme. Cooperation with partners and a wide public debate in the phase of the operational programme were conducted on several levels and were aimed at the development of a common programme, involving, inter alia: the RPO Working Group as a body coordinating work on the regional operational programme, public consultation of the programme assumptions and subsequent versions of the programme, organisation of consultation meetings, e.g. in the form of regional conferences, thematic conferences, consultations and sub-regional meetings, presentation of the programme assumptions and the rules for the use of the funding available under the Financial Perspective 2014-2020, taking as an opportunity the meetings organised or co-organised by the Małopolska Region, work conducted during sub-regional forums and meetings and debates with the most important social and business partners from various sub-regions, including local governments, workshops devoted to possible support for joint and complementary projects of the Małopolska and Silesian Regions under the EU Financial Perspective 2014-2020, development and implementation of solutions dedicated to integrated territorial investments. Partnership cooperation is planned to be continued at the programme monitoring and evaluation stages. To this end, the partners will be included in the work of the ROP Monitoring Committee and the public access to the results of studies, expert opinions and evaluations related to the programme and to up-to-date information on the progress in the programme delivery will be ensured.
For the needs of the programme management, implementation and evaluation, independent experts will carry out assessment, provide expert opinions and conduct studies to enable on-going assessment of the programme and revise irregularities, if any. The system of the programme evaluation will guarantee an independent and impartial process of evaluation through the public access to evaluation results, sharing them with the Monitoring Committee, and organising conferences and seminars to discuss research results. The influence of partners on the process of evaluation will be ensured by the use of the regionally implemented model based on the Małopolska Regional Development Observatory (MRDO) operating within the network of Regional Territorial Observatories and the National Territorial Observatory. In particular, the MRDO collects and analyses data concerning the absorption of EU funds and the results of implementation of projects co-financed from European funds and examines the impact of such projects on the region’s social and economic development. The Małopolska Council for Regional Development Observatories and Evaluation, consisting of representatives of regional administration, Małopolska higher schools and research and development institutions, as well as institution supporting economic development in the region, will be an advisory 256
body to the MRDO. The Council shall, inter alia, discuss results of studies and programme assumptions of strategic documents in the context of their monitoring and evaluation.
7.2.2. GLOBAL GRANTS (REFERRING TO ESF) Following Section 7.2.3, the MA does not exclude the possibility of implementing global grants.
7.2.3 ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES FOR ENHANCING POTENTIAL (REFERRING TO ESF).
Non-governmental organisations which fill in the space between the public sector and the private/business sector are very important partners in the carrying out social tasks. As opposed to public bodies, similarly to business, they are established by the founders (individuals or institutions dealing with social affairs), but they differ from business in that, similarly to public authorities, they act in the public interest. Nearly 10,000 non-governmental organisations operate in Małopolska, accounting for almost 9% of all non-governmental organisations active in Poland. These include strong organisations operating at regional and national levels, as well as small local organisations. Each organisation has its specific potential, which, naturally, depends on the size of the organisation, its reputation and financial capacity. Considering the missions of the respective organizations, to meet their needs to enhance their potential under the programme, financial resources are available for their operation under relevant IPs: IP 8i – Access to employment for job-seekers and inactive people, including the long-term unemployed and people far from the labour market, also through local employment initiatives and support for labour mobility— ESF allocation: approx. EUR 2 million. IP 9i – Active inclusion, including with a view to promoting equal opportunities and active participation, and improving employability - ESF allocation of approx. EU 2 million. IP. 9v – Promoting social entrepreneurship and vocational integration in social enterprises and the social and solidarity economy in order to facilitate access to employment – ESF allocation of approx. EUR 5 million IP.10i – Reducing and preventing early school-leaving and promoting equal access to good quality early-childhood, primary and secondary education including formal, non-formal and informal learning pathways for reintegrating into education and training – EFS allocation of approx. EUR 5 million
All the above-mentioned measures are aimed to help non-governmental orgaisations to fulfil their missions and carry out their projects, while at the same time offering them the opportunities for gradually building their own potentials. This approach will give an added value, that is it will strengthen the III sector in Małopolska. It was also assumed that the funding under IPs 8i, 9i and 10i will be available for, for example, grant projects or global projects (the MA does not exclude the use of global grants).
At the same time, to improve skills and effectiveness in applying for European funds, non- governmental organisations as prospective beneficiaries will be eligible for support under information and training actions planned under the RPO Technical Assistance.
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8. COORDINATION BETWEEN COHESION POLICY FUNDS, THE EAFRD, THE EMFF AND OTHER UNION AND NATIONAL FUNDING INSTRUMENTS AND THE EIB Maximisation of effects of interventions from the programme funding will require the use of an effective coordination mechanism, both at the programming and the implementation stages, which will contribute to the achievement of the goals of the Partnership Agreement, whilst at the same tine will serve to enhance complementarity, synergies, cohesion and effectiveness of interventions. The solution which ensure coordination will be implemented at the programming stage - its scope include, among other things, the specification of intervention areas where different instruments may be used; identification of complementary priority axes; identification of the scopes of intervention; the use of territorial instruments to ensure complementarity in geographical terms (integrated territorial approach) -- and at the level of management and implementation – where coordination mechanisms will have to be implemented to support complementary use of different instruments so as the actions do not overlap. The coordination mechanisms at both levels will be created having in mind mechanisms resulting from the PA. A strategic role in coordinating interventions under the Małopolska ROP will be played by the Board of the Region, supported by the MC and task forces. The Monitoring Committee of the programme will be appointed within three months of the date of the European Commission’s notification of the decision to accept the programme to Poland. The Committee will consists, inter alia, of representatives of the Managing Authority, all Intermediate Bodies, social and economic partners, the minister coordinating the ROP, as well as the Commission’s representative in the advisory capacity. The main complementarity mechanisms will indicate, inter alia,. the demarcation line between interventions implemented at the national and regional levels., a common list of key indicators, the territorial contract, territorial instruments, a coordinated and synchronized system of calls for projects and selection of projects and operations, as well as information and promotion. In the context of ensuring proper coordination and complementarity of interventions, the territorial contact will also have an important role. The subject of the contract will include mutual obligations of the central government and local government to deliver inter-related priority actions in the Małopolska Region and to finance them from various sources. Additionally, the intervention planned under the programme will contribute to ensuring higher synergies of interventions and complementarity of actions financed by the ESF and the ERDF (e.g. implementation of revitalization projects - IP 9b or the use of the region’s endogenous potentials – IP 8.b). Noteworthy is the fact that a package of strategic programmes in place in the Małopolska Region which will be an important instrument of the regional development policy as methods of implementation of the Development Strategy of the Małopolska Region 2011-2020 will have an important coordination function at the programming stage. Depending on the specificities of individual instruments and stages of management, various solutions and mechanism will be used to ensure coordination and complementarity . Ensuring complementarity of interventions undertaken under various policies and financed by different sources is an important factor of success in meeting the region’s development objectives. Complementarity can contribute to the faster and more effective accomplishment of expected results. The table below presents a review of the main areas of complementarity and coordination.
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Complement TO ary Coordination mechanisms Solutions (only Possible Thematic programme, in respect EFSI- areas of objective or initiative, Practical examples of of supporte complementa investment policy, complementarity coordinati d rity and priority national Programming Implementation on with program synergy instrument, ETC OP mes) EIB Priority Axis 1 TO 1 Horizon 2020 - development ROP: regional - identification of possible - cooperation between - of research specialization complementary operations institutions in charge of IP 1a. infrastructure infrastructure within thematic coordination of instruments area/region Horizon2020: Pillar 1: excellent science base, scientific research and research infrastructure IDOP 1 development ROP: regional - identification of possible - cooperation between - of research specialization complementary operations institutions in charge of infrastructure infrastructure within thematic coordination of instruments area/region - territorial contract IDOP: infrastructure - demarcation line under the Polish Roadmap for Research Infrastructures (PMDIB) Knowledge, 10 science sector ROP: only as part of an - identification of possible - cross-financing - Education, personnel investment project complementary operations Development within thematic OP Knowledge, Education, area/region Development OP: comprehensive personnel support The NCBiR - industrial and ROP: research - identification of possible - cooperation of the - (the National development infrastructure of the complementary operations institutions responsible for Center for research science sector within thematic coordination of instruments Research and area/region Development) NCBiR: dedicated programme sector programs / theme ones National - basic research ROP: research - identification of possible - cooperation between - Science infrastructure of the complementary operations institutions in charge of Centre science sector within thematic coordination of instruments programmes area/region NCN: dedicated sectoral/thematic programmes TO 1 Horizon 2020 - research in ROP: smaller projects - identification of possible - interrelated project - areas that are within the framework of complementary operations selection criteria for similar IP 1b. crucial for the regional specialization within thematic types of operations economy area/region development Horizon 2020: Pillar of innovation IIKET industry in SMEs leadership’ access to risk financing, MSP innovation development COSME development ROP: projects within - identification of possible - interrelated project - - of innovation the framework of complementary operations selection criteria for similar in the SME regional specialisation within thematic types of operations sector area/region COSME: improving SMES Access to financing in the form of capital and debt instruments NER 300 - low-carbon ROP: projects within - identification of possible - interrelated project - technology the framework of complementary operations selection criteria for similar development regional specialisation within thematic types of operations (clean energy) area/region
NER: innovative projects in the low- carbon technology area IDOP 1 research in ROP: projects within - identification of possible - interrelated project - areas that are regional specialization complementary operations selection criteria for similar 259
key for the within thematic types of operations economy area/region - cross-financing development IDOP: larger-scale - quota-based and/or of innovation projects with national or instrument-based in SMEs regional specialization demarcation line R&D sector preference personnel Knowledge, 10 science sector ROP: only as part of an - identification of possible - cross-financing - Education, personnel investment project complementary operations Development within thematic OP Knowledge, Education, area/region Development OP: comprehensive personnel support Rural Areas 1 reserach In ROP: Project under - identficiation of - cooperation between Development areas regional specialization comlementary operations institutions In charge of Programme important for in thematic area/ region coordination of instruments (PROW) the economy Rural Areas - demarcation line based development Development on the quota or instrument of Programme (PROW): type criterion innovationin enhancing links between SME sector agriculture, ford production and forestry and research and in order to improve environmental management and protection National - industrial ROP: projects within - identification of possible - interrelated project - R&D Centre research and regional specialization complementary operations selection criteria for similar Programmes development within thematic types of operations works in areas National R&D Centre: area/region that are key dedicated industry / for the thematic programmes economy development of innovation in SMEs
CENTRAL 1 Cooperation ROP: projects within - identification of possible - cooperation between - EUROPE between the regional specialization complementary operations institutions in charge of cooperation Programme science and the within thematic coordination of instruments between business Central Europe area/region institutions sectors and Programme: projects in charge of transfer of within cooperation of coordination knowledge Central European of innovation system instruments entities INTERREG 1 Cooperation ROP: projects within - identification of possible -cooperation between -cooperation EUROPE between the regional specialization complementary operations institutions in charge of between Programme science and the within thematic coordination of instruments institutions business Interred Europe: area/region in charge of sectors and projects within w coordination transfer of interregional/cross- of knowledge border cooperation instruments Priority Axis 2 TO 2 DIGITAL 2 public e- ROP: self-government - identification of possible - cooperation between - POLAND OP services administration or complementary operations institutions in charge of IP 2c regional projects within thematic coordination of instruments digitization of area/region - interrelated project offices DIGITAL POLAND - demarcation line selection criteria for similar OP: government access to types of operations administration or public sector national projects information Priority Axis 3 TO 3 COSME - SME - SME competitiveness - identification of possible - cooperation between - IP 3a. competitivenes - facilitating enterprise complementary operations institutions in charge of IP 3b. s expansion within thematic coordination of instruments IP 3c. - promoting area/region - territorial contract strengthening entrepreneurship - complementarity as an entrepreneursh - improved access to additional criterion at the ip financing through stage of assessment of improved financial instruments project evaluation criteria access to financing for SMEs HORIZON - SME ROP: - identification of possible - cooperation between 260
2020 competitivenes - facilitated access to complementary operations institutions in charge of s financing (financial within thematic coordination of instruments instruments) area/region - complementarity as an - SME competitiveness additional criterion at the stage of assessment of Horizon 2020: project evaluation criteria - facilitated access to risk financing - ensuring EU-wide support for innovation in SMEs PCSI - support to ROP: - identification of possible - cooperation between - SMEs - facilitating access to complementary operations institutions in charge of financing (financial within thematic coordination of instruments instruments) area/region and their use in the region - SME competitiveness
PCSI: increasing the level of and access to microfinancing IDOP 3 investment in ROP: - identification of possible - cooperation between - the - facilitated access to complementary operations institutions in charge of development financing (financial within thematic coordination of instruments of instruments) area/region - complementarity as an infrastructure - promotion of the additional criterion at the for economic region stage of assessment of development project evaluation criteria IDOP: projects of - facilitated access to enterprises risk financing focused on - promotion of the expanding country exports and winning new markets
promotional action that stimulates internationaliz ation of the region’s economy DIGITAL 2 support for ROP: support for - identification of possible - cooperation between - POLAND OP entrepreneurs entrepreneurs, including complementary operations institutions in charge of those connected with within thematic coordination of instruments ICT area/region
DIGITAL POLAND OP: support for telecommunications entrepreneurs, support for projects in respect of creating services and applications that utilize public sector information Rural Areas 3 support for ROP: support for the - identification of possible - cooperation between - Development entrepreneurs development of non- complementary operations institutions in charge of Programme agricultural within thematic coordination of instruments (PROW) entrepreneurship in rural area/region areas - quota-based or instrument-based Rural Areas demarcation line Development Programme (PROW): support for entrepreneurs who deal with processing agricultural products listed in appendix I to the Treaty, where the final product is also listed in appendix I to the Treaty Priority Axis 4 TO 4 Horizon 2020 - competitive ROP: development of - identification of possible - cooperation between - low-carbon renewable sources of complementary operations institutions in charge of IP 4a. energy energy, implementation within thematic coordination of instruments 261
of the climate and area/region - interrelated selection energy package criteria for similar types of operations Horizon 2020: clean, safe and efficient energy Norwegian - entrepreneurs/i ROP: development of - identification of possible - interrelated project - Financial ndustry - renewable sources of complementary operations selection criteria for similar Mechanism ecologization energy, implementation within thematic types of operations 2009-2014 of operations of the climate and area/region Innovation in energy package respect of green NMF: Raising the level technologies of ecologization of existing industries, utilizing business opportunities for the ecologization of the European economy, and better use of environment-friendly technologies LIFE+ - alleviating ROP: improving air - identification of possible - interrelated project - climate change quality complementary operations selection criteria for similar within thematic types of operations LIFE+: action focused area/region on reducing greenhouse gas emission COSME - low-carbon ROP: development of - identification of possible - interrelated project - energy system renewable sources of complementary operations selection criteria for similar energy, (no restrictions within thematic types of operations in respect of area/region beneficiaries)
COSME: investment in improving enterprise competitiveness, RES development, and improving energy efficiency INTERREG 4 low-carbon ROP: development of - identification of possible - cooperation between - Europe economy renewable sources of complementary operations institutions in charge of Programme energy within thematic coordination of instruments area/region Interreg: Improving implementation of regional development policies and programmes and policies connected to the shift towards the low-carbon economy – “soft measures”
CENTRAL 4 enhancing ROP: investment In the - identification of possible - cooperation between - EUROPE energy housing and public complementary operations institutions in charge of Programme efficiency in sector within thematic coordination of instruments the region area/region PCE: enhancing energy efficiency of public infrastructure – ”soft” measures IEOP 4 development ROP: complementary - a system of strategic - cooperation between of renewable investment based on documents showing the institutions in charge of sources of quota-based and logic of interventions in coordination of instruments energy subjective criteria: RES individual areas - interrelated project and development of - demarcation line selection criteria for similar distribution networks - identification of possible types of operations complementary operations - guidelines IE OP: RES and within thematic development of area/region industrial networks Rural Areas 4 improving ROP: Investemnts in -a system of strategic - cooperation between Development energy business, housing documents showing the institutions in charge of Programme efficiency in sector, public utility logics of intervention in coordination of instruments (PROW) the region buildings individual areas - related project selection - demarcation line criteria for similar types of PROW: Facilitating - identification of possible projects supply and use of complementary operations - guidelines renewable energy within thematic 262
sources, by-products, area/region waste and refuse and other non-alimentary products for bioeconomy purposes TO 4 Horizon 2020 - competitive ROP: improving energy - identification of possible - cooperation between complement low-carbon efficiency in the complementary operations institutions in charge of arity IP 4b energy economy within thematic coordination of instruments assessment area/region - interrelated project in the Horizon2020: clean, selection criteria for similar process of safe and efficient energy types of operations project selection LIFE + - alleviating ROP: improving energy - identification of possible - cooperation between complement climate change efficiency of the complementary operations institutions in charge of arity economy within thematic coordination of instruments assessment area/region - interrelated project in the LIFE+ actions focused selection criteria for similar process of on reducing greenhouse types of operations project gases emission selection Norwegian - entrepreneurs/i ROP: improving air - identification of possible - cooperation between - Financial ndustry - quality complementary operations institutions in charge of Mechanism ecologization within thematic coordination of instruments 2009-2014 of operations NFM: Rising the level area/region - interrelated project Innovation in of ecologization of selection criteria for similar respect of existing industries, types of operations green utilizing business technologies opportunities for the ecologization of the European economy, and better use of environment-friendly technologies INTERREG 4 Low-carbon ROP: improving air - identification of possible - cooperation between - Europe economy quality complementary operations institutions in charge of Programme within thematic coordination of instruments Interreg: area/region - Improving implementation of regional development policies and programmes and policies connected to the shift towards the low-carbon economy. -Exchange of experience between regional and local authorities regarding the methods of monitoring and improving air quality and managing air quality in urban and industrialised areas– ”soft” measures CENTRAL 4 Low-carbon ROP: RES development - identification of possible - cooperation between - EUROPE economy complementary operations institutions in charge of Programme CENTRAL EUROPE within thematic coordination of instruments Programme: improving area/region energy efficiency In the public and private sector (in particular SMEs) IEOP 4 improving ROP: SME investment - a system of strategic - cooperation between complement energy documents showing the institutions in charge of arity efficiency in IE OP: investment in logic of interventions in coordination of instruments assessment the region big enterprises individual areas - interrelated project in the - demarcation line selection criteria for similar process of - identification of possible types of operations project complementary operations - guidelines selection within thematic area/region Rural Areas Enhancing ROP: improving energy -a system of strategic - cooperation between - Development energy efficiency in SMEs documents showing the institutions in charge of Programme efficiency in logics of intervention in coordination of instruments (PROW) the region PROW: Improving individual areas - related project selection effective use of energy - demarcation line criteria for similar types of in agriculture and food - identification of possible projects processing complementary operations - guidelines within thematic area/region 263
TO 4 Horizon 2020 - competitive ROP: improving energy - identification of possible - cooperation between complement low-carbon efficiency in the complementary operations institutions in charge of arity IP 4.c energy economy within thematic coordination of instruments assessment area/region - interrelated project in the Horizon2020: clean, selection criteria for similar process of safe and efficient energy types of operations project selection LIFE+ - alleviating ROP: improving energy - identification of possible - cooperation between complement climate change efficiency in the region complementary operations institutions in charge of arity within thematic coordination of instruments assessment LIFE+: action focused area/region - interrelated project in the on reducing greenhouse selection criteria for similar process of gas emission types of operations project selection Norwegian - entrepreneurs/i ROP: supporting the - identification of possible - cooperation between - Financial ndustry - development of low- complementary operations institutions in charge of Mechanism ecologization carbon and energy- within thematic coordination of instruments 2009-2014 of operations efficient economy area/region - interrelated project Innovation in selection criteria for similar respect of NMF: Rising the level types of operations green of ecologization of technologies existing industries, utilizing business opportunities for the ecologization of the European economy, and better use of environment-friendly technologies INTERREG 4 low-carbon ROP: support for - identification of possible - cooperation between - Europa economy development of low- complementary operations institutions in charge of carbon and energy- within thematic coordination of instruments efficient economy area/region INTERREG: improvement of implementation of regional development policies and programmes regarding the shift to low-carbon o economy – “soft” measures CENTRAL 4 increasing ROP: investment in the - identification of possible - cooperation between - EUROPE energy housing sector, public complementary operations institutions in charge of Programme efficiency in utility buildings within thematic coordination of instruments the region area/region CENTRAL EUROPE Programme: increasing energy efficiency in the public sector – “soft” measures IEOP 4 increasing ROP: investment in the - a system of strategic - cooperation between complement energy housing sector, public documents showing the institutions in charge of arity efficiency in utility buildings and logic of interventions in coordination of instruments assessment the region in the SMEs individual areas - interrelated project process of - demarcation line selection criteria for similar project IE OP: quota-based - identification of possible types of operations selection criterion – investment in complementary operations - guidelines the housing sector, within thematic public use buildings and area/region SMEs TO 4 Horizon 2020 - competitive ROP: improving air - identification of possible - cooperation between - low-carbon quality complementary operations institutions in charge of IP 4e energy within thematic coordination of instruments Horizon2020: clean, area/region - interrelated project safe and efficient energy selection criteria for similar types of operations
Norwegian - entrepreneurs/i ROP: improving air - identification of possible - cooperation between - Financial ndustry - quality complementary operations institutions in charge of Mechanism ecologization within thematic coordination of instruments 2009-2014 of operations NMF: Rising the level area/region - interrelated project Innovation in of ecologization of selection criteria for similar respect of existing industries, types of operations green utilizing business technologies opportunities for the ecologization of the 264
European economy, and better use of environment-friendly technologies LIFE+ - alleviating ROP: improving air - identification of possible - cooperation between climate change quality complementary operations institutions in charge of within thematic coordination of instruments LIFE+: action focused area/region - interrelated project on reducing greenhouse selection criteria for similar gas emission types of operations
INTERREG 4 low-carbon ROP: improving air - identification of possible - cooperation between - Europe economy quality complementary operations institutions in charge of Programme within thematic coordination of instruments Interreg: area/region - Improving implementation of regional development policies and programmes and policies connected to the shift towards the low-carbon economy. -Exchange of experience between regional and local authorities regarding the methods of monitoring and improving air quality and managing air quality in urban and industrialised areas– ”soft” measures IEOP 4 reducing the ROP: eliminating - a system of strategic - cooperation between - proportion of sources of low-emission documents with the logic institutions in charge of pollutant IE OP: building heating of interventions in coordination of instruments emission networks and exchange individual areas - interrelated project of heating sources based - demarcation line selection criteria for similar sustainable on the project-type - identification of possible types of operations urban criterion complementary operations - guidelines transportation within thematic ROP: supporting area/region investment in sustainable urban transportation
IEOP: supporting investment in sustainable urban transportation in selected cities CENTRAL 4 low-carbon ROP: sustainable urban - a system of strategic - cooperation between complement EUROPE economy transportation documents showing the institutions in charge of arity 2020. logic of interventions in coordination of instruments assessment Operational in the Central Europe OP: individual areas - interrelated project Programme process of improved ability to plan - demarcation line selection criteria for similar project mobility in functional - identification of possible types of operations selection urban areas in order to complementary operations - guidelines reduce CO2 emissions within thematic area/region TO 6 LIFE+ - alleviating ROP: improving air - identification of possible - cooperation between - climate change quality complementary operations institutions in charge of IP 6e within thematic coordination of instruments LIFE+: action focused area/region - interrelated project on reducing greenhouse selection criteria for similar gas emission types of operations
INTERREG 6 low-carbon ROP: improving air - identification of possible - cooperation between - Europe economy quality complementary operations institutions in charge of Programme within thematic coordination of instruments Interreg: area/region - Improving implementation of regional development policies and programmes and policies connected to the shift towards the 265
low-carbon economy. -Exchange of experience between regional and local authorities regarding the methods of monitoring and improving air quality and managing air quality in urban and industrialised areas– ”soft” measures IEOP 6 reducing the ROP: eliminating - a system of strategic - cooperation between - proportion of sources of low-emission documents with the logic institutions in charge of pollutant of interventions in coordination of instruments emission IE OP: building heating individual areas - interrelated project networks and exchange - demarcation line selection criteria for similar of heating sources based - identification of possible types of operations on the project-type complementary operations - guidelines criterion within thematic area/region
Priority Axis 5 TO 5 Horizon 2020 - sustainable ROP: preference for - identification of possible - cooperation between - growth, projects in respect of complementary operations institutions in charge of IP 5b. strengthening disasters (e.g. within thematic coordination of instruments objectives in landslides) area/region - interrelated project respect of selection criteria for similar climate and the Horizon2020: action in types of operations environment respect of climate LIFE+ - managing ROP: improving - identification of possible - cooperation between - climate change resilience to disasters, complementary operations institutions in charge of action management systems, within thematic coordination of instruments rescue actions area/region - interrelated project selection criteria for similar LIFE+: improving types of operations adaptability to climate change, managing climate change action and information IEOP 5 adaptation to ROP: investment in - a system of strategic - cooperation between - climate change small retention (local documents showing the institutions in charge of significance), logic of interventions in coordination of instruments landslides, rescue individual areas - interrelated project systems - demarcation line selection criteria for similar - identification of possible types of operations IEOP: flood protection, complementary operations - guidelines small retention (super- within thematic local significance), area/region rescue systems TO 6 PROW 6 adaptation to ROP: investment in - a system of strategic - cooperation between - climate change small retention (local documents showing the institutions in charge of IP 6a. significance), logic of interventions in coordination of instruments landslides, rescue individual areas - interrelated project systems - demarcation line selection criteria for similar - identification of possible types of operations PROW: Support for risk complementary operations - guidelines prevention and within thematic management in farm area/region holdings and agricultural- environmental-climate measures. At the same time measures to improve water management/ Horizon 2020 - sustainable ROP: preference for - identification of possible - cooperation between - growth, waste management complementary operations institutions in charge of strengthening systems (application of within thematic coordination of instruments objectives in territorial instruments) area/region - interrelated project respect of selection criteria for similar climate and the Horizon2020: action in types of operations environment respect of efficient resource and raw material management LIFE+ - environment ROP: investment in - identification of possible - cooperation between - and efficient water management complementary operations institutions in charge of use of system (adaptation to within thematic coordination of instruments resources the EU requirements) area/region - interrelated project selection criteria for similar 266
LIFE+: innovative types of operations solutions for a better implementation of the environmental policy and integration of environmental protection objectives in other sectors INTERREG 6 effective ROP: investments in the - identification of possible - cooperation between - Europe resource waste management complementary operations institutions in charge of Programme management sector within thematic coordination of instruments area/region Interreg: Exchange of experience between regional authorities and waste management agencies IEOP 6 waste ROP: comprehensive - a system of strategic - cooperation between - management investment under the documents showing the institutions in charge of Regional Waste logic of interventions in coordination of instruments Management Plan individual areas - interrelated project - demarcation line selection criteria for similar IE OP: comprehensive - identification of possible types of operations investment under the complementary operations - guidelines National and Regional within thematic Waste Management area/region Plans CENTRAL 6 waste ROP: comprehensive - a system of strategic - cooperation between complement EUROPE management investment under the documents showing the institutions in charge of arity 2020. Regional Waste logic of interventions in coordination of instruments assessment Operational Management Plan individual areas - interrelated project in the Programme - demarcation line selection criteria for similar process of Central Europe OP: - identification of possible types of operations project comprehensive complementary operations - guidelines selection investment in waste within thematic management system in area/region functional urban areas TO 6 Horizon 2020 - sustainable ROP: preferences to - identification of possible - cooperation between - IP 6b. growth, water management complementary operations institutions in charge of enhancing project (e.g. support to within thematic coordination of instruments objectives areas that show water area/region - interrelated project regarding deficit) selection criteria for similar climate and Horizon2020: action on types of operations environment efficiency of resource and raw materials LIFE+ - water and ROP: investment in - identification of possible - cooperation between - wastewater waste management complementary operations institutions in charge of management sector (harmonisation within thematic coordination of instruments with EU requirements) area/region - interrelated project LIFE+: innovative selection criteria for similar solutions for better types of operations implementation of environmental policies and integration of environmental objectives in other sectors EIOP 6 water and ROP: sewage systems, - a system of strategic - cooperation between - wastewater water treatment documents showing the institutions in charge of management facilities, water piping logic of interventions in coordination of instruments systems – depending on individual areas - interrelated project the size of the - demarcation line selection criteria for similar agglomeration - identification of possible types of operations EIOP: sewage systems, complementary operations -guidelines water treatment within thematic facilities, water piping area/region systems PROW 6 water and ROP: sewage systems, - a system of strategic - cooperation between - wastewater water treatment documents showing the institutions in charge of management facilities, water piping logic of interventions in coordination of instruments systems individual areas - interrelated project PROW: sewage - demarcation line selection criteria for similar systems, water - identification of possible types of operations treatment facilities, complementary operations -guidelines water piping systems within thematic area/region CENTRAL 6 water and ROP: sewage systems, - a system of strategic - cooperation between complement EUROPE wastewater water treatment documents showing the institutions in charge of arity 2020 management facilities, water piping logic of interventions in coordination of instruments assessment 267
Programme systems – individual areas - interrelated project in the agglomerations up to - demarcation line selection criteria for similar process of population of 10,000 - identification of possible types of operations project CENTRAL EUROPE complementary operations -guidelines selection sewage systems, water within thematic treatment facilities, area/region water piping systems on functional urban areas Priority Axis 6 TO 6 IE OP 6 protection, ROP: smaller value - identification of possible - complementarity as an - development, projects in respect of complementary operations additional criterion at the IP 6c. accessibility protection, within the thematic area / stage of assessment of and promotion development, region project evaluation criteria of cultural accessibility and - identification of common - cooperation of institutions heritage promotion of cultural areas for intervention, in charge of coordination of resources heritage resources potential beneficiaries and instruments target groups IE OP: greater value -defining scopes of projects in respect of intervention against the cultural heritage demarcation line protection and development of cultural resources PL - SK ROP: projects in respect - identification of possible - complementarity as an complement of protection, complementary operations additional criterion at the arity development, within thematic stage of assessment of assessment accessibility and area/region project evaluation criteria in the promotion of cultural process of heritage resources project selection PL-SK: protection of cultural heritage Creative - development ROP: protection, - identification of possible - cooperation of institutions - Europe 2014- of the culture, development, promotion complementary operations in charge of coordination of 2020 cultural of cultural heritage within the thematic area / instruments heritage and region creative Creative Europe: - identification of common industries Access to European areas for intervention, sector works of culture and potential beneficiaries and creative work, and to target groups tangible and intangible European cultural heritage Rural Areas 6 preserving ROP: protection, - identification of possible - complementarity as an - Development cultural development, promotion complementary operations additional criterion at the Programme heritage of cultural heritage within the thematic area / stage of assessment of (PROW) region project evaluation criteria Rural Areas - identification of common - cooperation of institutions Development areas for intervention, in charge of coordination of Programme (PROW): potential beneficiaries and instruments restoring or improving target groups the condition of -defining scopes of monuments that help intervention against the preserve cultural demarcation line heritage TO 6 IEOP 6 protection of ROP: - identification of possible - complementarity as an - biodiversity support for landscape complementary operations additional criterion at the IP 6d. parks and nature within the thematic area / stage of assessment of reserves region project evaluation criteria - identification of common IE OP: areas for intervention, support for national potential beneficiaries and parks within Nature target groups 2000 -defining scopes of intervention against the demarcation line
IP 6d. LIFE+ - protection of ROP: protection of - identification of possible - complementarity as an - biodiversity biodiversity complementary operations additional criterion at the within the thematic area / stage of assessment of LIFE+: protection and region project evaluation criteria improvement of natural - identification of common environment quality; areas for intervention, discontinuing and potential beneficiaries and reversing the current target groups loss of biodiversity PL SK 6 ROP: protection of - complementarity as an complement biodiversity In the additional criterion at the arity
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region stage of assessment of assessment project evaluation criteria in the project PL-SK: protection of selection the borderland natural process - heritage Norwegian - ROP: protection of - complementarity as an - Financial biodiversity additional criterion at the Mechanism stage of assessment of NMF: project evaluation criteria protection of biodiversity and ecosystems TO 8 Rural Areas 8 utilizing the ROP: development of - identification of possible - complementarity as an - IP 8.b Development endogenous tourist and recreation complementary operations additional criterion at the Programme potential infrastructure based on within the thematic area / stage of assessment of (PROW) the local natural region project evaluation criteria resources - identification of common - cooperation of institutions Rural Areas areas for intervention, in charge of coordination of Development potential beneficiaries and instruments Programme (Rural target groups Areas Development Programme (PROW)): -defining scopes of development of intervention against the generally accessible demarcation line tourism, recreation and cultural infrastructure in rural areas TO 8 PL SK 8 utilizing ROP: development of - identification of possible - complementarity as an complement IP 8.b endogenous tourist and recreation complementary operations additional criterion at the arity potential infrastructure based on within thematic stage of assessment of assessment local natural resources, area/region project s in the project contributing to selection increased employment - identification of possible process complementary operations PL-SK building or within thematic modernisation of cross- area/region - border recreational infrastructure in the vicinity of historic monuments, landscape parks and national parks TO 8 PSCI - support to ROP: development of - identification of possible - cooperation between - IP 8.b employment tourist and recreation complementary operations institutions in charge of infrastructure based on within thematic coordination of instruments local natural resources, area/region - used in the region contributing to increased employment
PCSI: increasing the level of and access to microfinancing Priority Axis 7 TO 7 CEF 7 development transportation - identification of possible - cooperation between - IP 7b. of infrastructure - complementary operations institutions in charge of IP 7d transportation categories of within thematic coordination of instruments infrastructure infrastructure area/region - territorial contract IE OP 7 development transportation - identification of possible - cooperation between complement of infrastructure - complementary operations institutions in charge of arity transportation categories of within thematic coordination of instruments assessment infrastructure infrastructure / area/region - territorial contract in the project beneficiaries - quota-based and/or - complementarity as an selection instrument- / beneficiary- additional criterion at the process based demarcation line stage of assessment of project evaluation criteria PL-SK 7 development improving access to - identification of possible - cooperation between complement of transportation (in a complementary operations institutions in charge of arity transportation cross-border aspect) within thematic coordination of instruments assessment infrastructure area/region - complementarity as an in the project (roads) - quota-based and/or additional criterion at the selection instrument- / beneficiary- stage of assessment of process based demarcation line project evaluation criteria
Implementati - development transportation - identification of possible - cooperation between - on document of infrastructure complementary operations institutions in charge of for the transportation within thematic coordination of instruments transportatio infrastructure area/region - territorial contract n 269
development strategy by 2020 (with a 2030 perspective) National - development Road infrastructure - identification of possible - cooperation between - programme of complementary operations institutions in charge of for transportation within thematic coordination of instruments reconstructio infrastructure area/region n of local (roads) roads Priority Axis 8 TO 8 Erasmus + - enhancing ROP: support for - identification of possible - cooperation between - skills and unemployed (people complementary operations institutions in charge of IP 8i employability unemployed for a long within the thematic area / coordination of instruments time, aged 50+) people region with low qualifications, the disabled, women) – including domestic internships, volunteering
Erasmus: support for younger individuals, e.g. internships, volunteering abroad Programme - enhancing ROP: promoting spatial - identification of possible - cooperation between - for social employment mobility complementary operations institutions in charge of change and within the thematic area / coordination of instruments innovation PSCI: building open region and utilizing the EURES 2014-2020 and widely accessible network in the region (PSCI) EU labour markets - using results of research (EURES), research and and analyses analyses concerning employment policy Knowledge, 8 enhancing ROP: support for - utilising the experience - non-competition projects - Education, employment unemployed individuals of employment services in implemented by PSZ Development action aimed at OP Knowledge, Education, professional activation of Development OP: unemployed individuals systemic action to under IP 8i improve the effectiveness of labour market institutions TO 8 COSME - promoting ROP: smaller value - identification of possible - cooperation between - entrepreneursh projects addressed to complementary operations institutions in charge of IP 8iii ip and natural persons who are within the thematic area / coordination of instruments entrepreneurial interested in region within the Region culture establishing their own businesses COSME: reducing barriers in establishing businesses, support for business environment, action aimed at the development, facilitation, education, training, acquiring skills and attitudes in respect of entrepreneurship, in particular among potential new entrepreneurs TO 8 Knowledge, 8 facilitating ROP: - identification of possible - cooperation between - Education, reconciliation creating new day care complementary operations institutions in charge of IP 8iv Development of family and facilities for children within the thematic area / coordination of instruments OP work under 3 region in the region, consulting KNOWLEDGE, draft legislative instruments EDUCATION, DEVELOPMENT OP: raising the qualifications of local government staff responsible for the development of forms of institutional care over children under 3 model programmes
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- legislative changes in respect of equal opportunities Horizon 2020 - combating ROP: - identification of possible - using results of research - inequalities support to individuals complementary operations and analyses in ROP outside the labour within the thematic area / programming market because they region fulfil the functions of carers through creating new places to care over children under 3 years of age
Horizon 2020: research and development on social exclusion, discrimination and various form of inequalities
TO 8 Knowledge, 8 adjusting staff ROP: support for - identification of possible - regional use of an Education, competences employers and complementary operations application developed at the IP 8.v Development to the needs of employees in respect of within the thematic area / national level, as well as of OP the economy, raising/complementing region research results that make it adaptation to their competences, and possible to forecast micro- change adaptation to change and macroeconomic trends
Knowledge, Education, Development OP: creating a Central Register of Developmental Services, and a system for early response to economic change EGF - adaptation to ROP: comprehensive - identification of possible - cooperation between - change support for people who complementary operations institutions in charge of have been laid off or are within the region coordination of instruments at risk of layoffs for from the regional level and reasons due to their EGF Managing Authority employers (the Ministry of Infrastructure and EFG: support in case of Development) layoffs of more than 500 employees or in minor labour markets, or in exceptional circumstances, where the layoffs have a strong impact on employment and local economy Horizon 2020 - adaptation to ROP: comprehensive - identification of possible - using results of research - change, support to people made complementary operations and analyses in ROP support combating redundant or at risk of within the thematic area / programming crisis redundancy for region; employer’s reasons Horizon 2020: research and development of new ideas to overcome the crisis In Europe TO 8 Knowledge, 8 action aimed at ROP: implementation of - identification of possible - regional use of national - Education, prolonging health care complementary operations health care programmes, IP 8.vi Development professional programmes, support within the region research and analyses, OP activity for mature employees cooperation while holding promotion campaigns Knowledge, Education, Development OP: nation-wide health education programmes, promoting healthy ageing, research and analyses Horizon 2020 - ensuring ROP: implementation of - identification of possible - using results of research - citizens’ Heath programmes, complementary operations and analyses in ROP support health, disease support to mature within the thematic area / programming prevention workers region;
Horizon 2020: 271
research and development concerning the area of health and active aging Erasmus + - enhancing ROP: support to mature - identification of possible - cooperation of institutions - skills and workers, in particular complementary operations in charge of coordination of employment those who work on within the thematic area / instruments opportunities posts involving health region; hazards
Erasmus: education of personnel of adult learning organisations PSCI - support to ROP: : support to - identification of possible - using results of research - employment mature workers, In complementary operations and analyses in ROP support particular those who within the thematic area / programming work on posts region; involving health hazards
PSCI: research and analyses connected with employment policy Priority Axis 9 TO 9 Knowledge, 9 active social ROP: support for social - identification of possible - cooperation of institutions - IP 9i Education, integration and professional complementary operations in charge of coordination of Development activation of persons at within the thematic area / instruments; OP risk of poverty or social region; - project selection criteria exclusion - defining scopes of intervention (demarcation Knowledge, Education, line) Development OP: developing systemic solutions in respect of social welfare and integration; raising staff qualifications Fund for - supporting the ROP: support for social - identification of possible - cooperation between - European Aid activation and and professional complementary operations institutions in charge of to the Most integration of activation of persons at within the thematic area / coordination of instruments Deprived the most risk of poverty or social region (FEAD) deprived exclusion
EFPONP: food aid for the most deprived Asylum and - supporting the ROP: support for social - identification of possible - cooperation between - Migration activation and and professional complementary operations institutions in charge of Fund integration of activation of persons at within the thematic area / coordination of instruments third-country risk of poverty or social region nationals exclusion
AMF: promoting successful integration of third-country nationals PSCI - active social ROP: support for social - identification of possible - cooperation of institutions - integration and professional complementary operations in charge of coordination of activation of persons at within the thematic area / instruments; risk of poverty or social region - project selection criteria exclusion , using innovative solutions
PSCI: developing innovative solutions in respect of social policy TO 9 Knowledge, 9 improved ROP: providing social - identification of possible - cooperation of institutions - IP 9iv Education, access to high services in order to complementary operations in charge of coordination of Development quality social increase their within the thematic area / instruments; OP services accessibility region; - project selection criteria - defining scopes of Knowledge, Education, intervention (demarcation Development OP: line) systemic action aimed at improving social services quality PSCI - improved ROP: action aimed at - identification of possible - cooperation of institutions - access to high developing social complementary operations in charge of coordination of quality social services in the region within the thematic area / instruments; services using innovative region - project selection criteria solutions
272
PSCI: developing innovative solutions in respect of social policy TO 9 Knowledge, 9 development ROP: developing SE - identification of possible - cooperation of institutions - IP 9v Education, of social support network in the complementary operations in charge of coordination of Development economy region within the thematic area / instruments; OP region; - project selection criteria Knowledge, Education, - defining scopes of Development OP: intervention (demarcation developing systemic line) solutions in respect of SE PSCI - support for ROP: comprehensive - identification of possible - cooperation between - social support for establishing complementary operations institutions in charge of entrepreneursh social enterprises within the thematic area / coordination of instruments ip region PSCI: support for the development of social enterprises, in particular through facilitating access to financing Priority Axis 10 TO 1O Erasmus+ - education at ROP – support for - identification of possible - general level schools and educational complementary operations IP 10i facilities and for their within the thematic area / personnel region
Erasmus+ - courses and study visits abroad for teachers and other personnel of schools and educational facilities
ROP – support for the cooperation of schools with cultural, scientific and educational institutions, and with entrepreneurs in the region
Erasmus+ - support for the partnership of schools with other schools and institutions in Europe Knowledge, 10 Development ROP – support for - identification of possible - project selection criteria Education, of the schools and educational complementary operations - cooperation between Development education facilities in accordance within the thematic area / institutions in charge of OP system with their reported region coordination of instruments needs, and using the in the region, model teaching - consulting draft legislative programmes developed instruments under the Knowledge, Education, Development OP
Knowledge, Education, Development OP – improving kindergarten curriculum, general education curriculum, and developing model curricula TO 10 Knowledge, 10 development ROP – support for - identification of possible - project selection criteria - IP 10iii Education, of a national individuals in need to complementary operations - cooperation between Development qualification confirm their within the thematic area / institutions in charge of OP system qualifications obtained region coordination of instruments in formal, non-formal in the Region, and informal ways - consulting draft legislative instruments Knowledge, Education, Development OP – building a national qualification system TO 10 Erasmus+ - -vocational RPO – support to - identification of possible -
273
IP 10.iv education schools and educational complementary operations establishments and their within the thematic area / personnel, region
Erasmus+ - courses and study visits abroad for teachers and other personnel of schools and educational establishments
ROP – support to cooperation of schools with culture, science and educational institutions and businesses in the region.
Erasmus+ - support to partnerships between schools and other schools and institutions in Europe. Knowledge, 10 cooperation of ROP – encouraging and - identification of possible - project selection criteria - Education, vocational rewarding projects that complementary operations - cooperation between Development schools with envisage cooperation within the thematic area / institutions in charge of OP employers among schools, region coordination of instruments vocational training in the Region, facilities and employers - consulting draft legislative instruments Knowledge, Education, Development OP – modernizing the vocational teaching content and methods with the participation of employers Priority Axis 11 TO 9 Rural Areas 9 basic services ROP: projects in respect - identification of possible - complementarity as an - IP 9b Development and restoration of rural renovation complementary operations additional criterion at the Programme of within the thematic area / stage of assessment of (PROWRural town/villages Rural Areas region project evaluation criteria Areas in rural areas Development Development Programme (PROW): - identification of common Programme action in respect of areas for intervention, (PROW)) preservation, restoration potential beneficiaries and and improvement of target groups rural cultural and natural heritage, rural - defining scopes of landscape and of places intervention against the with high natural values demarcation line IE OP 6 reclamation of ROP: urban - identification of possible - urban regeneration – - degraded areas regeneration, rural complementary operations competition whose renovation within the thematic area / requirements take account of region the complexity of the IE OP: revitalization process reclamation of degraded - identification of common areas for environmental areas for intervention, - complementarity as an purposes potential beneficiaries and additional criterion at the target groups stage of assessment of project evaluation criteria - defining scopes of intervention against the demarcation line CT 9 PSCI - Socio- ROP: creating - identification of possible - cooperation between - PI 9b economic conditions to foster complementary operations institutions in charge of activation of socio-economic within the thematic area / coordination of instruments revitalised development region in the Region areas PCSI: increasing the level of and access to microfinancing / support to social enterprises, In particular through facilitating access to financing sources 274
Priority Axis 12 TO 9 IE OP 9 Healthcare ROP: healthcare - identification of possible - complementarity as an - IP 9a infrastructure infrastructure with complementary operations additional criterion at the regional and within the thematic area / stage of assessment of subregional significance region project evaluation criteria
IE OP: - identification of common healthcare infrastructure areas for intervention, with supra-regional potential beneficiaries and significance, medical target groups rescue - defining scopes of intervention against the demarcation line
- conformity with the health protection Policy Paper TO 10 Knowledge, 10 Cooperation ROP: - Identifying the feasibility - Complementarity as an - IP 10a Education, between the establishment of a of the complementary additional criterion in the Development education regional centre for operations in the thematic evaluation of projects to OP institutions and popularizing science area / region create evaluation criteria employers and innovation
Knowledge, Education, Development OP: modernization of the content and methods of education and training
275
9. EX-ANTE CONDITIONALITIES
9.1 EX-ANTE CONDITIONALITIES Following the framework resolution concerning the funds within the Common Strategic Framework 2014-2020, the funding will be released when ex-ante conditionalities are met, in other words the criteria aimed to ensure specific preliminary conditions to make the effective delivery of programmes co-financed from European funds viable. According to the adopted approach to ex-ante conditionality, in Poland regions were indicated as being responsible for meeting preliminary thematic requirements of a smart specialisation strategy and waste management, transport plans, also with respect to the preliminary general requirement dedicated to the system of result indicators. Pursuant to the provisions of the Partnership Agreement, actions to be taken in relation with incomplete fulfilment of ex-ante conditionality requirements shall be monitored by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development. The report from monitoring of such a work and the resulting recommendations will be submitted to the Council of Ministers’ Committee for European Affairs until all the requirements are met. The assessment of the fulfilment of ex-ante conditionalities was prepared on the basis of self- evaluation prepared by the Managing Authority with respect to requirements fulfilled on the regional level and by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development with respect to conditions fulfilled on the national level.
Table 24. Applicable ex ante conditionality and assessment of fulfilment thereof
Fulfilme Complia Reference to the relevant nt of ex Priority nce with documents ante criteria Ex ante Axis/Axes conditio (strategies, other relevant Additional conditionality the nalities Criteria documents with references information/ relevant to the condition to relevant chapters, explanations programme ality Yes/No articles, sections and links applies to to the full version of the Yes/No/P document) artly
GENERAL CONDITIONS
1.Preventing 1-13 Partly Solutions conforming to the The Act of 3 December 2010 The Agenda was sent to discrimination institutional and legal framework on the Implementation of the European Yes of the Member States as regards Certain Provisions of the Commission by the The existence of engaging entities in charge of the European Union in the Field Ministry of administrative promotion of equal treatment of all of Equal Treatment Infrastructure and capacity to ensure persons involved in the process of Development on the implementation preparation and implementation of 12.08.2014 and application of the programmes, including http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/Detail EU legislation and consultancy on equal treatment in sServlet?id=WDU201025417 policy in the area of actions regarding ESIF 00 preventing discrimination with Solutions regarding the training of regard to ESIF staff of authorities engaged in the management of ESIF in the area of No The Agenda of activities for EU legislation and policy to equal opportunities and non- prevent discrimination in discrimination under EU 276
controlling the funds Funds 2014-2020.
2. Gender equality 1-13 Partly Solutions conforming to the The Act of 3 December 2010 institutional and legal framework on the Implementation of Yes Existence of of the Member States in the Certain Provisions of the administrative gender equality area through European Union in the Field capacities to engaging entities in charge of the of Equal Treatment enhance the in the process of preparation and implementation and implementation of the The Agenda was sent to application of the programmes, including http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/Detail the European EU gender equality consultancy on gender equality sServlet?id=WDU201025417 Commission by the legislation and actions regarding ESIF 00 Ministry of policy in respect of Infrastructure and ESIF Solutions regarding the training of Development on staff of authorities engaged in the 12.08.2014 management of ESIF in the area of No The Agenda of activities for EU legislation and policy equal opportunities and non- concerning gender equality, and in discrimination under EU controlling the funds Funds 2014-2020.
3. Disability 1-13 Partly solutions conforming to the The Act of 3 December2010 institutional and legal framework Yes on the Implementation of Existence of of the Member States as regards Certain Provisions of the administrative consultation and involvement of European Union in the Field capacities to entities responsible for the of Equal Treatment enhance the protection of rights of persons implementation and with disabilities or representative http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/Detail The Agenda was sent to the European application of the organisations for persons with sServlet?id=WDU201025417 UN Convention on disabilities, and other relevant 00 Commission by the the Rights of parties concerned during the Ministry of Persons with preparation and implementation of Infrastructure and Disabilities in programmes Development on respect of ESIF The Agenda of activities for 12.08.2014 subject to the solutions as regards training equal opportunities and non- Council Decision employees of institutions involved discrimination under EU no. 2010/48/EC in the management of EFSI and in Funds 2014-2020. the control of the funds in respect of the EU disability legislation and No policy, including accessibility and practical application of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in accordance with the EU and national legislation The Act of 3 December2010 on the Implementation of solutions as regards monitoring Certain Provisions of the the implementation of the European Union in the Filed provisions of art. 9 of the UN Yes of Equal Treatment Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/Detail connection with ESIF during the sServlet?id=WDU201025417 preparation and implementation of 00 programmes
4. Public 1-13 Yes solutions regarding effective The Act amending the Act - procurement. application of the EU legislation Yes Public Procurement Law as concerning public procurement regards the amendment of Existence of through the application of the art. 24 par. 1 subpar. 1 and legislative relevant mechanisms art. 24 par. subpar.1a of the regulations Act -- Public Procurement regarding effective solutions ensuring transparency of Law, involving its 277
application of the public procurement procedures Yes adjustment to the judgment EU legislation of the EU Court of Justice concerning public legal regulations concerning u, Case C-465/11 procurement in training and dissemination of respect of information among the staff Yes http://www.uzp.gov.pl/cmsw involved in implementing the s/page/?F;248;ustawa_pzp.ht funds ml
solutions that ensure administrative capacity for the implementation and application of Yes EU public procurement legislation
5.State aid 1-13 Yes solutions regarding effective The SHRIMP database application of the EU legislation Yes (System The existence of concerning state aid through the Harmonogramowania, legal regulations application of the relevant Raportowania i regarding effective mechanisms Monitorowania Pomocy), application of the http://www.uokik.gov.pl/kom EU legislation legal regulations concerning petencje_prezesa_uokik_w_z concerning state aid training and dissemination of Yes akresie_pomocy_publicznej. in the area of EU information among the Staff php structural and involved in implementing the investment funds funds The Act of 30 April 2004. on proceeding in cases solutions that ensure concerning state aid (Journal administrative capacity for the Yes of Laws of 2007 no. 59, item implementation and application of 404, as amended.) EU state aid legislation http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/Detail sServlet?id=WDU200705904 04
6. Legislation 1-13 Yes solutions regarding effective 1. The Act amending the 1. http://isap.sejm.gov.p concerning application of directives Act Water Law and l/DetailsServlet?id= environmental Yes concerning environmental impact some other Acts WDU20140000850 protection in respect assessment (EIA) and strategic 2. The Act on Access to 2. http://isap.sejm.gov.pl of the environmental assessment (SEA) Information on the /DetailsServlet?id=W environmental Environment and its DU20081991227 impact assessment legal regulations concerning Protection, on Society’s 3. http://isap.sejm.gov.pl (EIA) and strategic training and dissemination of Engagement in Yes Environmental /DetailsServlet?id=W environmental information among the Staff Protection and on DU20130000817 assessment (SEA) involved in implementing the EIA Environmental Impact 4. http://isap.sejm.gov.pl and SA directives Assessments Act Existence of legal /DetailsServlet?id=W DU20130001238 regulations legal regulations that ensure 3. The Council of regarding effective Ministers’ decree on adequate administrative capacity Yes application of the actions which might have a great impact on EU legislation the environment concerning the environmental 4. The Act – Geological protection as and Mining Law and regards the some other Acts (Journal of Laws, item environmental 1238). impact assessment (EIA), and strategic environmental assessment (SEA).
7. Statistical 1-13 Partly a) solutions concerning timely In the case of indicators the Institutions responsible systems and result collection and aggregation of Yes source of which are official for fulfilling the criterion indicators. statistical data are ready, statistics - the Public of the Central Statistical Statistics Act of 29 June Office, Ministry of
278
Existence of a including the following elements: 1995 (as amended) Infrastructure and statistical basis http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/Detail Development, Managing necessary for the identification of sources sServlet?id=WDU199508804 National and Regional assessment of and mechanisms aimed to 39 Operational programme ensure statistical validation Yes Programmes, including effectiveness and In the case of indicators from the MA ROP. impact arrangements concerning outside official statistics (e.g. publication and public from evaluation studies), The institutions Existence of a availability of indicated for PI 3b, 4e, 6c, responsible for providing system of result disaggregated data 6d, 6e, 7b, 7d, 8i, 8iii, 8v, data for indicators from indicators necessary Yes 8iv, 8vi, 9i, 9iv, 9V, 10i, non-public statistics: The to select action 10iv, 10iii a competent management Board of which will most institution provides a the Małopolska Region, effectively mechanism for proper control Landscape Parks of the contribute to the of data quality and statistical Małopolska Region, the achievement of the validation. Ministry of desired results, to Infrastructure and monitor progress in Development. achieving the results and to assess impact.
b) an effective system of result Institutions responsible indicators which comprises: for fulfilling the criterio:
the Central Statistical selection of result Office, the Ministry of indicators for every Infrastructure and programme providing Yes Development, the information on the Managing National and motivation for selecting Regional Operational actions within policies Programmes, including financed by a given the MA ROP programme, No setting objectives for such indicators, compliance with the
following requirements for each indicator: statistical Yes resilience and validation, clarity of normative
interpretation, response to policy, , timely collection of data,
c) procedures ensuring that all Yes the Act of 11 July 2014 on Institutions responsible operations financed under the basis of the for fulfilling the the programme apply an implementation of criterion: the Central effective system of programmes within he Statistical Office, the indicators are in place. funded cohesion policy in the Ministry of 2014-2020 financial Infrastructure and perspective Development, Managing (http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/Detai National and Regional lsServlet?id=WDU20140001 Operational 146) containing the statutory Programmes, including guidelines on Miir and SL the MA ROP 2014
the provisions of the relevant legislation (Regulation of the European Parliament and the
279
Council, the Commission Implementing Regulation)
The EC guidelines programming period 2014- 2020 guidance document on monitoring and evaluation - European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund, and The programming period 2014- 2020 guidance document on monitoring and evaluation - European Social Fund
"Template Operational Programme 2014-2020 in Poland, with the comment"
Managing internal procedures ROP
THEMATIC CONDITIONS
1.1. Research and 1 Partly A national or regional smart Partly Regional Innovation Strategy Actions to be taken to innovation: specialisation strategy is in place of the Małopolska Region for fulfil the precondition that: 2014-2020 (document are laid down in Table The existence of adopted by Resolution 586/14 26 and an annex to national or regional is based on a SWOT or of the Board of the ROP. smart specialisation similar analysis to Małopolska Region of 3 June strategies in line concentrate resources on a 2014). with the National limited set of research and The basic document forms an Reform Programme, innovation priorities, annex to Resolution No. to leverage private outlines measures to 586/14 of the Board of research and stimulate private R&D Małopolska Region of 3 June innovation investment, 2014. – and is available on expenditure, which contains a monitoring the following website complies with the mechanism. features of well- Partly http://www.malopolska.pl/Prz performing national A framework outlining available edsiebiorca/iMalopolska/Stro or regional R&I budgetary resources for research ny/RegionalnaStrategiaInnow systems and innovation has been adopted. acji.aspx
1.2 The existence of 1 Yes An indicative multi-annual plan Yes The condition is fulfilled a multi-annual plan for budgeting and prioritisation of through the document entitled for budgeting and investments linked to Union Polish Roadmap for Research prioritisation of priorities, and, where appropriate, Infrastructures adopted in investments. the European Strategy Forum on 2011. It implements the Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) recommendations of the has been adopted. European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) in this respect. In 2012, a system of funding major infrastructure projects included in the Roadmap was developed for a 10-year horizon (2013-2023). The Roadmap was updated in 2014.. http://www.nauka.gov.pl/g2/o ryginal/2014_08/caf36c2da9f
280
ef183c32ce8772ec5b426.pdf).
An indicative plan for R&D infrastructure financing has also been prepared and accepted by the European Commission as to its direction, which involves national sources, structural funds and international programmes. The legal basis for the identification of expenditure from EU funding (along with the required national contribution) consists of operational programmes adopted by the Council of Ministers’ resolution (pursuant to art. 14j of the Act of 6 December 2006 on the principles of development policy, Journal of Laws 2006 no. 227 item 1658, as amended). As regards the expenditure form the state budget, the legal basis consists of the State Multiannual Finacial Plans, drawn up pursuant to art. 103- 108 of the Public Finance Act of 27 August 2009 (Journal of Laws 2009 no. 157 item 1240, as amended) and documents passed by the Council of Ministers.
2.1. Digital growth: 2 Yes A strategic policy framework for Efficient State Strategy (SSP) A strategic policy digital growth, for instance, framework for within the national or regional https://mac.gov.pl/files/wp- digital growth to smart specialisation strategy is in content/uploads/2011/12/SSP- stimulate affordable, place that contains: 20-12-2012.pdf good quality and interoperable ICT- budgeting and prioritisation enabled private and of actions through a SWOT public services and or similar analysis Yes The National Integrated increase uptake by consistent with the Informatisation Programme citizens, including Scoreboard of the Digital vulnerable groups, Agenda for Europe https://mac.gov.pl/files/pzip_ businesses and ostateczny.pdf public an analysis of balancing Yes administrations support for demand and including cross supply of ICT that has been border initiatives conducted
indicators to measure progress of interventions in Yes areas such as digital literacy, e-inclusion, e- accessibility, and progress of e-health within the limits of Article 168 TFEU which are aligned, where appropriate, with existing relevant sectoral ,Union, 281
national or regional strategies
assessment of needs to reinforce ICT capacity- Yes building
2.2. Infrastructure of 2 Yes A national or regional plan of the National Broadband Plan new generation new generation network is in https://mac.gov.pl/files/narod networks : place , that contains: owy_plan_szerokopasmowy_ - The existence of - a plan of investment in _08.01.2014_przyjety_przez_ national or regional infrastructure, based on the rm.pdf plans of new economic analysis taking Yes generation networks, into account existing taking into account infrastructure and regional actions to investment plans of the attain the Union private and public sectors; objectives with regard to access to - models of sustainable Fast Internet, investments which enhance focused on the areas competiveness and ensure Yes in which the market access to open, affordable does not ensure a and good quality open, affordable infrastructure and services , and quality considering future needs; infrastructure, in Yes accordance with the - funds to stimulate private EU legislation on investment competitiveness and state aid, as well as providing services available to disadvantaged groups
3.1. Specific actions 3 No The specific actions are: 1. The S24 system on the 1.https://ems.ms.gov.pl/ have been carried – measures have been put in portal Yes 2. http://orka.sejm.go out to underpin the place with the objective of v.pl/proc7.nsf/usta 2. The Act on the National promotion of reducing the time and cost wy/2094_u.htm entrepreneurship involved in setting-up a Court Register isap.sejm.gov.pl 3. http://isap.sejm.gov.p taking into account business taking account of the l/DetailsServlet?id= the Small Business targets of the SBA; 3. Art. 29, art.25 (3), art. WDU20041731807 Act (SBA) – measures have been put in 14 (1) of the Act on the 4. http://isap.sejm.gov.p place with the objective of Freedom of Business reducing the time needed to l/DetailsServlet?id= No Activity WDU20130000829 get licenses and permits to isap.sejm.gov.pl take up and perform the 5. http://isap.sejm.gov.p 4. The Act amending the specific activity of an l/DetailsServlet?id= acts regulating the WDU20140000768 enterprise taking account of [practice of some the targets of the SBA; professions – a mechanism is in place to isap.sejm.gov.pl monitor the implementation of 5. The Act on facilitating the measures of the SBA No access to some regulated which have been put in place professions and assess the impact on isap.sejm.gov.pl SMEs
4.1. Actions 4 Partly Actions to ensure the Yes 1. Minister of 1. http://g.ekspert.infor. promoting cost- implementation of minima Infrastructure and pl/p/_dane/akty_pdf/ effective requirements of energy Development’s decree DZU/2014/122/888.p of 3.06.2014 concerning df#zoom=90 improvement of the characteristics in buildings, methodology of efficient end use of pursuant to art. 3, 4 and 5 of calculation of the 2. http://isap.sejm.gov.p energy and cost- Directive of European Parliament building’s energy l/DetailsServlet?id= effective characteristics WDU20020750690 282
investments in and the Council 2010/31/EC1; 2. Minister of 3. http://isap.sejm.gov.p energy efficiency Infrastructure’s decree of l/DetailsServlet?id= when constructing Actions necessary for the 12.04.2002 concerning WDU20130001409 or renovating establishment of a certification technological buildings system with regard to energy No requirements to be 4. http://isap.sejm.gov.p characteristics in buildings complied with by l/DetailsServlet?id= WDU20110940551 consistent with art. 11 of buildings and their Directive 2010/31/EC1; locations 5. http://isap.sejm.gov.p 3. Art. 5 (2a) of the Act – l/DetailsServlet?id= Actions to ensure strategic Construction Law of WDU20082231459 planning in the energy efficiency Yes 7.07.1994 6. Ministry of the area, consistent with art. 3 of 4. Art. 10. (1) and (2) of Economy’s decree of
Directive of the European the Energy Efficiency 15.01.2007 Parliament and the Council Act of 15.04.2011 concerning detailed 2012/27/EC1 conditions of the 5. Act on supporting operation of heating modernisation and systems Actions consistent with art. 13 of renovation of http://isap.sejm.gov.p Directive of the European l/DetailsServlet?id= Yes 21.11.2008 Parliament and the Council WDU20070160092 2006/32/EC1 on energy end-use 7. The Act – Energy efficiency and energy services, to Law of 10.04. 1997 ensure end individual meters to end users as far as technologically possible, financially reasonable http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/D etailsServlet?id=WDU19 and proportional to potential 970540348 energy savings 8. Ministry of the Economy’s decree of 17.09.2010 concerning detailed rules for the formation and calculation of tariffs and account settling for heat supply http://isap.sejm.gov.p l/DetailsServlet?id= WDU20101941291 4.2. Actions have 4 Yes Support to co-generation is based Yes 1. The Act amending the Act – 1. http://isap.sejm.gov.p been carried out to on demand for usable heat energy Energy Law of 14 March l/DetailsServlet?id= promote highly and primary energy savings; 2014. WDU2 efficient heat and pursuant to art. 7 (1) and art. 9 (1) 2. The Act of 21 March 2014 2. http://isap.sejm.gov.p electricity co- a) and b) of Directive 2004/8/EC; amending the Biocomponents l/DetailsServlet?id= generation Member States or their competent and Liquid Biofuels Act (…) WDU201400004570 140000490 authorities have assessed existing legislation and regulatory 3. http://www.Ministry framework in view of procedures 3. Poland’s Energy Policy of to grant the permits or other up to 2030 Economy.gov.pl/files procedures, in order to: /upload/8134/Polityk a%20energetyczna% 20ost.pdf • encourage the design 4. The Biocomponents and of co-generation units to cover 4. http://isap.sejm.gov.p Liquid Biofuels Act of l/DetailsServlet?id= economically justified demand 25 August 2006 for usable heat and avoid WDU20061691199 5. The RES Act production of energy exceeding 5. http://legislacja.rcl.go the demand for usable heat, and v.pl/docs//2/19349/22 8300/dokument11877 • to reduce regulatory 6. National Action Plan for 0.pdf and non-regulatory barriers to co- RES energy 6. http://www.Ministry generation development of Economy.gov.pl/files /upload/12326/KPD_ RM.pdf 4.3. Actions have 4 Yes Transparent support schemes, Yes 1. The Act of 10 April 1997 1. http://isap.sejm.gov.p been carried out to priority in grid access or – Energy Law with l/DetailsServlet?id= promote the guaranteed access and priority in implementing acts WDU20140000490 283
production and dispatching, as well as standard 2. The Act of 21 March 2. http://isap.sejm.gov.p distribution of rules relating to the bearing and 2014 amending the l/DetailsServlet?id= renewable energy sharing of costs of technical Biocomponents and WDU20061691199 sources. adaptations which have been Liquid Biofuels Act and made public are in place some other acts 3. http://www.Ministry of consistent with Article 14(1), 3. The National RES Economy.gov.pl/files Article 16(2) and 16(3) of Action Plan adopted by /upload/12326/KPD_ Directive 2009/28/EC of the the Council of Ministers’ RM.pdf European Parliament and of the resolution of 7 December Council. 2010.
4. Energy Policy up to 2030 The Member State has adopted a 4. http://www.Ministry of national renewable energy action Economy.gov.pl/files plan consistent with Article 4 of /upload/8134/Polityk Yes Directive 2009/28/EC. a%20energetyczna% 20ost.pdf
5.1. Risk prevention 5 Yes National or regional risk ”Risk assessment for crisis and risk assessments are in place that management needs. The management. contain the following elements: Report on threats to national Existence of security” from: ”The Report national or regional - description of the process, on threats to national risk assessments for methodology and insensitive data security” http://rcb.gov.pl/wp- the needs of disaster used for risk assessment as well Yes content/uploads/ocenaryzyka. and catastrophe as based on risk-based criteria to pdf management taking identify priority investments account of climate Strategic plan for adaptation change - list of single-risk scenarios and Yes of sectors and areas multiple-risk scenarios; vulnerable to climate change up to 2020, with a 2030 taking account, where perspective appropriate, of national strategies Yes http://klimada.mos.gov.pl/dok for adaptation to climate change. ument-spa-2020
- In sectors supported from the 6.1. Water 5 No No Amendment to the Act – ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, management: The Water Law the Member State ensured existence of http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/Details adequate contribution of the Servlet?id=WDU2014000065 different water uses, a) a water pricing 9 disaggregated into industries, to policy which the recovery of the costs of water provides adequate Master plans for the Ode rand services, in accordance with art. 9 incentives for users Vistula river catchment areas par. 1 indent one of Directive to use water 2000/60/EC , having regard – resources efficiently http://www.mos.gov.pl/artyku where applicable – to the social, and l/7_archiwum/23261_rzad_pr environmental and economic zyjal_masterplany_dla_dorzec effects of the recovery, as well as b) an adequate zy_wisly_i_odry.html geographic and climatic contribution of the conditions of the region or different water uses The Act of 27 April 2001. regions affected; to the recovery of Environmental Protection the costs of water - Adopting a river-basin Law (Journal of Laws2001 services at a rate management plan coherent with no. 62 item 627) No determined in the Article. 13 of Directive http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/Details approved river basin 2000/60/EC Servlet?id=WDU2001062062 management plan 7 for investment supported by the projects.
6.2. Waste 5 Partly – Pursuant to the Yes National waste management management: requirements of art. 11 (5) of plan 2014 (Official Law Promoting Directive 2008/98/EC, a report on Gazette (MP). no. 101, item 284
economically and the progress in attaining the 1183) environmentally objectives laid down in art. 11 of http://dokumenty.rcl.gov.pl/M sustainable Directive 2008/98/EC was 2010101118301.pdf investments in the submitted to the European waste sector Commission; particularly through the development of – Existence of one or more waste Regional waste management waste management management plans in accordance plans plans consistent with with the requirements of art. 28 of No Directive Directive 2008/98/EC. Regional investment plans 2008/98/EC, and - Existence of waste prevention with the waste National waste prevention programmes, in accordance with hierarchy plan the requirements of art. 29 http://www.mos.gov.pl/g2/big Directive 2008/98/EC; Yes /2014_02/9eb50a325ed30981 79730907a88a53d5.pdf – measures necessary to attain the objectives for the year 2020 with regard to preparation for reuse and recycling, in accordance with The Act of 13 June 2013 on art. 11 (2) of Directive No packaging and packaging 2008/98/EC. waste management (Journal of Laws, item 888)
http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/Details Servlet?id=WDU2013000088 8
7.1. Transport: The 7 Partly Existence in a comprehensive Yes Development Strategy of Actions to be taken to existence of a plan or plans or frameworks as Małopolska Region for 2011- fulfil the precondition comprehensive plan regards transport investment that 2020 are set out in Table 26 or plans or complies with legal regulations (http://www.malopolskie.pl/R an annex to ROP comprehensive concerning a strategic ozwojRegionalny/Aktualizacj framework or environmental impact assessment a/?id=1881) (SRWM) frameworks for transport investment Existence of a comprehensive and in accordance with plan or plans or frameworks as the Member States' regards transportation investment Transport development institutional set-up defining the contribution into the No strategy 2010-220 in (including public European unified area of transport Małopolska Region transport at regional in accordance with art. 10 of the (http://www.malopolskie.pl/Pl and local level) Regulation (EU) of the European iki/2012/STRATEGIA_ROZ which supports Parliament and of the Council no. WOJU_TRANSPORTU.pdf). infrastructure 1315/2013 including investment development and priorities for Transport and improves Communications Strategic connectivity to the -the basic and comprehensive Programme (underway) TEN-T TEN- T network, where No comprehensive and investment is envisaged under the core networks. ERDF and Cohesion Fund
- secondary connectivity.
Existence of a comprehensive plan or plans or frameworks as regards transport investment, defining identification of the proper number of realistic and advanced projects which are to be supported from the ERDF and Cohesion Fund
Existence of a comprehensive
285
plan or plans or frameworks as regards transport investment, defining actions aimed at No ensuring Intermediate Bodies’ and beneficiaries’ capacities to implement projects
7.2. Railway: The 7 Partly Existence in a comprehensive Yes Development Strategy of Actions to be taken to existence within the plan or plans or frameworks as Małopolska Region for 2011- fulfil the precondition comprehensive regards transport of a part 2020 are set down in Table transport plan or concerning railway development (http://www.malopolskie.pl/R 26 and an annex to ROP plans or frameworks that complies with legal ozwojRegionalny/Aktualizacj of a specific section regulations concerning a strategic a/?id=1881) (SRWM) on railway environmental impact assessment development in and accordance with the Existence in a comprehensive Member States' plan or plans or frameworks as Transport development institutional set-up regards transport of a part No strategy in the Małopolska (including concerning railway development Region for 2010-2020 concerning public that identifies an adequate (http://www.malopolskie.pl/Pl transport at regional number of feasible projects whose iki/2012/STRATEGIA_ROZ and local level) preparation is well advanced WOJU_TRANSPORTU.pdf). which supports (including timetable and budget) infrastructure Transport and development and Actions aimed at ensuring Communication Strategic No improves Intermediate Bodies’ Programme (underway) connectivity to the and beneficiaries’ capacities to
TEN-T implement projects comprehensive and core networks. The investments cover mobile assets, interoperability and capacity-building
8.1 Active labour Yes 8Employment services have the Yes The Act on employment market policy has capacity to, and do, deliver promotion and labour market been designed and is personalised services and active institutions (Journal of Laws delivered in the light and preventive labour market 2004 no. 99 item 1001, as of the Employment measures at an early stage, which amended) guidelines are open to all jobseekers while http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/Details focusing on people at highest risk Servlet?id=WDU2004099100 of social exclusion, including 1 people from marginalised communities; Implementing decrees to the above Act Employment services have the capacity to, and do, deliver http://www.psz.praca.gov.pl/ comprehensive and transparent main.php?do=ShowPage&nPI information on new job vacancies Yes D=867685&pT=details&sP= and employment opportunities CONTENT,objectID,873075
taking into account the changing needs of the labour market.
Employment services have set up formal or informal cooperation Yes arrangements with relevant stakeholders.
A strategic policy framework for 8.2. Self- 8 Yes Enterprise Development References to inclusive start-up support is in employment, Programme documents, continued: place with the following entrepreneurship Yes (http://www.mg.gov.pl/Wspie elements: and business ranie+przedsiebiorczosci/Polit The Freedom of
286
creation: the - measures have been put in yki+przedsiebiorczosci+i+inn Enterprise Act (Journal existence of a place with the objective of owacyjnosci/Program+Rozwo of Laws 2004 no. 173 strategic policy reducing the time and cost ju+Przedsiebiorstw) item 1807) framework for involved in setting up a http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/ inclusive start-ups. business, taking account of Better Regulation 2015 DetailsServlet?id=WDU the targets of the SBA; Programme 20041731807 - measures have been put in Yes (http://www.mg.gov.pl/Prawo place with the objective of +dla+przedsiebiorcy/Program reducing the time needed to +Lepsze+regulacje+2015) get licenses and permits to take up and perform the National Social Economy specific activity of an Development Programme enterprise, taking account of Yes the targets of the SBA;
- actions linking suitable business development
services and financial services (access to capital), Yes including reaching out to disadvantaged groups, areas, or both, where needed:
8.4 Active and 8/12 Partly Relevant stakeholders are Yes Solidarity of 50+Progranne References to healthy ageing: involved in the design and (adopted by the Council of documents, continued: Active ageing follow-up of active ageing Ministers on 24 December policies have been policies with a view to retaining 2013, Policy paper for health designed in the light elderly workers on the labour http://www.mpips.gov.pl/seni protection 2014 -2020 – of the Employment market and promoting their orzyaktywne- National Strategic Guidelines employment; starzenie/program- Framework solidarnosc-pokolen/ The Member State has measures No Rządowy Program na in place to promote active ageing. Human Capital Development rzecz Aktywności Strategyhttp://isip.sejm.gov.pl Społecznej Osób /Download?id=WMP2013000 Starszych na lata 2014- 0640&type=2 2020 http://www.mpips.gov.p Assumptions for the Long- l/seniorzyaktywne- term Senior Policy (ZDPS, starzenie/rzadowy- adopted by the Council of program-asos/ Ministers on 24 2013, http://www.mpips.gov.pl/seni Social Capital orzyaktywne- Development Strategy starzenie/zalozenia- 2020 dlugofalowej-polityki- http://isip.sejm.gov.pl/D senioralnej-w-polsce-na-lata- ownload?id=WMP2013 20142020/ 0000378&type=2
8.5 Adaptation of 8 Yes Instruments are in place to Yes The New Opportunity Policy workers, enterprises support social partners and public Programme and entrepreneurs to authorities to develop and change: The monitor proactive approaches http://bip.Ministry of existence of policies towards change and restructuring Economy.gov.pl/node/20367 aimed at favouring which include measures: anticipation and good management to promote anticipation of of change and change; Yes restructuring to promote the preparation and management of the Yes restructuring process
9.1. The existence 9 Yes A national strategic policy Yes National Programme to and the framework for poverty reduction, Combat Poverty and Social
287
implementation of a aiming at active inclusion, is in Exclusion 2020: New national strategic place that: Dimension of Active policy framework Integration for poverty – provides a sufficient evidence isip.sejm.gov.pl/Download?id reduction aiming at base to develop policies for =WMP20140000787&type=2 the active inclusion poverty reduction and monitor of people excluded developments; from the labour – contains measures supporting market in the light the achievement of the of the Employment national poverty and social guidelines exclusion target (as defined in Yes the National Reform Programme), which includes the promotion of sustainable and quality employment opportunities for people at the
highest risk of social exclusion, including people
from marginalised communities; Yes – involves relevant stakeholders in combating poverty;
– depending on the identified needs, includes measures for Yes the shift from institutional to community based care
Upon request and where justified, relevant stakeholders will be provided with support for submitting project applications Yes and for implementing and managing the selected projects.
A national or regional strategic 9.3. Health: The 9/12 No No Policy Paper for health policy framework for health is in existence of a protection 2014-2020 – place that contains: national or regional National Strategic Framework strategic policy coordinated measures to framework for improve access to health No health within the services; limits of Article 168 measures to stimulate TFEU ensuring efficiency in the health economic sector, through deployment No sustainability of service delivery models and infrastructure; a monitoring and review system. No
The Member State or region has adopted a framework outlining available budgetary resources on No an indicative basis and a cost- effective concentration of resources on prioritised needs for health care.
10.1. Early school 10 Yes A system for collecting and Yes Human Capital Development leaving: The analysing data and information on Strategy existence of a ESL at relevant levels is in place strategic policy that: http://isip.sejm.gov.pl/Downl framework to reduce oad?id=WMP20130000640&t early school leaving - provides a sufficient evidence- ype=2 (ESL) within the base to develop targeted policies 288
limits of Article 165 and monitors developments. Lifelong learning perspective TFEU A strategic policy framework on http://www.men.gov.pl/index. ESL is in place that: php/uczenie-sie-przez-cale- zycie/770-perspektywa- - is based on evidence; uczenia-sie-przez-cale-zycie - covers relevant educational Yes sectors including early childhood Social Capital Development development, targets in particular Strategy 2020 vulnerable groups that are most at risk of ESL including people Yes http://isip.sejm.gov.pl/Downl from marginalised communities, oad?id=WMP20130000378&t
and addresses prevention, ype=2 intervention and compensation
measures;
- involves all policy sectors and stakeholders that are relevant to addressing ESL. Yes
10.3. Lifelong 10 Yes A national or regional strategic Human Capital Development learning (LL): The policy framework for lifelong Strategy existence of a learning is in place that contains national and/or measures: http://isip.sejm.gov.pl/Downl regional strategic oad?id=WMP20130000640&t policy framework - to support the developing and ype=2 for lifelong learning linking services for LL, including Yes within the limits of their implementation and skills Human Capital Development Article 165 TFEU upgrading (i.e. validation, Strategy implementing guidance, education and training) document and providing for the involvement of, and partnership http://www.mpips.gov.pl/prac with relevant stakeholders; a/strategie-i-dokumenty- programowe/strategia- - for the provision of skills rozwoju-kapitalu-ludzkiego- development for various target srkl---projekt-z-31072012-r/
groups where these are identified as priorities in national or Lifelong learning perspective Yes regional strategic policy frameworks (for example young http://www.men.gov.pl/index.
people in vocational training, php/uczenie-sie-przez-cale- adults, parents returning to the zycie/770-perspektywa-
labour market, low skilled and uczenia-sie-przez-cale-zycie older workers, migrants and other
disadvantaged groups, in particular people with disabilities);
- to widen access to LL including through efforts to effectively implement transparency tools (for example the European Qualifications Framework, National Qualifications Framework, European Credit system for Vocational Education Yes and Training, European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training);
- to improve the labour market relevance of education and training and to adapt it to the needs of identified target groups
289
(for example young people in Yes vocational training, adults, parents returning to the labour market, low-skilled and older workers, migrants and other disadvantaged groups, in particular people with disabilities).
10.4 The existence 10 Yes A national or regional strategic Yes Human Capital Development of a national or policy framework is in place for Strategy regional strategic increasing the quality and policy framework efficiency of VET systems within http://isip.sejm.gov.pl/Downl for increasing the the limits of Article 165 TFEU oad?id=WMP20130000640&t quality and which includes measures for the ype=2 efficiency of VET following: systems within the Lifelong learning perspective limits of Article 165 - to improve the labour market TFEU. relevance of VET systems in http://www.men.gov.pl/index. close cooperation with relevant Yes php/uczenie-sie-przez-cale- stakeholders including through zycie/770-perspektywa- mechanisms for skills uczenia-sie-przez-cale-zycie anticipation, adaptation of curricula and the strengthening of Poland 2030. Long-term work-based learning provision in Development Strategy. The
its different forms; third wave of modernity
- to increase the quality and http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/Details attractiveness of VET including Servlet?id=WMP2013000012
through establishing a national 1 approach for quality assurance for
VET (for example in line with National Development the, European Quality Assurance Strategy 2020
Reference Framework for Vocational Education and http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/Details Yes Training) and implementing the Servlet?id=WMP2012000088 transparency and recognition 2 tools, for example European Credit system for Vocational Education and Training. (ECVET).
9.2 ACTIONS TO FULFIL EX-ANTE CONDITIONALITIES
Table 25. Actions to be taken to comply with applicable general preconditions
General ex-ante Institutions conditionalities binding responsible for on the programme , not Criteria not complied with Actions to be taken Deadline compliance with complied with completely conditionality or partially
1. Preventing legal regulations concerning training Adoption of The Agenda of activities 1st quarter 2015 Ministry of discrimination of the staff of the bodies involved in for equal opportunities and non- Infrastructure and management and control of structural discrimination under EU Funds Development and investment funds, regarding the 2014-2020. the UP Coordination UE legislation and policies to prevent Committee discrimination
290
2. Gender equality legal regulations concerning training of the staff of the bodies involved in management and control of structural and investment funds, regarding the UE legislations and policies with respect to gender equality
3. Disability solutions concerning training of the staff of the bodies involved in management and control of structural and investment funds, regarding the EU and national legislation and policies, as appropriate, with respect to availability and practical application of UNCRPD reflected in the EU and national legislation
7. Statistical and result b) an effective system of indicators, The IP 2c introduced the output 3rd quarter 2015 Institutions indicators including: the establishment of targets indicator: "Percentage of citizens responsible for for these indicators using e-administration (EAC)" – the fulfilling the baseline indicator will be available at criterion: the the Central Statistical Office (GUS) in Central Statistical the 2nd half of 2015 form the study Office, the :Rozszerzenie badania i pozyskanie Ministry of danych na poziomie NTS 2 z zakresu Infrastructure and wykorzystania ITO w gospodarstwach Development, domowych.[The extension of study authorities and aquisition of data on the managing household use of ICT on NUTS2 National and level).. After receiving the data, the Regional ROP MA will estimate the target Operational value of the indicator. After Programmes, estimating the target value, the MA including the MA will submit an application for the ROP modification of the programme in order to enter the missing data and the ultimate fulfillment of the ex-ante condition 7.
Table 26. Actions to be taken to comply with applicable thematic preconditions
Thematic ex-ante Institutions conditionalities binding on responsible for the programme, Criteria not complied with Actions to be taken Deadline compliance with the completely or partially not conditionalities complied with
1.1. Research and A national or regional smart Periodical review of updated RSI 30.11.2015 Board of Małopolska innovation specialisation strategy is in place WM with respect to the description Region that: of measures involved in the course of the process of identifying smart regional specialisations following the entrepreneurial discovery concept
- is based on a SWOT or similar Verification of the SWOT analysis 30.11.2015 Board of Małopolska analysis to concentrate resources within the framework of Innovation Region on a limited set of research and Strategy of the Małopolska Region
291
innovation priorities, to take a fuller account of the diagnostic part results of use and reducing the number of priorities with regard to research and innovation
- outlines measures to stimulate Verification of the logic of RSI 30.11.2015 Board of Małopolska private R&D investment WM interventions to more strongly Region link the priorities with the diagnostic part and the revised SWOT analysis, and to enhance activities to stimulate private R&D investment
- contains a monitoring Laying down the mechanism of 30.11.2015 Board of Małopolska mechanism monitoring and evaluation of the Region region’s smart specialisations, in the manner which will enable the verification of current and identification of new specialiations in which the region is likely to reach a competitive advantage
A framework outlining available Verification of the Innovation 30.11.2015 Board of Małopolska budgetary resources for research Strategy of the Małopolska Region, Region and innovation has been adopted financial framework defining an estimated amount of R&D allocations which may be engaged in the period of the strategy implementation
3.1 Specific measures to - measures have been put in Entry into force of the Act 01.05.2015 Ministry of Justice support the promotion of place with the objective of amending the Acts regulating entrepreneurship, taking reducing the time needed to get conditions for the access to certain into account the "Small licenses and permits to take up professions – 3rd tranche of Business Act" were carried and perform the specific activity deregulation out of an enterprise taking account of the targets of the SBA;
- a mechanism is in place to Implementation of electronic 1.07.2015 Ministry of the monitor the implementation of consultation platform Economy the measures of the SBA which have been put in place and Guidelines for Impact Assessment assess the impact on SMEs. 1.07.2015 Completion of pilot project with respect to SME test 31.12.2015
4.1. Actions have been - measures necessary to Issuance of a decree on the 30.06.2015 Ministry of carried out to promote cost- establish a system of methodology of setting down the Infrastructure and effective improvements of certification of the energy energy characteristics of the Development energy end use efficiency performance of buildings building or a part of the building, and cost-effective consistent with Article 11 of the methods of preparation and investment in energy Directive 2010/31/EU; templates of energy characteristics efficiency when certificates (currently opinions have constructing or renovating been collected under public buildings consultation for the draft decree)
6.1. Water management: - In sectors supported by the Main actions Leading institution:
The existence of ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, a Ministry of the Member State has ensured a 1. Adoption of the New Act – Environment 31.03.2016 a) a water pricing policy contribution of the different Water Law, which provides adequate water uses to the recovery of the 2. Updating water management 31.12.2015 incentives for users to use costs of water services by sector plans for river basin areas in water resources efficiently consistent with the first indent of Poland Article 9(1) of Directive 292
and 2000/60/EC having regard, The compliance with the criterion where appropriate, to the social, along with a detailed action plan, b) an adequate contribution environmental and economic timetable and institutions in charge of the different water uses effects of the recovery as well as were presented in the Self- to the recovery of the costs the geographic and climatic evaluation of compliance with ex of water services at a rate conditions of the region or ante conditionalities. determined in the approved regions affected; river basin management plan for investment supported by the programmes
- the adoption of a river basin Main actions 31.12.2015 Leading institution management plan for the river :National Water 1. Updating of water basin district consistent with Management Board ( management plan in river Article 13 of Directive basin areas in Poland KZGW) 2000/60/EC 2. Submitting a report with Cooperating copies of PGW update to the institution: Ministry European Commission is of the Environment planned in the 1st quarter of 2016. The compliance with the criterion along with a detailed action plan, timetable and institutions in charge were presented in the Self- evaluation of compliance with i ex ante conditionalities...
6.2. Waste management: Criterion 2 Main actions Promoting economically and environmentally Existence of one or more waste 1. Regional Board obliged to 31.03.2015 Parliament sustainable investments in management plans that comply draw up investment plans, the waste sector particularly with the requirements of Article 2. Issuance of a decree that lays through the development of 28 of Directive 2008/98/EC; down the method and form of waste management plans Regional Waste Management 31.12.2014 consistent with Directive Plan (WPGO) preparation
2008/98/EC, and with the 3. Updating of the National waste hierarchy waste Management Plan (KPGO) 31.12.2015 Ministry of the Environment 4. Updating of WPGO and 31.12.2016 developing investment plans
Ministry of the The compliance with the criterion Environment/Council along with a detailed action plan, of Ministers timetable and institutions in charge were presented in the Self- Marshals of Regions evaluation of compliance with i ex ante conditionalities.. Regional Assemblies
Criterion 4 Main actions
Measures to attain the objectives 1. Amendment to the Act of 13 31.12.2014 Parliament for the year 2020with regard to September 1996 on the the preparation for reuse and obligation to keep the municipalities clean and in recycling, pursuant to Article 11 good order (2) of Directive 2008/98/EC. 2. A decree on the obligation of selective collection of certain municipal waste and detailed 2nd quarter 2015 Ministry of the method of selective collection Environment of selected waste fractions 3. Issuance of the Council of Ministers’ decree on charge Ministry of the for the use of the 31.12.2015 Environment environment(…) 293
4. Passing a new Act on used 31.03.2015 Parliament electric and electronic equipment 5. Issuance of a decree concerning model reports on 31.12.2015 Ministry of the collected municipal waste […] 6. Issuance of a decree Environment concerning the audit pursuant to Article . 51 the Act of 13 Ministry of the June 2013 on packaging 31.12.2015 Environment management […]
The compliance with the criterion
along with a detailed action plan, timetable and institutions in charge were presented in the Self- evaluation of compliance with ex ante conditionalities.
7.1 Transport: The Criterion 1 Main actions existence of a comprehensive plan or Existence of a comprehensive Collecting and analysis of input 31.03.2015 Board of Małopolska plans or comprehensive plan or plans or frameworks as materials and identifying the scope Region frameworks for transport regards transportation of works necessary adapt PS TiK investment, which meet the legal investment in accordance to the requirements of ex-ante requirements regarding the with the Member States' conditionality strategic environmental impact institutional set-up assessment, Board of Małopolska (including public transport Adaptation of the draft regional 31.08.2015 Region at regional and local level) Criterion 2 transport plan (PS TiK) to the requirements of ex-ante which supports infrastructure development Existence of a comprehensive conditionality (conditions 7.1 and plan or plans or frameworks as 7.2) and improves connectivity to the TEN-T regards transportation investment defining the Adoption of the regional transport comprehensive and core 30.09.205 Board of Małopolska contribution into the European plan by the Board of Małopolska networks. Region unified area of transport in Region (PS TiK) accordance with art. 10 of the Regulation (EU) of the European Parliament and of the Council no. 1315/2013 including investment priorities for
the basic and comprehensive TEN- T network, where investment is envisaged under the ERDF and Cohesion Fund and secondary connectivity.
Criterion 3
Existence of a comprehensive plan or plans or frameworks as regards transportation investment, defining identification of the proper number of realistic and advanced projects which are to be supported from the ERDF and Cohesion Fund;
Criterion 4
Existence of a comprehensive
294
plan or plans or frameworks as regards transportation investment, defining actions aimed at ensuring Intermediate Bodies’ and beneficiaries’ capacities to implement projects
7.2. Railway: The existence Criterion 1 Main actions within the comprehensive transport plan or plans or Existence of a comprehensive Collecting and analysing input 31.03.2015 Board of Małopolska comprehensive frameworks plan or plans or frameworks as materials and identifying the scope Region of a specific section on regards railway development, of works necessary adapt PS TiK which meet the legal railway development in to the requirements of ex-ante requirements regarding the accordance with the conditionality strategic environmental impact Member States' institutional assessment, Board of Małopolska set-up (including Adaptation of the draft regional 31.08.2015 Region concerning public transport Criterion 2 transport plan (PS TiK) to the requirements of ex-ante at regional and local level) which supports Existence in a comprehensive conditionality (conditions 7.1 and plan or plans or frameworks as 7.2) infrastructure development and improves connectivity regards transport of a part concerning railway Adoption of the regional transport to the TEN-T 30.09.2015 Board of Małopolska development, identifying an plan by the Board of the comprehensive and core Region networks. The investments adequate number of feasible Małopolska Region (PS TiK) cover mobile assets, projects whose preparation is interoperability and well advanced (including capacity-building timetable and budget)
Criterion 3
Existence of a comprehensive plan or plans or frameworks as regards transportation investment, defining actions aimed at ensuring Intermediate Bodies’ and beneficiaries’ capacities to implement projects
8.4 Active and healthy 2 A Member State prepares The Action plan for the preparation 30.06./2015 The Ministry of Health aging: A policy was measures to promote active of the document: the Policy Paper developed on active aging aging. for the area of health care in Poland in the light of the guidelines for the years 2014-2020. The for employment. National Strategic Framework.
- Supplementing the Policy Paper for the protection of health for the period 2014-2020. The National Strategic Framework. The document will be reviewed in the context of the comments made by the European Commission at a meeting on 16 October 2014. Date: 31.02.2015.
- Adoption of the Policy Paper by the competent authorities at the national level, Date: 06.30.2015.
Description of meeting the criterion, together with a detailed action plan and a schedule, and those responsible have been presented in the Self-Assessment fulfillment of ex-ante evaluation
295
annexed to the programme.
9.3 Health: The existence of 1) The national or regional The condition is considered 31.12.2016 The Ministry of Health national or regional strategic framework for health completed when the following strategic framework for policies are in place, they criteria are met: health policy to the extent include: specified in Art. 168 TFEU, to ensure economic stability
9.3 Health: The existence of 2) coordinated actions aimed at The Action plan for the preparation 30.06.2015 The Ministry of Health national or regional improving access to health of the document: the Policy Paper strategic framework for services; for the area of health care in Poland health policy to the extent for the years 2014-2020. The specified in Art. 168 TFEU, National Strategic Framework. to ensure economic stability - Supplementing the Policy Paper for the protection of health for the period 2014-2020. The National Strategic Framework. The document will be reviewed in the context of the comments made by the European Commission at a meeting on 16 October 2014. Date: 31.02.2015.
- Adoption of Policy Paper by the competent authorities at national, Date: 06.30.2015.
Description of meeting the criterion, together with a detailed action plan and timetable, and those responsible have been presented in the Self-Assessment fulfilment of ex-ante evaluation annexed to the program.
9.3 Health: The existence of 3) measures aimed at stimulating The Action plan refers to maps of 31.12.2016 The Ministry of Health national or regional efficiency in the health care health needs strategic framework for sector by introducing service health policy to the extent delivery models and - Drawing up "maps of needs" in specified in Art. 168 TFEU, infrastructure; the field of oncology and to ensure economic stability cardiology, describing elements of the system at the hospitals. Date: 12.31.2015
- Creating "maps of needs" for other diseases at hospitals. Date: 31.12.2016
Description of meeting the criterion, together with a detailed action plan and a schedule, and those responsible have been presented in the Self-Assessment fulfilment of ex-ante evaluation annexed to the program.
9.3 Health: The existence of 4) monitoring and review system The Action plan for the preparation 30.06.2015 The Ministry of Health national or regional of the document: Policy Paper for strategic framework for the area of health care in Poland for health policy to the extent the years 2014-2020. The National specified in Art. 168 TFEU, Strategic Framework. to ensure economic stability - Supplementing the Policy Paper 296
for the protection of health for the period 2014-2020. The National Strategic Framework. The document will be reviewed in the context of the comments made by the European Commission at a meeting on 16 October 2014. Date: 31.02.2015.
- Adoption of the Policy Paper by the competent authorities at the national level, Date: 06.30.2015.
Description of meeting the criterion, together with a detailed action plan and a schedule, and those responsible have been presented in the Self-Assessment fulfilment of ex-ante evaluation annexed to the program.
9.3 Health: The existence of 5) The Member State or a region The Action plan for the preparation 30.06.2015 national or regional adopted a framework for the of the document: Policy Paper for strategic framework for estimated budget available for the area of health care in Poland for health policy to the extent health care and cost- effective the years 2014-2020. The National specified in Art. 168 TFEU, concentration of resources Strategic Framework. to ensure economic stability allocated to the priority health care needs. - Supplementing the Policy Paper for the protection of health for the period 2014-2020. The National Strategic Framework. The document will be reviewed in the context of the comments made by the European Commission at a meeting on 16 October 2014. Date: 31.02.2015.
- Adoption of the Policy Paper by the competent authorities at the national level, Date: 06.30.2015.
Description of meeting the criterion, together with a detailed action plan and a schedule, and those responsible have been presented in the Self-Assessment fulfilment of ex-ante evaluation annexed to the program.
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10. REDUCTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN FOR BENEFICIARIES Institutions responsible in Poland for implementing cohesion policy will continue in the financial perspective 2014-2020 action aimed at introducing as broad as possible a catalogue of simplifications for beneficiaries of EU funding, in accordance with the Section 2.6 of the Partnership Agreement. The simplifications include not only simplifications following from or being a consequence of EU regulations, but also simplifications in areas subject to national regulation. In accordance with the national recommendations, while developing a programme, the relevant institutions involved in its preparation were obliged to include in the programme a synthetic assessment of the most important administrative responsibilities on the part of beneficiaries concerning the programme’s implementation, and to quote their source. The simplifications in implementing cohesion policy funds in 2014-2020 which do not follow directly from the planned EU regulations include in particular: a) greater decentralisation of the implementation system through increasing the share of regional programmes in the general allocation, b) introducing into the programmes integrated support mechanisms, whose implementation will be entrusted to municipalities, c) flexible forms of project financing with a comprehensive down-payment system, d) ensuring broader thematic access to reverse support, e) ensuring easy access for potential beneficiaries to exhaustive information through a comprehensive network of points of information for individual funds. The following simplifications which result from the opportunities introduced by the framework regulation have been implemented in Poland: a) as regards projects that generate revenue – a possibly broad application of flat rates, including a reduction in the level of financing under a priority axis upon consideration of profitability of projects implemented under the axis, b) a possibly broad application of flat rate financing of programmes. Notably, the aforesaid simplifications have been introduced as early as at the stage of programming the support. On the other hand, action will be taken on a need-basis to eliminate sources of problems as regards all other problem issues identified in the course of programme implementation (following the example of the previous financial perspectives). At the regional level, the following sources of administrative burden for beneficiaries were identified in 2007-2013: a) elongated project implementation path; lengthy procedures at individual stages of implementation; b) the number and sizes of the required appendices; c) the number and sizes of the required paper documentation at individual stages of implementation; d) the number and sizes of correspondence; 298
e) frequent changes in the applicable procedures/guidelines. Regular action taken to reduce the aforesaid burden involved: a) improving information tools supporting implementation (applications for communication with the beneficiaries), and enabling electronic correspondence (the ePUAP profile, electronic signature verified with a valid qualified certificate); b) applying the mechanism for flexible personnel movement within the programme lifecycle to enable smooth course of procedures in peak periods, and prompt reaction to delays at individual stages of implementation; c) organizing the work of consultation points to make it possible for the consultants to use the support of professional staff; d) substituting official certificates with beneficiary declarations (e.g. concerning environmental fee clearance); e) flexible forms of financing projects with complex down-payment systems. The following guidelines adopted at the stage of designing the ROP institutional system will contribute to a reduction of administrative burden at the regional level in the 2014 - 2020 financial perspective: using personnel and organizational resources and expertise acquired in 2007-2013 – relying on the existing structures/units which are identified with the implementation of the EU funding; flattening the institutional structure – no intermediary body/bodies are envisaged in the institutional system; in the institutional system tasks will be vested directly in the 2nd level intermediary body/bodies (implementing institution(s)). At the same time, as a result of settlements at the national level and vesting the spending certification function in institutions managing the regional operational programmes, no intermediary bodies for certification purposes will be created. A smaller number of institutions within the system makes it more transparent and efficient from the beneficiary’s point of view (smoother procedures at particular stages of project implementation). In addition, the following action has been envisaged to reduce administrative burden, based on the experience acquired under the 2007-2013 perspective: a) informatization of relations with the beneficiaries – a systematic development and improvement of informatics tools to support the implementation (e.g. applications for communication with the beneficiaries), and greater number of documents/matters submitted/dealt with electronically, b) informatization of relations among institutions and inside institutions, developing internal databases to ensure that all information already possessed by an institution are used in providing services to beneficiaries, leading to a possible reduction in the number of documents required from beneficiaries – no need to multiply data already possessed by institutions, c) further use of a flexible personnel movement mechanism within a programme’s lifecycle ensuring both smooth procedures in peak periods and prompt reply to any delays at particular stages of implementation, as well as the use of experience of those employees who know projects from their previous stages of implementation,
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d) continuation of the flexible approach to project selection procedures developed in 2007-2013 – applying procedures adapted to particular types of projects and specific features of beneficiaries, e.g. continuous submission of applications, revitalisation/health resort projects, in the case of areas showing a high supply of projects, preselection of projects is envisaged, separate modes for ITIs is and sub-regional projects etc., including the use of the mechanism for negotiation with the beneficiary at the stage of assessment, The modes will respect the principles of transparency and equal treatment of beneficiaries. e) ensuring (through a comprehensive development of system solutions and using the experience acquired in the present perspective) stability of the implementation system in its first years – reducing the number of changes introduced in the guidelines/procedures over the period concerned, f) as regards access to information – organizing points of information, where consultants may use the support of professional staff – whereby beneficiaries can obtain more detailed and specific information, g) supporting the development of strategic projects which are key to the programme because of their cost- or time-consumption demands (counselling and the development of documentation) at an early stage of the programme, h) continued substitution of official certificates with beneficiary declarations.
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11. HORIZONTAL PRINCIPLES
11.1. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT The principle of sustainable development in its social, spatial, economic and environmental dimensions means that the social and economic development must not be in conflict with the interests of the environment protection and spatial order. Thus action envisaged in projects must take into consideration the needs of future generations, therefore it must not breach the environmental and spatial balance. All action will be implemented taking into consideration the need to ensure biodiversity, sustainable approach to the use of natural resources, restoring and sustaining spatial order, and the requirements of protection of naturally valuable areas, including their integrity and coherence. In consequence, environmental protection and spatial order will be recognised as the key principles for the programme’s implementation. The spatial dimension of the sustainable development principle will be implemented by respecting the following principles: stopping spontaneous urban sprawl, preventing dispersed development and spatial chaos to increase as far as possible, shaping resident-friendly public spaces which foster low-carbon approach spatial policy taking into account adaptation to climate change; strong traffic generators to be located in areas served by highly efficient municipal transport preferring brown-field re-use and in-fills rather than expansion on undeveloped areas (brown- field taking priority over green-field) caring for aesthetic aspects of projects which should be adjusted to the environment respecting the natural, cultural and social context ensuring wide public participation in the spatial planning processes and investment project preparation. The principle of sustainable development is the key principle taken into consideration by the Małopolska Region while developing its strategic and operational documents. In the draft programme, the principle of sustainable development has been reflected in particular in the following priority axes: Priority axis 4. Regional energy policy, as regards the development of low-carbon economy and meeting the requirements of the climate and energy package, as well as meeting the requirements of the relevant EU directives. Subject to the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council, after 31 December 2018, energy consumption in public buildings should be near zero. As regards new buildings that are not owned by public authorities, the requirement should be met by 31 December 2020. Where possible, the energy performance requirements should be met also when overhauling and modernizing buildings or their parts.63 Therefore, all new buildings erected with the use of the ROP funds will be required to meet high energy performance standards.
63 Directive 2010/31/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 May 2010 on the energy performance of buildings
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Priority axis 5. Environmental protection, as regards the requirements of environmental protection, resilience to disasters, as well as risk prevention and management. Here, priority will be given to action following from Poland’s – and therefore its regions’ – obligations towards EU. The areas include intervention aimed at investment in water management and waste management that implement the requirements resulting from EU directives. Priority axis 6. Regional heritage, as regards maintenance and protection of biodiversity, with a parallel balanced use of local natural resources for the development of the leisure time industry. Priority axis 11, Revitalisation of regional space, as regards actions to improve social and territorial cohesion, including comprehensive social, physical, economic and spatial revitalisation based on revitalisation programmes. Notably, the principle of sustainable development is horizontal in nature, therefore in the aforesaid priority axes it will be implemented with particular emphasis; it will also be taken into consideration in all priority axes within the programme This is why the sustainable development principle, including the spatial dimension, will be adequately taken into account in the principles and criteria for selection of projects under individual priority axes. By this, the enforcement of the said principle will be a formal requirement which will be subject to obligatory verification in the process or selection and implementation of initiatives, with particular emphasis put on infrastructural projects. In the event that assistance from the Funds is granted to large enterprises, the Managing Authority will make sure that the financial contribution from the Funds does not result in a significant loss of jobs in the existing locations within the European Union. In the case of activities that are potentially financially viable, possible use of financial instruments will be considered by the MA. Each time, the decision to make use of the mechanism of financial instruments will be preceded by an ex-ante evaluation, in accordance with Article 37 of the General Regulation.
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11.2. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND NON-DISCRIMINATION In order to offer equal opportunities to all groups, in particular those at risk of discrimination64 because of such factors as gender, race, ethnic origin, religion, disability, age or sexual orientation, specific action has been envisaged at the stages of preparation and implementation of the programme. Groups particularly at risk of discrimination in areas subject to the programme’s intervention include: women older people (above 50 years of age) people with disabilities people with low social status (at risk of poverty) The principle of equal opportunities will be implemented taking into consideration the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by Poland in September 2012, in particular as regards the identification and elimination of obstacles and barriers to the general accessibility in areas subject to the regional programme’s intervention. Action envisaged here takes account of the fact that discrimination and unequal treatment may occur because of a simultaneous occurrence of more than one premise (multiple or cross discrimination). This means that there may be particular groups at risk of discrimination e.g. in the area of education – young women of Roma origin (discrimination on account of gender, age and ethnic origin) or older homeless men (discrimination on account of age, social status and gender), or disabled women (discrimination on account of gender and disability), whose situation will call for specific action. Striving at ensuring equal opportunities and preventing discrimination is a matter of social justice and responsibility of groups that are in more favourable situations for helping those whose access to goods and services is, for some reason, restricted. At the stage of the programme implementation, the principle of equal opportunity and non- discrimination will be taken into account in the process of project selection, in particular it the criteria adopted while selecting projects that take account of the needs of specific groups. Implementation of action in respect of ensuring equal opportunities and initiating action preventing discrimination will be supervised by the programme’s Monitoring Committee, which will consist of members who deal with such issues. At the same time, the monitoring and evaluation process will involve collection of information regarding action taken for the benefit of people from groups at risk of discrimination. The analysis of data obtained from the monitoring and recommendations resulting from evaluation studies concerning the implementation of horizontal principles will be taken into accounts in envisaged competitions, in particular by formulating relevant criteria of project selection with active participation of the Monitoring Committee. The project evaluation process will involve verifying whether the project concerned meets the principle of equal opportunities.
64 Discrimination – unequal, worse treatment of a person based on the person’s belonging to a group differentiated on the basis of a single feature, which derives from the existing stereotypes and prejudice. Discrimination means improper, selective, unfair, unfounded and unjust treatment of individuals because of their group membership. The causes (premises) for discrimination may involve both inborn features which are out of our control and which refer strictly to our identity, and acquired features, including those of our choice. The primary elements of our identity, i.e. those that are not selected and that are very difficult or impossible to change, such as gender, age, the colour of skin, level of ability, national and ethnic origin, psychosexual orientation, are the so called legally protected features that the provisions of anti-discriminatory law refer to most often (...) (Małgorzata Jonczy-Adamska, The Anti-Discrimination Education Association (TEA), http://rownosc.info/rownosc.php/dictionary/item/id/266).
Promotion and information action will be taken subject to the principle of equal opportunities and non- discrimination; action will be addressed to various groups, taking into consideration their needs, e.g. the needs of people with disabilities. At the same time, effort will be made to ensure that the relevant message does not copy the stereotypical convictions concerning groups at risk of discrimination. The programme’s beneficiaries will be obligated to take similar steps as regards project promotion. The Managing Authority will develop materials for beneficiaries with suggestions and advice in respect of equal opportunities and preparing projects that take account of the point of view and the needs of various groups, and that do not contribute to the occurrence of discrimination. Specific action taken to ensure equal opportunities within the programme: action for the benefit of people with disabilities and older people as regards their access to social and healthcare services, e.g. support for entities that offer day care and creating places for temporary stay, support to prolong vocational activity, taking into consideration the issue of accessibility of infrastructures within newly-erected, extended or modernized facilities for people with disabilities.
11.3. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES Regulation on the European Social Fund identifies the following particular challenges in respect of equal opportunities for men and women: 1. increasing sustainable participation of women in employment and their career development 2. reducing segregation on the labour market 3. fighting stereotypes regarding gender in the area of education and training 4. propagating reconciliation between family and work among men and women. Action aimed at ensuring gender equality will very often be aimed at the improvement of the situation of women, because women – as a group – are often in a less favourable situation on the labour market. However, it must be borne in mind that the benefits of limiting discrimination on account of gender open opportunities both for women and men to choose their careers, as well as develop in their private/family lives, without restrictions resulting from gender stereotypes. At the same time, using the full potential of women is rational, given the fact that women are better educated than men (statistically more women than men have academic education), and therefore public funds spent for their education are higher. And higher vocational activity of women means higher revenue to the state budget by way of taxes. Specific action taken to ensure equal opportunities within the programme: Health is the area where the situation and needs of men should be taken into account when granting support. On the other hand, both women and men should be supported as regards the issues of reconciliation of family and work, with particular support for men in their roles as fathers, and encouraging greater participation in their care over children. As regards labour market, action will be taken to support women in their professional careers and entering or re-entering the labour market after childbirth or periods of child upbringing. At the same time, beneficiaries will be encouraged to provide counselling, training and courses to give women and men vocational qualifications and skills corresponding to the needs of the regional labour market without copying stereotypic convictions as regards women’s and men’s capabilities
and predispositions to perform certain jobs. As far as projects addressed to women are concerned, particular emphasis will be put on strengthening their self-esteem and belief in their competencies as key factors to their successful functioning of the labour market. As regards social inclusion and preventing social exclusion, emphasis will be put on issues in respect of the risk of poverty which refers more to women than men, and on the greater rate of unemployment, and more importantly – lower rate of employment among women; emphasis will be put on support in respect of age groups. Like in the case of the principle of equal opportunities and non-discrimination, the mechanism to ensure equal opportunities for men and women at the stage of programme implementation will involve application of adequate project selection criteria. The role of the Monitoring Committee in respect of ensuring equal opportunities for various groups, including men and women, has been described in the foregoing section. Institutions involved in programme implementation will assign officers who will act as experts in this regard, and who will cooperate with one another in order to ensure cohesion at the programme level in their approach to the issue of equality of men and women. At the same time, the Managing Authority will provide its cooperation through a working group assigned by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development. The members of the group will also be responsible for disseminating knowledge as regards gender equality among people involved in the programme implementation. All the indicators regarding individuals will be monitored on account of gender, and additionally there will be evaluative research into the issue of equality, which will contribute to a better insight into the situation of men and women in various areas, and which will enhance a more precise programming of support. Beneficiaries will be obligated to verify action declared in the relevant projects in terms of ensuring equal opportunities for men and women. Promotion and information action as regards equal opportunities and non-discrimination has been described in the foregoing section.
12.DISTINCT ELEMENTS
12.1 MAJOR PROJECTS PLANNED TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN 2014-2020
Table 27. List of major projects
Planned date of notification/submission Planned Planned closing of a major project starting date of date of Investment Priority Project application to the implementation implementation Priority Axis/ Commission (year, quarter) (year, quarter) (year, quarter)
Providing equipment for QI/2015 Q2/2015 Q2/2020 9a Investing in 12. Social the new building of the health and infrastructure University Hospital social Kraków-Prokocim infrastructure which contributes to national, regional and local development, reducing inequalities in terms of health and the transition from institutional to community- based services
12.2 OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK
Table 28. Performance framework by fund and category of region (summary table)
Target value Indicator or the key Measurement Intermedia Region (2023) PA Fund stage of unit, where te target category implementation appropriate for 2018 M W T (1) Number of less 1 ERDF enterprises receiving enterprises 104 - - 719 developed support The total amount of less 1 ERDF certified eligible EUR 62 960 656 - - 294 139 233 developed expenditure The number of offices that have implemented a less catalog of 2 ERDF item 4 - - 49 developed recommendations concerning digital promotion The total amount of less 2 ERDF certified eligible EUR 33 388 226 - - 164 705 883 developed expenditure
(1) Number of less 3 ERDF enterprises receiving enterprises 160 - - 1432 developed support The total amount of less 3 ERDF certified eligible EUR 51 513 264 - - 282 352 942 developed expenditure OI1: The number of less units of thermal energy 4 ERDF item 0 - - 670 developed production from renewable sources KIS OI1: The estimated less value of the output 4 ERDF item 382 - - n/a developed indicator based on signed grant agreements OI2: The number of less units of thermal energy 4 ERDF item 0 - - 1 330 developed production from renewable sources KIS OI2: The estimated less value of the output 4 ERDF item 758 - - n/d developed indicator based on signed grant agreements Number of buildings less 4 ERDF with a better class of item 9 - - 48 developed energy consumption OI4: Number of less 4 ERDF modernized heat item 0 - - 26 600 developed sources KIS OI4: The estimated less value of the output 4 ERDF item 6 000 - - n/a developed indicator based on signed grant agreements Length of constructed / less 4 ERDF reconstructed power km 115 - - 460 developed grids The total amount of less 4 ERDF certified eligible EUR 85 855 439 - - 494 117 648 developed expenditure OI1: Number of less supported municipal 5 ERDF item 0 - - 12 developed wastewater treatment plants KIS OI1: The estimated less value of the output 5 ERDF item 5 - - n/d developed indicator based on signed grant agreements OI2: The length of the less 5 ERDF sewer system km 0 - - 480 developed KIS OI2: The estimated less value of the output 5 ERDF item 206 - - n/a developed indicator based on signed grant agreements OI3: Number of less supported Municipal 5 ERDF item 0 - - 110 developed Waste Selective Collection Points KIS OI3: The estimated less value of the output 5 ERDF item 55 - - n/a developed indicator based on signed grant agreements The total amount of less 5 ERDF certified eligible EUR 38 157 973 - - 162 352 942 developed expenditure
The number of less 6 ERDF supported immovable item 4 - - 28 developed monuments Number of supported less 6 ERDF tourism and recreation item 24 - - 87 developed facilities The total amount of less 6 ERDF certified eligible EUR 46 743 517 - - 198 905 132 developed expenditure The total length of new less roads and those 7 ERDF km 37 - - 274 developed reconstructed or upgraded The total amount of less 7 ERDF certified eligible EUR 70 592 250 - - 459 411 765 developed expenditure The total amount of less 8 EFS certified eligible EUR 77 208 901 - - 318 546 057 developed expenditure The number of less unemployed persons 8 EFS person 14 300 16 136 24 204 40 340 developed (including the long-term unemployed) The number of less economically inactive 8 EFS person 1 020 1 152 1 728 2 880 developed people supported under the program The number of unemployed persons less 8 EFS who received non- person 560 - - 2 960 developed repayable funds for starting a business The total amount of less 9 EFS certified eligible EUR 44 528 291 - - 272 941 177 developed expenditure The number of people at risk of poverty or less 9 EFS social exclusion person 4 190 - - 23 900 developed supported under the programme The number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion less 9 EFS covered by social person 3 960 - - 22 600 developed services rendered in the public interest in the programme The total amount of less 10 EFS certified eligible EUR 42 627 657 - - 241 094 869 developed expenditure The number of students receiving support in the less 10 EFS development of key person 11 296 - - 54 000 developed competencies in the program The number of entities performing actions of less the center of vocational 10 EFS person 4 - - 25 developed and continuing education covered by the programme less OI1: The areas covered 11 ERDF ha 0 - - 370 developed by revitalization
KIS OI1: The estimated less value of the output 11 ERDF ha 70 - - n/a developed indicator based on signed grant agreements The total amount of less 11 ERDF certified eligible EUR 19 078 987 - - 200 000 000 developed expenditure OI1: Number of less 12 ERDF supported therapeutic item 0 - - 24 developed entities KIS OI1: The estimated less value of the output 12 ERDF item 5 - - n/a developed indicator based on signed grant agreements The total amount of less 12 ERDF certified eligible EUR 33 388 226 - - 177 647 059 developed expenditure
12.3 THE RELEVANT PARTNERS INVOLVED IN THE PROGRAMME PREPARATION
1. List of entities and partners involved in the works of the Working Group for the Regional Operational Programme for 2014-2020:
Local government: The Board of the Małopolska Region, Marshal’s Office of the Małopolska Region, Małopolskie Centre of Entrepreneurship, Regional Centre for Social Policy, Regional Labour Office in Kraków, Regional Roads Authority in Kraków, Małopolska Board for Drainage, Irrigation and Water Infrastructure Facilities in Kraków, Małopolska Region Landscape Parks, Regional Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Kraków
Central government and state-owned budgetary units: Ministry of Infrastructure and Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection in Kraków, State Fire Service, Police, District Inspectorate of Prison Service in Kraków, Regional Headquarters of Voluntary Labour Corps in Kraków.
Key social and business partners in the region: Małopolska Regional Development Agency, Kraków Technology Park, Małopolska Energy and Environment Agency, Małopolska Tourism Organisation, Małopolska Public Benefit Council,
TAURON Polska Energia, “Polish Green Network” Union of Associations, Regional Board of NSZZ “Solidarność”. Małopolska Regional Board of OPZZ.
External experts: Professor Jarosław Górniak, Centre for Evaluation and Analysis of Public Policies of the Jagiellonian University, Professor Aleksander Noworól, The Institute of Public Affairs of the Jagiellonian University.
2. List of persons and entities consulting draft regional operational programmes during special meetings: Members of Parliament and Senators from Małopolska, Regional Assembly of the Małopolska Region, Forum of Presidents of Małopolska’s Municipal and County Councils, Forum of Voits, Mayors and Presidents in Małopolska, Forum of Secretaries of Local Governments in Southern Poland, Joint Committee of Local and Economic Self-Governments of Małopolska Małopolska Public Benefit Council, Ministry of Administration and Digitisation, Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Regional Committee for Social Dialogue, Małopolska Regional Historic Monuments Conservator, Forum of the Kraków Metropolitan Area, Forum of Western Małopolska, Forum of Tarnów Subregion, Forum of Nowy Sącz Subregion, Forum of Podhale Subregion, Kraków County, Tarnów County, Nowy Sącz County, Gorlice County, Limanowa County, Municipality of Tarnów.
3. List of entities involved in the consultations as members of the ITI association: Municipality of Kraków, Municipality of Biskupice, Municipality of Czernichów, Municipality of Igołomia-Wawrzeńczyce, Municipality of Kocmyrzów-Luborzyca, Municipality of Liszki, Municipality of Michałowice, Municipality of Mogilany, Municipality of NieNiepołomice,
Municipality of Skawina, Municipality of Świątniki Górne, Municipality of Wieliczka, Municipality of Wielka Wieś, Municipality of Zabierzów, Municipality of Zielonki.
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ASC - Ambulatory specialist care BGK - Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego CEF - Connecting Europe Facility COSME – Framework programme for Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises TO – Thematic objective
LTNDS – Long-Term National Development Strategy - Poland 2030
ERDF – European Regional Development Fund EGF - European Globalisation Adjustment Fund EMFF - European Maritime and Fisheries Fund EAFRD – European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development ESF – European Social Fund Erasmus+ - EU programme for education, training, youth and sport
Europa 2020 - Strategy for a smart and sustainable growth fostering social inclusion
IB – Intermediate Body IA – Implementing Authority MA – Managing Authority MC - Monitoring Committee KMA - Krakow Metropolitan Area MFA - Municipal Functional Area NAP – National Action Plan NPMWT – National Programme of Municipal Wastewater Treatment NPPPSE – National Programme on Preventing Poverty and Social Exclusion 2020 NRP – National Reform Programme NPDSE – National Programme for a Development of Social Economy NSDC – National Spatial Development Concept 2030 NRDS – National Regional Development Strategy 2010-2020: Regions, Towns and Cities, Rural Areas
LAG- Local Action Group LLL – Life Long Learning
MAD – Ministry of Administration and Digitisation MID – Ministry of Infrastructure and Development ROP – Regional Operational Programme for Małopolska Region for 2014-2020 SME – micro, small and medium-sized enterprises
NCRD – National Centre for Research and Development NCN – National Science Centre NER 300 – New Entrants' Reserve
EIA – environmental impact assessment PA – priority axis SESC - Social Economy Support Centres ASI – area of strategic intervention RES – renewable energy sources
IP - Investment Priority
PL-SK - Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Poland - Slovak Republic 2014-2020 MR ROP - Małopolska Region Operational Programme 2014-2020 OPI & E - Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment 2014-2020 OPDP - Digital Poland Operational Programme 2014-2020 OPKED – Operational Programme Knowledge Education Development 2014-2020 RADP - Rural Areas Development Programme 2014-2020 PSCI - Programme for Social Change and Innovation 2014-2020 PUP - Local Labour Offices INCP – Integrated National Computerisation Programme PPL – Public Procurement Law
RTO - Regional territorial observatory ROP – Regional Operational Programme RISMR – Regional Innovation Strategy for the Małopolska Region
SESE – Strategy for Energy Security and Environment SIEE - Strategy for Innovation and Efficiency of the Economy “Dynamic Poland 2020” SAP – Strategic Adaptation Plan for Sectors and Areas Sensitive to Climate Change Until 2020 SDP – Sub-regional Development Programme NDS - National Development Strategy 2020 HCDS - Human Capital Development Strategy 2020 SCDS – Social Capital Development Strategy 2020 TDS – Transport Development Strategy Until 2020 (with a perspective until 2030) TDSMR - Transport Development Strategy in the Małopolska Region 2010-2030 MRDS - Małopolska Region Development Strategy for 2011-2020 EUSBSR - European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region
PA – Partnership Agreement PPO – Public Procurement Office
RFEPWM – Regional Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management
ITI – integrated territorial investment
1. EX-ANTE CONDITIONALITIES’ FULFILLMENT STATUS
2. REPORT ON THE EX-ANTE EVALUATION ALONG WITH A SUMMARY
3 OPINION OF THE GOVERNMENT PLENIPOTENTIARY FOR EQUAL TREATMENT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF HORIZONTAL PRINCIPLES UNDER THE PROGRAMME
4 SUMMARY OF THE OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME
5 DIAGNOSIS AND SWOT ANALYSIS
6 INTEGRATED TERRITORIAL APPROACH – AREAS OF STRATEGIC INTERVENTION