The Committee of the Regions and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union 01 All set for an ambitious presidency p. 3

02 Strong regions mean a competitive Europe p. 4 The Polish presidency, the Committee of the Regions 03 and the future of cohesion p. 6

Cohesion policy: a European policy that promotes 04 development p. 8

05 Why a Committee of the Regions? p. 10

06 The Polish CoR members at work p. 13 The Polish delegation to the Committee 07 of the Regions p. 18

08 Administrative Division of Poland p. 20

09 Cohesion policy works p. 21

10 OPEN DAYS - Seventeen local events in Poland p. 38

11 Calendar of events p. 39

12 Contact p. 41 01 All set for an ambitious presidency

For the fi rst time in its history – and for the fi rst time in the history of the European Union Mercedes Bresso – Poland will be taking the helm of the six-month rotating presidency of the Council of President of the Committee the European Union. It will also be carrying out this role for the fi rst time within the new of the Regions structure put in place by the Lisbon Treaty. 184 days – that is how long Poland has been given to negotiate and fi nd a solution to the problems that lie at the heart of political debate in the European Union today. Poland has 4416 hours or 264 960 minutes to make its mark as a modern, creative and dynamic country. The challenge is on! Among the key items on the EU’s agenda – the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, the future EU budget and major reforms of such areas as cohesion policy and the CAP.

Poland has ambitious plans for its presidency: it has also included on its agenda such items as strengthening the single market, the EU’s neighbourhood policy and the Eastern Partnership in particular, the EU’s external energy policy as well as environmental protection. Local and regional authorities will naturally be closely following the progress of the negotiations on strategic issues relating to the future of cohesion policy and the draft regulations on cohesion policy beyond 2013. Indeed, Poland has proven itself to be an exemplary Member State as regards its use of structural funds. It has managed 3 to successfully demonstrate how the largest benefi ciary of EU funds has been able to (virtually) avoid the effects of the crisis thanks to the resources provided by cohesion policy and through intelligent governance at national level. The fact is that it is Poland’s citizens who have gained the most from the added value provided by cohesion policy. I have little doubt that the example of Poland will be useful for other players on the European arena who are actively searching for new sources of economic growth in Europe.

The Polish presidency will also include a review of the Baltic Sea Strategy. This will provide the Committee of the Regions with an ideal opportunity to stress the important role of the regions in the implementation of macro-regional strategies and, accordingly, the importance of territorial cooperation instruments such as the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC).

And while Poland has its ambitions, the same is true for the Committee of the Regions, which will do all it can to make sure that the voice of the local and regional authorities is heard during all the political debates, which will already start getting underway in the second half of 2011. 02 Strong regions mean a competitive Europe

As the largest benefi ciary of cohesion policy, Poland is aware of its responsibility for shaping the debate on the policy’s future. The Polish presidency of the Council which begins in July is therefore an ideal time to actually start the negotiations on the future EU budget. We are fully prepared to take up this challenge.

The implementation of cohesion policy in Poland has been a success story. Partly thanks to this policy, in the few years that have elapsed since Poland joined the EU, per capita national income has risen from 45% of the EU average to 60%. Poland was the only EU country to avoid recession in 2009 and this was in large part due to the Donald Tusk effective implementation of the cohesion Prime Minister of the policy. Republic of Poland Cohesion policy ensures that participation in the internal market benefi ts all EU regions. In such diffi cult and uncertain times Europe needs solidarity, not egoism. For obvious reasons, the word “solidarity” occupies a special place in the hearts of the Polish people. With Polish membership of the EU, solidarity took on an additional European dimension. I am convinced that against the backdrop of the new economic and social challenges facing the EU, the principle of solidarity should also be understood as intergenerational solidarity. Decisions on the future of the EU budget’s fi nancial policies, including cohesion policy, will have a considerable impact on the quality of life of future generations and the competitiveness of the EU economy far beyond the lifetime of the Europe 2020 strategy.

It is worth pointing out here that the projects being carried out as part of the cohesion policy are perfectly in line with the goals of this strategy, namely building an innovative European economy that makes use of all social resources.

4 Taking account of the various levels of development of Europe’s economies and the different avenues for achieving the EU’s strategic goals, the success of the Europe 2020 strategy will in large part depend on the fl exibility of the steps taken and the role of local and regional authorities. Cohesion policy ties in perfectly with these requirements as well. The measures taken are not standardised, but are geared towards the development needs and potential of a given region.

In the southern countries, which over the past 20 years have had the opportunity to develop one of the highest levels of basic infrastructure in the world, the EU’s cohesion policy should help people to acquire new skills and to move to the knowledge-based economy. In the EU-12 countries, this policy should continue to be the main source of funding for public investment and innovation which is increasing demand. In future, the EU’s task will also be to construct infrastructure links with the regions of the Western Balkans in order to prepare for the integration of these countries into the common market. Measures also need to be stepped up to integrate the Roma community, migrants and other minorities into society.

In uncertain economic times, the need for a smart cohesion policy is more relevant than ever. The economic downturn of recent years has had a very uneven impact from a territorial point of view. The most affected countries have been those which are furthest from the EU’s most developed regions, including the Baltic and the Balkan countries. It is for this The Committee of the Regions and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

reason that the additional benefi ts of cohesion policy cannot be overestimated. At a time of strong macroeconomic upheaval, the policy has acted as a mechanism for stabilising the economy and boosting the level of consumption, while calming the turbulence in local markets and throughout the EU. Cohesion policy should therefore be one of the EU’s key instruments to help it emerge from the crisis.

The architects of the EU’s cohesion policy never intended it to be a tax on the rich and a social transfer for the poor. It was always intended, fi rst and foremost, to create a level playing fi eld and this should remain so in future. It is therefore important to maintain a strong cohesion policy as a key element of the European socio-economic model. I believe that cohesion policy provides mechanisms which work well and have proved effective in all 271 regions of the EU. They are based on sharing tasks and on cooperation among the various levels of government and local and regional authorities as well as local stakeholders. This unique system is characterised by a high degree of fl exibility, tapping the potential of local and regional initiatives and helping to develop civil society. The cohesion policy also embodies the subsidiarity principle, since development needs are assessed and implemented at the lowest possible level.

For this reason, Poland is opposed to separating sectoral funds from cohesion policy or creating new funds. Those managed from Brussels never produce the same effects as structural funds implemented at grass-roots level. Only cohesion policy can guarantee a cohesive, overarching and territorial approach to the problems of economic development. The instruments of this policy make it possible to deal effectively with the new challenges facing the EU, such as improving energy effi ciency, adapting to demographic change, combating climate change and countering the negative aspects of globalisation.

I fi rmly believe that the architecture of the EU’s cohesion policy should be based on the three existing fi nancial instruments, namely: the Cohesion Fund, the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund. For this reason, at the initiative of Poland, the prime ministers of the Visegrad Group signed a joint letter addressed to the president of the European Commission, presenting a united front on the matter of maintaining the current architecture of the cohesion policy, which should encompass all EU regions. The forthcoming Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union will undoubtedly be an excellent opportunity to stress this position clearly in a European forum.

Implementing the priorities of the Europe 2020 strategy requires an integrated approach to all development policies. Therefore, when reforming cohesion policy, we must not overlook rural development policy. These areas are the most exposed to the problems of an ageing 5 population and depopulation. The EU’s cohesion policy and the common agricultural policy should therefore complement each other and not be in competition. 03 The Polish presidency, the Committee of the Regions and the future of cohesion

Jerzy Buzek The European Union’s regional policy after 2013 will be taking shape during Poland’s President of the European presidency of the EU in the second half of 2011. Parliament The most severe economic crisis since World War II has put pressure on public fi nances in EU Member States. While we are not out of the woods yet, the worst seems to be over. Europe is laying foundations for stronger, fairer and more balanced growth. During this post-crisis debate, we can hear voices questioning one of the main pillars of the EU - its cohesion policy. The temptation is to cut and nationalise the regional EU’s policy. We must not give in to this temptation.

The European Parliament, and surely also the Committee of the Regions, will fi ght for a budget which matches the EU´s goals and ambitions. It is clear that European regional policy is not only an expression of solidarity, but that it is also benefi cial from an economic point of view. It is an instrument for investment, not a lump sum awarded to needy regions to alleviate their daily problems. Its aim is to ensure solid and sustainable growth in poorer 6 regions that will benefi t the richer ones as well.

The new regional policy should build on previous expertise, but we should address the shortcomings that have become evident in recent years. I believe three principles should guide us in our efforts to strike the balance between continuity and change for the post- 2013 cohesion policy: prioritisation, simplifi cation and Europeanness.

By prioritisation I mean that we should limit the number of goals and be determined in their pursuit. Regional policy must help to fulfi l the Europe 2020 targets. We must ensure that funds are spent to create durable jobs thanks to sustained growth. We need to maintain consistency among different policies. In this respect, it will be essential to fi ne-tune the relations between the Common Agricultural Policy and Regional Policy to avoid any overlap and waste of fi nancial and human resources. Horizontal streamlining should be valid for all our policies.

Simplifi cation has many advantages, but it is not a panacea. Unspent funds are not money saved by the EU. A complex allocation procedure makes regional funds notoriously diffi cult to receive. We need a more user-friendly funding system and better communication which The Committee of the Regions and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

would make the allocation of the funds more effective and transparent. But simplicity should reinforce, not reduce our rigour. We have seen examples of bad administration and misappropriations of funds, often due to loopholes in the rules. Simplicity should not be at the detriment of fi rmness.

At the same time, regional policy must remain an example of multi-level governance, a partnership between the local, regional, national and European governing bodies in the joint effort to design, fi nance, implement and monitor the pursuit of our shared goals. The European dimension of regional policy is not up for discussion. The European Parliament has stated in its October resolution that Member States should refrain from attempts to re-nationalise regional policy.

Let me conclude by wishing the Polish government every success in its handling of the presidency, which marks the start of a new trio of presidencies. The European Parliament looks forward to fruitful and intensive cooperation.

7 04 Cohesion policy: a European policy that promotes development

What is the signifi cance of cohesion policy against the backdrop of the EU’s development challenges?

The EU is facing diffi cult times. It is being confronted with the need to ensure an effective return to a sustainable path of economic growth, to continually improve the competitiveness of the EU economy on the international arena, to boost energy security and to deal with the effects of climate and demographic change.

Meeting so many challenges requires a huge institutional and fi nancial effort. This is why it is so important to make maximum use of the latent potential of existing EU policies and instruments. It is therefore essential to coordinate measures, Elżbieta Bieńkowska streamline the implementation mechanism Minister of Regional Development and to gear it towards delivering concrete results.

Cohesion policy fi ts in very well with this economical approach to meeting the development challenges of the European Union. First, it helps to maintain macroeconomic balance, boosting economic growth and employment in times of economic downturn. Thanks to the implementation of multi-annual development projects, the cohesion policy counteracts any sharp decline in investment and growth in unemployment.

Second, cohesion policy measures help to boost the competitiveness of the European economy and build the single market and thus strengthen economic and monetary union. For the funds of the policy are used to carry out a series of projects supporting development of innovation and entrepreneurship, raising the quality and mobility of human capital, as well as infrastructure development projects.

Third, under the cohesion policy, projects are carried out which tie in very well with the 8 goals of the Europe 2020 strategy, i.e. constructing a green and innovative European economy which makes use of all social resources. It is therefore clear that creating new development instruments against the backdrop of budgetary diffi culties requires time, more human resources and extra fi nancial resources.

Given that cohesion policy is a very important tool for implementing the EU’s strategic goals, I feel that the debate on the future of this policy in the new fi nancial perspective should be conducted at political level, during formal meetings of ministers responsible for cohesion policy at the General Affairs Council. This debate should defi ne the role of cohesion policy as being crucial in the process of overcoming the crisis and restoring jobs, boosting the competitiveness of the European economy and constructing a green path of growth. The Committee of the Regions and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

What benefi ts do European economies derive from cohesion policy funds?

The cohesion policy is an integral part of the EU’s development policies and should support all of its regions. Each region, regardless of its level of development, has potential which should be tapped in order to meet the EU’s development goals. The objective of this policy is therefore not to support the development of only the poorest areas of the Community. Thanks to the single market, all countries and regions of the EU benefi t from it, even the richest areas.

Polish research shows that over the 2004-2015 period almost EUR 38 bn, in other words over half of the structural support granted to Poland, will have returned to the EU15 countries (both directly and indirectly). Cohesion policy plays a special role in ensuring that signifi cant progress takes place more rapidly. Poland is an example of a country which, thanks to cohesion policy, is developing more quickly and in a more stable way. We are living proof that cohesion policy stabilises economic growth and employment in times of economic downturn. Over half of the economic growth in Poland in 2009 was achieved thanks to EU funds and the number of people in work increased by some 150 000.

Poland is also proof that cohesion policy promotes modernisation, development and lasting structural change, creates a requirement for comprehensive development measures and encourages various groups and levels of government to carry out joint projects. There have been particularly positive results in terms of the implementation of multi-fund projects, i.e. projects supported jointly through the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund.

What are Poland’s objectives for the presidency?

In the area of cohesion policy, the biggest challenge facing the Polish presidency will be to organise a discussion on draft regulations for this policy in the next fi nancial perspective. We would like to steer the debate towards issues which will make it possible to increase the effectiveness of cohesion policy with a view to further strengthening its added value on a European scale. We hope to come up with joint solutions in the area of strategic planning, thematic concentration, mechanisms ensuring compliance with conditions and evaluation. We expect the European Commission to submit draft regulations at the start of the Polish presidency so that by the end of the period the initial results of the negotiations will already be clear. 9 Aside from the debate on regulations, the Polish presidency intends to continue work on the territorial agenda and the integrated approach to development. In November, we would like to organise a joint informal meeting of ministers with responsibility for regional policy, cohesion, territorial cohesion and urban development with a view to adopting integrated conclusions.

I am pleased that it will be during the Polish presidency that the discussion will be launched on the actual form of the cohesion policy after 2013. The successful implementation of the policy to date in Poland is a clear example of its comprehensive effectiveness in meeting EU development goals and it will certainly be an excellent starting point for an intensive and fruitful European debate. 05 Why a Committee of the Regions?

The three main decision-making institutions in the EU are the European Parliament, which represents the EU’s citizens and is directly elected by them, the Council of the European Union, which represents the individual Member States, and the European Commission, which upholds the interests of the Union as a whole. However, local and regional authorities are responsible for implementing the vast majority of the decisions taken at European level - around two-thirds of EU legislation is put into practice at sub-national level. That is why the Committee of the Regions (CoR) was set up in 1994, to give local and regional authorities the opportunity to express a view on the substance of EU legislative proposals at the drafting stage in order to adapt them more closely to citizens’ needs.

The European treaties stipulate that the Committee of the Regions must be consulted whenever proposals are made in areas likely to have repercussions at local or regional level. In practice, this means that the Committee of the Regions is consulted on most European legislation.

The Maastricht Treaty (1992) laid down fi ve areas for mandatory consultation: economic and social cohesion, trans-European networks, health, education and culture. The Treaty of Amsterdam (1997) added a further fi ve areas: employment policy, social policy, the environment, vocational training and transport. Following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the CoR has acquired new powers, both in the area of territorial cohesion and in terms of monitoring the subsidiarity principle The CoR now has a greater consultative role to play, and also new leverage for implementing multilevel governance. The European Parliament, the Commission and the Council must now consult the Committee of the Regions when making laws in any area with a regional impact. And the Committee’s opinions now cover several new policy areas, including energy and climate change. However, all three institutions may also consult the CoR outside these areas if they see local or regional implications in their work. The Committee of the Regions can also put its priorities onto the European Union’s agenda by issuing own-initiative opinions and drafting reports on subjects of interest to it. But the CoR’s involvement does not stop once it has issued its opinion on a Commission proposal. The CoR also has the right to question the Commission, Parliament and Council if they fail to take on board its viewpoint. In extreme cases, the CoR also has the right to go to the European Court of Justice if it believes it has not been correctly consulted. 10 How does the Committee of the Regions work?

The Committee of the Regions is made up of 344 members and the same number of alternates. These members are appointed by the Member States for a renewable fi ve year term. They must hold elected offi ce or be politically accountable to an elected assembly. For this reason, members who cease to hold such offi ce automatically lose their seat on the Committee of the Regions. Each country chooses its members in its own way, with the proviso that members must refl ect a political and geographical balance and be taken from both regional and local levels. The CoR members elect their own president – currently Ms Mercedes Bresso from the Piedmont Region in Italy.

The CoR’s work is split between six specialised commissions:

− Territorial Cohesion policy (COTER) − Economic and Social policy (ECOS) − Environment, Climate change and Energy (ENVE) The Committee of the Regions and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

− Culture, Education and Research (EDUC) − Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs (CIVEX) − Natural Resources (NAT)

The commissions, which are made up of CoR members, draw up draft opinions on legislative proposals submitted by the European Commission, the Council or the European Parliament. The draft is then voted on during one of the fi ve plenary sessions that take place each year. It is only adopted if it receives a majority of votes cast.

The CFAA of the Committee of the Regions was set up to facilitate and encourage a closer relationship with the budget authority, in order to ensure that the CoR’s priorities are taken into account and implemented in the annual budget procedure. During the years 2008- 2010, a Pole, Leszek Świętalski, Mayor of Stare Bogaczowice, served as CFAA chairman.

Four political groups are represented at the Committee of the Regions: the European People’s Party (EPP), the Party of European Socialists (PES), the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) and the European Alliance (EA). The current EA President, Jerzy Zająkała, Mayor of Łubianka, is Polish.

The work of the Committee of the Regions, a truly political assembly, is based on three fundamental principles:

− The subsidiarity principle: this principle requires that decisions be taken at the level of government that best serves the public interest. The European Union must not pursue initiatives that would be better carried out by national, regional or local authorities.

− The proximity principle: all levels of government must work as transparently as possible and as closely as possible with the public so that citizens know who is responsible for what and how they can make their views known.

− The partnership principle: European, national, regional and local authorities must work together throughout the decision-making process.

Bringing the European Union closer to its citizens

While much of the CoR’s work lies in its involvement in the legislative process, its role does 11 not stop there. The CoR members live and work on a day-to-day basis in their regions and cities as regional presidents, mayors or local councillors. This enables them to stay in touch with the concerns of the people they represent, which puts them in a position to bring these views to the heart of the European system when they come to Brussels for CoR meetings. In addition, the CoR regularly raises the profi le of local and regional authorities on the European stage by organising conferences, seminars and exhibitions all year round in cooperation with its regional and local partners, including the “OPEN DAYS - European Week of Regions and Cities”, which brings together more than 7000 stakeholders each October. The Lisbon Treaty: more democracy for Europe

The Lisbon Treaty was signed on 13 December 2007 and entered into force on 1st December 2009. It improves the standing of regions and cities in the European Union’s political system and boosts the institutional role of their representative body in Brussels – the Committee of the Regions - throughout the legislative process. In addition to extended consultation requirements during the adoption of EU legislation, the CoR now also has the right to bring legal actions before the European Court of Justice in two instances: to protect its own institutional prerogatives; and to request the annulment of new EU legislation that it considers to be in breach of the subsidiarity principle in those policy areas where the EU Treaty requires that the CoR be consulted. For the fi rst time, ‘territorial cohesion’ is enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty as a fundamental objective of the European Union. The Treaty also recognises local and regional autonomy and provides for greater subsidiarity monitoring by national and regional parliaments with legislative powers. European legislation will also, in future, take greater account of the needs of European citizens and their elected local and regional representatives.

12

José Manuel Barroso “The European Commission has been pursuing a “better lawmaking” programme for President of the European several years. Since 70% of EU legislation is implemented by local and regional authorities, Commission the CoR is closely involved in this effort to improve transparency and simplify lawmaking.” 06 The Polish CoR members at work

At the crossroads of Europe

In the second half of 2011, Poland assumes the leadership of the European Union for the fi rst time since joining the EU in 2004. There is a lot at stake. With Europe still struggling to restore growth levels in the wake of the global economic crisis, much depends on the success of the new Europe 2020 strategy and whether it can deliver its goals of boosting employment and education, and reducing poverty.

“Involving local authorities in implementing the strategy is the key issue”, says Marek Woźniak. The delegation will be supporting the Polish government’s initiatives throughout its six-month presidency, aiming to give them a regional and local dimension. “Therefore, our activities will focus on issues such as the Europe 2020 strategy and involving local authorities in the process of their implementation; a strong position for cohesion policy and the shape of the EU’s budget after 2013. It is important for us that cohesion policy embraces all EU regions. It should be equipped with fi nancial resources large enough to enable its effi cient implementation and to contribute to the further economic growth of regions.”

“Implementing the Europe 2020 strategy is also closely linked to transport development, and transport infrastructure is an area where Poland still has a lot to do,” believes Mr Marek Woźniak Woźniak. “No region has received suffi ciently high support for investments in this area. President of the Polish delegation Wielkopolska, thanks to the cohesion policy, has an historic opportunity today to make at the Committee of the Regions considerable progress in this fi eld. From our region’s point of view, it is important to take President of the Wielkopolska advantage of our location at the crossroads of transportation routes – not only domestic, Region but also European ones. Wielkopolska has one of the highest logistics and trade potentials in the country, and good transportation is a fundamental factor in competitiveness. Without it, participation in global economic trade and in taking up innovations is not possible. But unfortunately, not all Wielkopolska connections with surrounding regions are satisfactory.”

There is also room for progress in the social fi eld. While unemployment is lower in Wielkopolska than other regions, it is still a serious issue. “EU cohesion policy funding is a perfect instrument for solving the problem,” argues Mr Woźniak. “The development of entrepreneurship and innovation in the region, raising the knowledge and qualifi cations of local inhabitants, and partnerships focusing on the development of rural areas – these are the main goals of the ‘Human Capital’ Operational Programme. Since 2007, more than PLN 1 billion (€ 0.24 billion) have been spent, and the results are clearly visible.”

Mr Woźniak plays an active role in promoting local social entrepreneurship, as political 13 coordinator of the Europe 2020 fl agship initiative ‘European Platform against Poverty’ within the CoR European People’s Party group, of which he is also Vice-President. “I am going to promote this form of fi ghting poverty in Europe as the best way of mobilising excluded people,” explains Mr Woźniak. “When analysing the content of the Europe 2020 strategy, we became more and more convinced that our region has been achieving its aims for a long time, and that the effects are now becoming visible. We have a unique human capital, and we promote smart development – particularly in the area of education and innovation. We are creating a suitable environment for effective business activity and we are investing in the natural environment. We know that we still have a long way to go to catch up with the best, but the pace is also fast.” Good neighbours

“It is important not only for Poland, but also for the whole EU, to develop good relations with our eastern neighbours: Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The stabilisation of these countries means more security for EU Member States,” asserts Jacek Protas, marshall (president) of a region in the north-east of Poland. That is why the EU should invest all its efforts and resources in stimulating the democratic processes in these countries and developing their market economies. “Thus, one of the priorities of the Polish Presidency is to increase the signifi cance of the Eastern Partnership,” he adds.

“In Warmia and Mazury, there are quite a number of ethnic minorities, who arrived after the war. They are mainly Ukrainians, but also Lithuanians and Belarusians. We have various co- operation programmes with our eastern partners, especially in Ukraine. We try to provide a link between the EU and the east. My region is the only part of Poland with a 200-km border with Russia, so we want to offer an example of good relations with Russia and the other countries of the former USSR,” emphasises Mr Protas.

He points out that while things are moving ahead, the pace of change is different in each of the countries. Belarus, for example, is a country where democracy is slow to arrive, Jacek Protas whereas Georgia is making greater headway. “I am very impressed with the progress President of the towards democracy, governance and a market economy in Georgia,” says Mr Protas. In Warminsko-Mazurskie Region his opinion on co-operation between European and Georgian local governments, he called for, among other things, greater exchange of experience and people-to-people contact. “Such initiatives are very important for Europe,” he adds.

Until recently, Mr Protas was also president of Euroregion Baltic, which has developed fruitful co-operation over the last fi ve years with the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. “I think that every initiative to foster co-operation between regions in different EU countries is a good initiative,” he concludes.

Jacek Protas is rapporteur of a CoR opinion on local and regional government in Georgia and its co-operation with the EU.

Engaged in the European process

Waste management is another crucial aspect of environmental protection. “Waste is a challenge for all Member States, but Poland is still behind in this fi eld,” states Jerzy 14 Zająkała who authored a CoR opinion on managing waste. “This gives me the opportunity to present the Polish point of view,” he observes. “This opinion was adopted unanimously. We focused on the environmental perspective as a priority. Ultimately, it is local and regional authorities that are responsible for implementing EU waste management policy, and consequently they should play a key role in developing new regulations and solutions for the waste sector.”

With reducing poverty being one of the priorities of the Europe 2020 strategy, Mr Zająkała is concerned that unemployment in this region is running at 17%, compared with a national average of 13.1%. “It is a huge challenge to create new and permanent jobs,” he points out. “There are many families in diffi cult situations because they don’t have work. In my locality I see it more and more often. At county level, with a population of 90 000 people, last year we spent PLN 14 million (€ 3.5 million) on training for job-seekers and raising qualifi cations among the unemployed.” At regional level, EU funds support the development Jerzy Zająkała of human capital through adult education and lifelong learning programmes. “In my own Mayor of Lubianka gmina, community, the initiatives for training and encouraging inhabitants’ activity have reduced Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region unemployment to around 6%,” he points out. President of the European Alliance political group in the CoR Returning migrants add to the strain on local jobs. “This is a problem,” admits Mr Zająkała. “People left my region to work abroad, and because of the crisis they are now coming The Committee of the Regions and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

back. Some of them have no reserve fi nancial resources, but we can see that they have changed – they are not passive any more, they are actively looking for a job. This experience is an added value, although the best thing would be not to have to move in the fi rst place.”

“It is very important that local and regional authorities and their representatives are actively involved in European policy,” he concludes. “We can articulate our needs and translate them into EU laws. It is the activity of the members of the EU’s Committee of the Regions which triggers the participation of the community in the creation of European legislation. Sometimes people in my community ask why I do not provide more fi nancial resources directly for particular development projects, but they understand what I do in Brussels and they respect it.”

Jerzy Zająkała is rapporteur of a CoR opinion on the use of hazardous substances in, and managing waste from, electrical and electronic equipment.

Reinforcing rural solidarity

“At a time of crisis, it is more diffi cult to discuss the budget for a different Europe that embodies solidarity than it was in the past when there were abundant subsidies for Portugal, Spain and Greece, and then for Poland, Hungary and the Baltic countries,” points out Leszek Świętalski. “The new budget should provide funds for the completion of tasks arising from the Lisbon Treaty, the Europe 2020 strategy and, above all, for implementing cohesion policy. Our obligation in these times of ‘solidarity crisis’ is to be an advocate for Europe and a budget based on solidarity.”

“Working on a special committee for the EU budget, I have repeatedly emphasised that Europe does not consist of regions and cities alone, but also of rural areas inhabited by approximately 40% of the population. Therefore, one should resist trends promoting the so-called urban and metropolitan focus of cohesion policy. They may result in strengthening consent for the development of cities at the expense of maintaining ethnographical parks in rural areas,” warns Mr Świętalski. “The fi nancial support offered within the framework of the second pillar of the common agricultural policy (CAP) will not help us to change the image of many rural communities and oppose the depopulation and deterioration of rural areas. Other support instruments are needed. I have raised these concerns during the Leszek Świętalski work of the committee. In order to preserve cohesion at European, regional and local levels Mayor of Stare Bogaczowice as the basis for a new European budget, it should be perceived as promoting a sustainable gmina, Dolnośląskie Region development policy and as the main tool of support for a Europe that is competitive, 15 innovative and sensitive to environmental protection at all levels: regional, urban and rural.”

Leszek Świętalski is a member of the CoR’s Commission for Financial and Administrative Affairs (CAFA). Empowering the regions

“Regions intrinsically know the needs of their inhabitants better and have a range of individual ideas about how to meet them,” argues Marek Olszewski. “Those ideas could be implemented if powers and budgetary instruments were delegated to the regions more courageously. EU Structural Funds make up a signifi cant part of state and municipal authority budgets. They are a major incentive for improving labour market conditions and the situation of enterprises. The role of the Structural Funds in modernising Polish companies, and thus increasing their competitiveness in the single market and beyond, is of great importance,” adds Mr Olszewski.

He also believes that the areas where regions ought to have “a much stronger, decisive voice” include support for social infrastructure and civil society, primary, secondary and pre-school education, and the development of rural areas, excluding agriculture.

Developing social infrastructure is a priority of cohesion policy. “The purpose is to improve the quality of life, thanks to the implementation of, among other things, the synergy effect,” explains Mr Olszewski. “Investments in education, sports and leisure-related infrastructure Marek Olszewski will certainly result not only in better living conditions but will also defi nitely reduce social Mayor of Lubicz gmina, risks, for instance social dysfunctions, and increase the level of social involvement, as well Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region as strengthen the development of a civil society.”

As rapporteur of a 2007 opinion, Marek Olszewski stresses the importance of education in promoting sustainable development. “Enhancing opportunities for including environmental and sustainable development issues in national education systems in the Member States is particularly important, as well as in an integrated lifelong learning programme,” he insists.

Marek Olszewski is rapporteur of a CoR opinion on the role of education in sustainable development.

16 The Committee of the Regions and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

A healthy outlook

Adam Banaszak’s background as an active sportsman enables him to view EU inhabitants’ wealth assessment from a special perspective. “Feeling healthy, good-quality food and clean air are just as important as our bank balance,” argues Mr Banaszak. “We would like to see EU funding better spent on promoting a healthy lifestyle for our citizens. We have a lot of ground to make up in this fi eld compared to some other countries.”

“Healthcare is the competence of individual Member States, but health issues should be approached more comprehensively,” he says. “Health is a broad issue, therefore we should talk in this context about an unpolluted environment, genetically unmodifi ed food, sport for children and young people, and healthy lifestyles, as often as we talk about investment in hospitals and clinics.”

Access to good healthcare is crucial, he argues. The improvement of healthcare conditions in Poland to meet the standards implemented in the ‘old’ EU countries will allow Poles to feel more like citizens of Europe. This should include not only funding infrastructure, but also awareness campaigns and the exchange of knowledge and good practice. “At the moment, only a tiny part of cohesion funding goes to healthcare. This should defi nitely Adam Banaszak change. We have a lot to do.” Member of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie regional The condition of the environment that citizens live in is an important contributor to good assembly health, and thus its protection is important, emphasises Mr Banaszak. “Poland obviously uses EU funds, but we also have our own budgets allotted to this purpose. In my region, I am proud to say that we are very advanced, and compare favourably with other EU countries.” For example, over 15.5% of energy consumed already comes from renewables, and of this, four-fi fths is hydroelectric. “We spend more than PLN 100 million (€ 25 million) a year on environmental protection, PLN 20 million (€5 million) of that amount on air quality.” Mr Banaszak was also rapporteur of a CoR opinion on the EU’s forest policy. Living forests absorb CO2 for free, without the need for high expenditure. “We need to maximise the benefi ts of what we already have,” he explains. “This may be ensured by, among other things, better coordination of the work of the European Commission departments which handle issues related to European forests”.

Adam Banaszak is rapporteur of the CoR opinion on the role of local and regional authorities in implementing health strategy in the EU. 17 07 The Polish delegation to the Committee of the Regions

Polish local and regional authorities have been represented in has at least one representative in the Committee of the the Committee of the Regions since 1 May 2004. The Polish Regions. The next stage is for members and alternates to be delegation comprises 21 members and an equal number approved by the Polish government and the parliamentary of alternates. The legal basis for their appointment is the committee on the European Union. Finally, the Council of the Polish legislation on the Joint Central Government and Local European Union confi rm the new members and alternates. Government Committee and on Polish representatives at the Members of the Polish delegation are currently represented in EU’s Committee of the Regions. all six of the Committee of the Regions’ commissions and in Ten members/alternates represent regional government three political groups: the European People’s Party, the Party and eleven represent local authorities. They are selected of European Socialists and the European Alliance. as follows: six associations representing local and regional government at the level of voivodeships, districts, metropolitan areas, cities, towns and villages nominate candidate members and alternates. The Joint Central Government and Local Government Committee approves this list while paying particular attention to ensuring that each voivodeship (region)

Full members

Jan Bronś Adam Sebastian Jarubas Lech Jaworski Mayor of Oleśnica Marshall of the Świętokrzyskie Region Councillor of the City of Warsaw EA PPE PPE

18

Maciej Kobyliński Jacek Protas Józef Sebesta Mayor of Słupsk Marshall of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Marshall of the Opolskie region PSE Region PPE PPE

Mieczysław Struk Adam Struzik Leszek Świętalski Marshall of the Pomorskie Region Marshall of the Mazovian (Mazowsze) Mayor of Stare Bogaczowice PPE Region PSE PPE The Committee of the Regions and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Stanisław Szwabski Marek Tramś Tadeusz Truskolaski President of the municipality of Gdynia Councillor, Polkowice gmina President of the City of Białystok EA EA PPE

Ludwik Kajetan Węgrzyn Marek Woźniak Jerzy Zająkała Councillor, Bochnia powiat Marshall of the Wielkopolska Region Mayor of Łubianka PPE PPE EA

Alternate members

Paweł Adamowicz Mayor of the City of Gdańsk PPE

Adam Banaszak Member of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Regional Assembly EA

Lech Dymarski Chairman of the Wielkopolskie Regional Assembly PPE

Robert Godek Councillor, Strzyżow powiat EA

Michał Karalus Councillor, Pleszew powiat PPE 19 Marzena Kempińska Councillor, Świecie powiat PSE

Józef Kotyś Member of the Opolskie Regional Assembly EA

Andrzej Kunt Mayor of Kostrzyn-Oder PSE

Lucjan Kuźniar Member of the Podkarpackie Regional Assembly PSE

Mirosław Lech Mayor of Korycin EA

Marek Olszewski Mayor of Lubicz EA

Ewa Panasiuk Member of the Lubelskie Regional Assembly EA

Zbigniew Podraza Mayor of Dąbrowa Górnicza PSE

Elżbieta Rusielewicz Councillor of the City of Bydgoszcz PPE

Czesław Sobierajski Member of the Silesian Regional Assembly EA

Dariusz Wróbel Mayor of Opole Lubelskie EA 08 Administrative Division of Poland

During the process of political and economic transition, which began in 1989, Poland started to develop a rational and effective system of state administrative division, enabling the decentralization of power and subsidiary rules. Despite different viewpoints on the shape of the country’s future administrative division, the Polish Government enacted a package of legislative acts between 1990 1998, which formed the basis for a new legal and institutional framework. Administrative reform should therefore be seen as the result of a political compromise.

The new administrative division set out in the Act divided the country into 16 województwo (regions or voivodeships), 3801 powiat (administrative districts) and 24892 gmina (municipalities or communes). In many cases, Polish cities have both gmina and powiat status.

Poland’s administrative reform aimed to ensure the strict division of power and competences between the three levels of government and to strengthen the local and regional levels. Local and regional authorities are not controlled by central government. The aim of decentralization was to provide more power to the lowest level, which is closer to the needs of the citizen. That is why the gmina, the smallest unit of territorial division in Poland, plays a crucial role. The main role of each gmina and powiat is to provide public services to the community.

Authority in the voivodeships is shared between two separate bodies. The fi rst is the Voivode, appointed by the central government in Warsaw, who occupies the post of regional governor. The Voivode acts therefore as the governmental representative in the given region and is responsible for public safety, standards and conformity of laws. Each voivodeship has its own elected regional assembly, the Sejmik. It is responsible for electing the executive board headed by Marszałek (Marshall). The scope of competences of the Marshall’s Offi ce include: programming (formulating the voivodeship’s development strategies), implementing the voivodeship’s development policy and controlling self- governmental executive bodies.

20

1 There currently are 378 powiat. 2 There currently are 2478 gmina. 09 Cohesion policy works

One of the key Community policies contributing to the development of all EU regions is cohesion policy. It is worth bearing this in mind when considering the policy’s future. Poland’s success in using EU funding and its major economic impact not just in Poland but also in other EU countries is a perfect illustration of the policy’s role in the development of the EU as a whole. This highly effective tool should be continued after 2013, especially given that it ties in closely with the objectives set out in the Europe 2020 strategy.

As the largest benefi ciary of cohesion policy, Poland has an important role to play in demonstrating the impact of the policy and actively debating its future. One in every fi ve euros earmarked in the current EU budget for cohesion policy will be spent in Poland; in view of this, developments in our country will be closely followed by the entire EU. To a large extent, the future of cohesion policy depends on how we use the funds which we have been allocated for the 2007-2013 period. For the EU Member States, our country is a yardstick for the success of cohesion policy.

Overall, cohesion policy has had a positive effect in Poland. We are an example of a country which, thanks to this policy, is developing more quickly and in a more stable way. Our achievements show that cohesion policy stimulates modernisation, development and long-term structural changes. The policy necessitates a comprehensive approach to development and brings together various sectors and levels of government in undertaking joint projects. An investment in cohesion policy is also an investment in economic, social and territorial growth, which also supports smart and environmental growth. Poland is living proof that cohesion policy stabilises economic growth and employment in times of economic downturn.

During the Polish presidency of the EU Council we would therefore like to focus on objectively and actively raising public awareness of the policy’s impact and benefi ts in all EU Member States.

Piotr Popa EU presidency spokesman, Regional Development Ministry

21 Lower Silesia: “innovation for the future of the Earth” Construction of GEOCENTRUM, an educational and research centre of the Wroclaw Technology Institute

Programme: Regional Operational Programme Lower Silesia for 2007-2013

Priority axis: Education

Measure 7.1: Developing higher education infrastructure

Implementation period: 25.11.2008 – 31.12.2012

Total project cost: PLN 69 613 005,13

Financing:

Eligible costs: Rafał Jurkowlaniec, Marshall of Lower Silesia, comments: “one of the priorities of the

European Regional Development funding: Lower Silesian regional government is to support education projects enabling dynamic PLN 45 557 268.22 (65.70%) technological development in the region. Among other things, this strategy includes

Ministry of Science and Higher Education: the construction of GEOCENTRUM, an educational and research centre, as part of the PLN 20 830 142.13 (30.04%) Wroclaw Technology Institute. This project will be fi nanced from the Lower Silesia Regional

Own resources of the Wroclaw Technical Operational Programme for 2007-2013. Implementing this project will meet the growing Institute: needs of entrepreneurs for graduates with a broad education to work in the raw materials, PLN 2 953 941.60 (4.26%) construction, civil engineering and environmental engineering sectors. I believe that the Non-eligible expenditure/costs: research centre will help to make the region more attractive for investors while emphasising PLN 271 653.13 the prestige of higher education in Lower Silesia”.

GEOCENTRUM will incorporate four departments of the Technical Institute: Geo- engineering, Mining, Land and Water Construction, as well as Mechanical-Energy and Environmental Engineering. The project will meet growing labour market needs for specialists with an interdisciplinary education while ensuring closer integration between scientifi c and research circles in Wroclaw. Measures will also be stepped up to promote 22 innovation and support technologies of importance to the Lower Silesian regional economy in sectors linked to Earth sciences in the wider sense (raw materials, construction, civil engineering, environmental engineering).

The building housing the GEOCENTRUM will be an integrated 21st century educational centre which meets modern standards.

Marek Tramś, Councillor of Polkowice powiat and Committee of the Regions member, emphasises that Lower Silesia is one of the richest Polish regions in terms of raw materials. “This is also a region of young and educated people. Our economy is a modern and dynamically developing one. The construction of the GEOCENTRUM centre will enable the launch of completely new education and research activities while producing high-class specialists to ensure the intelligent use of our natural resources and wealth. I feel that the project is exactly in line with the current needs of our labour market”. The Committee of the Regions and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

The project to redevelop Mill Island in Bydgoszcz is a project lasting many years and Kujawsko – Pomorskie Region involving a number of stages. The overarching objective of the project is the wholesale “A new lease of life for Mill regeneration of Mill Island – a unique spatial system in Bydgoszcz under direct conservation Island” protection. The redevelopment takes account of social, economic as well as environmental Redevelopment of Mill Island – aspects. The project was divided into four stages comprising individual projects fi nanced winner of the competition “Polska in part through European funds: development of entrepreneurship, the restoration of Pięknieje – 7 Cudów Funduszy cultural heritage sites, the construction of leisure facilities and the regeneration of sports Europejskich” (Beautiful Poland grounds including the construction of a yacht marina. – 7 wonders of the European Piotr Całbecki, Marshall of the Kujawsko – Pomorskie Region: “Once a deserted island, Funds) now an enchanting vibrant area in the heart of Bydgoszcz – Mill Island.” Thanks to funds from the Kujawsko – Pomorskie Regional Operational Programme, the island is regaining Benefi ciary: its former splendour. The unique historical and cultural value of this place has survived - City of Bydgoszcz a symbol of Bydgoszcz, where eighteenth-century granaries form a picturesque part of Programme: the city landscape. Today, Mill Island not only marks the start of a walk over the “lovers’ Integrated Operational Programme for Regional Development footbridge” to the charming “Venice of Bydgoszcz” and the new opera house. It is also a place where business ideas are generated at the Centre for Jobs Initiative and Enterprise Priority axis 3: Local development Development, where tradition and history enthusiasts meet in the gothic Biały Spichrz “white granary” of the district museum, and where locals and visitors can seek out artistic Measure: 3.3 Run-down former industrial and military areas experiences at the amphitheatre. A visit after nightfall is also a must, when you can see of the city the illuminated apartment building refl ected in the Zbożowy and Międzywodzie canal. Mill Implementation period: Island is a place with a soul in the heart of the city. You have to see it with your own eyes. 2006 - 2007 It is worth pointing out that the project involves not only the wholesale regeneration of Total project cost: Mill Island and the restoration of part of its historic infrastructure. The foundations have PLN 12 107 332.96 also been laid for a new social and economic role for the island, with the establishment Financing: of a Centre for Jobs Initiative and Enterprise Development in a renovated historic building. European Regional Development Fund: The centre is an organisation which serves investors and residents looking for new forms PLN 2 307 000.00 (19%) of employment. Its services include professional consultancy and the organisation of Funds from national budget: workshops, seminars and lectures, which are attended by around 2000 people every year. PLN 461 400.00 (3.8%) City budget: Marzena Kempińska, a councillor from Świecie and member of the Committee of PLN 9 338 932.96 (77.2%) the Regions sums up as follows: “the regeneration of Mill Island has shown how in a short period of time a large area of a city can be renewed. Mill Island has been completely regenerated. Its unique historical character has been 23 maintained but it has been adapted to meet modern requirements and needs: it has been given a new urban role. The run-down former industrial site has been transformed into an area of culture, leisure, tourism and sport. Would it be possible to carry out a project of this kind in such a short space of time without EU support? I don’t think so. Łódzkie Region – The Route of The aim of the project is to achieve the economic and social revitalisation of a rundown area Many Cultures of the city, by fully exploiting the tourist potential of Piotrków Trybunalski. This will be carried out by renovating the facades of buildings and reconstructing streets, improving safety and Developing the city’s tourist generally making urban areas more attractive for both local and external investors. potential by regenerating the historic sites of Piotrków Witold Stępień, Marshall of the Łódzkie Region, describes the project as follows: Trybunalski “Piotrków Trybunalski – the second largest city in the Łódzkie Region, located in the heart of Poland and the cradle of Polish parliamentarianism – deserves to be restored to its Benefi ciary: The City of Piotrków Trybunalski former glory more than perhaps any other historic city in Poland. Overlooked for decades, the day has fi nally come when – thanks to EU funding under the Łódzkie Regional Programme: Łódzkie Regional Operational Programme Operational Programme – it is now possible to develop the city’s tourism potential through for 2007-2013 the regeneration of its historic areas.

Priority Axis VI: The Route of Many Cultures – which begins at the former station on the Warsaw-Vienna Upgrading of Urban Areas railway line, passing alongside the city’s Orthodox church, the Bernardine monastery and Measure VI.1: Dominican convent, the Old Town area, the Augsburg Lutheran church, leading to the Revitalisation of problem areas Royal Castle and Central Synagogue – fully refl ects the historic and cultural mosaic and Implementation period: colours of Piotrków Trybunalski. EU funding has meant that this forgotten pearl can shine 2008 – 2011 once more. We are now waiting for tourists who will appreciate the value of this pearl; Total project costs: tourists who will be drawn here for sentimental reasons or by their desire to visit a place of PLN 22 527 134.91 worship – and for them to throng to this city.” Financing: This project will help create new European Regional Development Fund: PLN 16 361 040.03 (75%) jobs in the tourism sector and establish new companies. The Local authority: PLN 5 453 680.01 (25%) project can showcase – in terms of both investment and promotion – the main attractions of Piotrków Trybunalski. Developing the city’s tourist facilities and making its tourist attractions more fully accessible will increase the number of tourists visiting the city and the wider region.

24 The Committee of the Regions and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Lublin Region “History for development” Conserving the most valuable monuments of Lublin

Benefi ciary: Lublin Regional Museum

Programme: Lublin Regional Operational Programme for 2007-2013

Priority Axis VII: Culture, tourism and inter-regional cooperation

Measure: 7.1 Cultural and tourism infrastructure

Implementation period: 01.04.2010 - 10.12.2012

Total project cost: PLN 13 197 559.83

Financing: This is how Krzysztof Hetman, Marshall of the Lublin Region, describes the project: Funding from the European Regional “Its goal is to renovate the historic heart of the Old Town of Lublin, including the 16th Development Fund: PLN 8 284 985.05 (70%) century Kraków Gate, the 19th century neo-Gothic castle, and the 14th century castle chapel of the Holy Trinity with its unique Russo–Byzantine frescoes dating back to 1418 Own contribution: PLN 3 550 707.90 (30%) and the 13th century fortifi ed tower. Implementing the project will enable comprehensive conservation and restoration of the monuments while turning them to new tourist and cultural uses. Unique on a European scale, the Chapel of the Holy Trinity is a great attraction for connoisseurs and lovers of historical monuments visiting Lublin Castle. Thanks to this investment, the oldest and most valuable monuments of Lublin will receive the proper technical maintenance appropriate to their importance, in terms both of high-quality use and aesthetics. One of the positive effects of the project will also be the adaptation of the buildings and their surroundings for tourism purposes, taking into account the needs of disabled people”

Ewa Panasiuk, member of the Lublin Regional Assembly and member of the Committee of the Regions comments: 25 “Thanks to this investment Lublin will brilliantly display its wealth of attractions representing the historical essence of three cultures existing side by side - Jewish, Orthodox and Catholic. These cultures are part of what makes the Lublin Region so attractive, and I would urge everyone to visit us.” Lubuskie Region: “healthy The impact of this project is not limited to the redevelopment of an institution, the purchase innovation” of new medical equipment, modernising health care infrastructure, or increasing the amount of specialist medical treatments and persons benefi ting from them. The new centre Establishing a neurosurgery and will also facilitate access to neurosurgical, neurotraumatological and neurooncological neurotraumatology centre for the treatment, with patients waiting less time for signifi cantly improved services. The project is Lubuskie region in Zielona Góra also intended to help retain highly qualifi ed doctors and nurses in the local area.

Benefi ciary: According to Elżbieta Polak, Marshall of the Lubuskie Region: “EU funding has brought Regional Hospital, Zielona Góra numerous successful projects to our region. One such project which is of great importance Programme: for the region is the Lubuskie neurosurgery and neurotraumatology centre, established by Regional Operational Programme Lubuskie the regional hospital in Zielona Góra. The centre will be housed on two fl oors of the Zielona for 2007-2013 Góra Hospital. It includes a large ward for patients requiring intensive care, with special Priority axis: beds which can be adjusted remotely. The heart of the centre is an operating theatre. Development and modernisation of social infrastructure Equipment includes an O-shaped tomography scanner, enabling computer tomography of patients during operations. This scanner generates a highly accurate image in just 12 Measure: Development and modernisation of healthcare seconds. This equipment enables operations to treat all skull and brain injuries, as well as infrastructure spinal injuries and oncological disorders.

Implementation period: Neurosurgery facilities in Zielona Góra are just one of many examples of improvements 2006 - 2009 to the quality of life in our region. The centre will enable more convenient treatment, more Total project cost: accurate diagnoses and faster recovery. PLN 11 967 940.10

Financing: The hospital had to wait 10 years before establishing a neurosurgery and neurotraumatology centre in Zielona Góra. The necessary construction work was carried out in small steps. European Regional Development funding: PLN 8 272 240.19 (69,12 %) It was not until funding became available from the Lubuskie Regional Programme that the project could be completed. Specialists from all over Poland agree that this is the most Budget of Zielona Gora Regional Hospital: PLN 1 668 653.53 (13,94%) modern centre in the country”. Budget of Lubuskie region: Dr Andrzej Kunt, mayor of Kostrzyn nad Odrą and a member of the Committee of the PLN 2 027 123.11 (16,94%) Regions comments: “in my opinion, this centre is one of the main achievements of the Lubuskie Regional Operational Programme; it was a very well selected project. It is a fact that without EU co-fi nancing this highly anticipated and necessary project would never have been completed”.

26 The Committee of the Regions and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Lesser Poland (Małopolska) Aviation Heritage Construction of an Aviation Culture Park in Krakow and the main building of the Museum of Polish Aviation

Benefi ciary: Museum of Polish Aviation

Marek Sowa, Marshall of the Lesser Poland Region, speaking about the project: “For Programme: years Krakow had been looking for a use for a disused airfi eld, one of the oldest in Europe, Lesser Poland Regional Operational Programme established in 1912, the former Rakowice-Czyżyny airport, located close to the city centre. 2007–2013 An EU grant under the Lesser Poland Regional Operational Programme has made it Priority axis: 5th Krakow Metropolitan Area possible to build a modern Museum of Polish Aviation on the site. Measure: The main building of the Museum of Polish Aviation, which covers an area of 3 300 m2 and 5.2 Development of the functioning of the Krakow was designed by architects Pysall Ruge, is an innovative building which draws inspiration Metropolitan Area from the most modern museums and culture parks of its kind in the world. From the air Programme period: the building resembles a propeller. This spacious building features a cinema where fi lms 2007-2010 relating to aviation are shown, a multifunctional room with a capacity of 150 persons, Total project cost: numerous computer workstations, a library, a reading room and a café. The Museum sets PLN 55 947 487.70 out to be accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities, and to communicate the Financing: diversity of aviation in a modern way. European Regional Development Fund resources: The grounds of the museum, occupying more than six hectares, have been landscaped PLN 35 243 765.00 (76.84%) to feature green areas, small architectural features and walkways. With its new building Budget of Malopolska Region: the Museum is in a position to develop and become an attractive feature of the cultural PLN 20 703 722,70 (23.16%) (PLN 10 622 476.77 heritage of Lesser Poland. - eligible costs; PLN 10 081 245,93 - non-eligible costs) With the creation of the Aviation Culture Park the Commission and the region are not only boosting the region’s cultural potential but also promoting culture as a way of stimulating economic and social development. Poland’s cultural heritage with its universal dimension is being disseminated and promoted, at the same time contributing to a better understanding of culture in society and encouraging the cultural integration of the peoples of Europe”. 27

According to Ludwik Węgrzyn, Councillor for Bochnia and member of the Committee of the Regions, the project is unusually interesting and combines academic research with the promotion of the leisure industry in its broadest sense: “This museum will make it possible to compare historical technological achievements with dynamic modern developments in aviation technology. It will challenge the popular view that museums are boring”. The Mazovian Region: Poland’s most famous folk song and dance ensemble, “Mazowsze”, which has existed Matecznik Mazowsze for more than 60 years, can fi nally boast its own home - a place with a most unusual atmosphere. A spectacular multifunctional cultural centre has been built in the song and Construction of a folklore centre dance ensemble’s 12-hectare palace and park historic complex in Karolin - the Matecznik Mazowsze European Centre for the Promotion of Regional and National Culture. The Benefi ciary: The Tadeusz Sygietyński Mazowsze Folk Song and building measures 6 690 m2 and features a 225 m2 stage and an auditorium for 580 Dance Ensemble visitors, with facilities for people with disabilities. It is a modern building, built to the highest

Programme: standards and combining functionality with comfort, whose architecture blends in terms of Mazovian Regional Operational Programme scale and detail with the existing Karolin Palace. The project to build a world cultural centre 2007-2013 in a rural area is a fi rst for Poland. Priority axis VI: Exploitation of natural and cultural assets for the Adam Struzik Marshall of the Mazovian Region and member of the Committee of the development of tourism and recreation Regions, considers that EU funding has provided essential support for the development Measure: of the region: “European Union funds, which we also use in the cultural sector, make 6.1 Culture it possible for us to make numerous investments, for example in the extension and Programme period: modernisation of tourist infrastructure, popularising tourist products and organising events 1.1.2007-30.3.2011 to promote our regional heritage.

Total project cost: Funding obtained by local government organisations, community centres, museums and PLN 58 790 534 NGOs help to increase attractiveness for tourism and make an important contribution Eligible costs: to the realisation of the region’s development strategy. The Matecznik Mazowsze is PLN 45 770 239 considered to be the most modern cultural centre in the country. This investment will Financing: undoubtedly bring substantial benefi ts. It is already clear that this place has become an Funding from the European Regional attraction which indirectly promotes the economic development of the Mazovian Region. Development Fund: PLN 38 904 703 (85%) It is a multifunctional centre, a place of cultural dialogue and also a venue for major events of regional, national and international signifi cance. Own contribution: PLN 6 865 536.00 (15%) The centre will make it possible to broaden the activities of the Mazowsze ensemble and will do much to improve the accessibility of cultural infrastructure in the region as well as help tourist development. The Matecznik will host courses and seminars on Polish folklore and the traditions of the Mazovian Region as well as on the culture of other countries; training for culture workers, choreographers, dance instructors; workshops in folk handicrafts, singing and regional gastronomy, as well as concerts by other ensembles and artists; national and international art festivals. The Centre will also be involved in documentation and popularisation, the preparation of 28 television programmes and producing publications on regional ensembles, and folklore and ethnographic centres. One signifi cant result of the investment will be the creation of many new jobs”. The Committee of the Regions and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

For many years, the municipal public library in Opole has provided residents of the city and Opole Region “21st century the region with access to a wide range of books on a variety of subjects. It is the biggest library” public library in terms of the size of its book collection, number of readers and the number Renovation and extension of the of book loans in the Opole Region. Apart from lending books, the library carries out a municipal public library in Opole series of activities to promote reading; it organises author meetings, workshops, literary festivals, lectures and competitions. Benefi ciary: Until now, the library in Opole has not had the facilities to enable it to fully carry out its City of Opole mission fully. The new premises make use of the façade of a damaged tenement building, Programme: which has been restored and attached to a modern glass construction. By restoring the Opole Regional operational programme for 2007-2013 original elevation of the historic building, the construction fi ts in very well with the landscape of the old town. Priority axis 5: Social infrastructure and higher education

Józef Sebesta, Marshall of the Opole Region and member of the Committee of the Measure 5.3: Regions, “the greatest asset of any region are its residents. Our goal is to undertake and Cultural development and protection of cultural support measures to provide the residents of Opole with decent living conditions and heritage to give them opportunities to fl ourish. Fulfi lling the cultural needs of society requires a Implementation period: guarantee that public institutions can offer an appropriate standard of services. VII 2008–II 2011 Total project cost: The creation of a new building for the municipal public library in Opole is an investment PLN 14 343 996,04 in high quality public spaces. The implementation of this project enables us to remove Eligible costs: barriers to cultural education, promote reading and helps develop active citizenship in this PLN 12 958 121,99 area. Financing:

Thanks to the unique design, the new, spacious library building links tradition with Resources from the European Regional modernity. It is currently one of the most modern buildings of its kind in the country. The Development Fund: fusion of modernity and tradition is refl ected not only in the library’s appearance – inside PLN 6 479 060.99 (49.99%) local residents can not only borrow books or make use of the reading room, they can also Own contribution: access extensive multimedia resources, listen to music, rent fi lms and surf on the internet. PLN 6 479 061.00 (50.01%) Consideration has also been given to the youngest readers - a ‘fairy tale room’ has been created where children can read or listen to their favourite stories. All resources have been adapted to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

With this project, Opole has acquired a new cultural centre. The comprehensive services it provides and its broad remit mean that the library goes well beyond the standard model. I believe that this type of investment in a new quality of life 29 in the regions is a key element in their development.”

“The spirit of literature is still alive”, by Grzegorz Gębala Podkarpackie Region – A Promoting trade and business; improving people’s quality of life and work; making the window on the world area more attractive for tourists and, above all, raising the region’s competitiveness – such are the benefi ts of a modern airport with all the facilities it needs. It is estimated that Rzeszów airport – Construction following the completion of the construction of the new passenger terminal, the number of of a new passenger terminal passengers served by Rzeszów airport will increase to 700 000 in 2013. It will be possible to check in 700 passengers every hour i.e. twice the current rate. Benefi ciary: Port Lotniczy “Rzeszów – Jasionka” Sp. z o.o. The Marshall of the Podkarpackie Region, Mirosław Karapyta, had the following to say Programme: about the project: Infrastructure and Environment Operational Programme for the years 2007–2013 “Only a few years ago, it would have been hard to imagine that so many investments would

Priority axis: be carried at the same time at Rzeszów–Jasionka airport. Thanks to the bold use of EU 6. TEN-T Road and Air Transport Network funding, the development of Rzeszów airport has now really gathered momentum.

Measure: Rzeszów-Jasionka airport is located in the heart of the Podkarpackie Region, a mere 7.8 6.3 Development of TEN-T airport network km from Rzeszów city centre as the crow fl ies. Next door to the airport lies one of the most Implementation period: attractive investment sites in south-east Poland – the Aeropolis Podkarpacki Science and 9.2011–1.2012 Technology Park. Both Rzeszów Polytechnic and Rzeszów University are in the process of Total project cost: setting up research laboratories on the site. The fact that the A4 motorway will pass close PLN 102 486 710.36 by the site is particularly important. Cohesion Fund: 50% eligible costs The Podkarpackie Regional Operational Programme made it possible to secure EU funding for a total of nine projects, which together were worth over PLN 146 million; EU funding accounted for over PLN 80.5 million of this amount. The largest projects included the construction of a set of aircraft hangars together with a parking apron, the expansion of the airport’s technical facilities and the refurbishment of the new passenger terminal under construction. Given the constant increase in passenger numbers and the need to ensure appropriate standards for them, the largest and most important investment is the construction of the passenger terminal, which was jointly funded by the Infrastructure and Environment Operational Programme.

Thanks to EU funding, this modern airport has the chance of becoming a veritable ‘bargaining chip’ in our efforts to attract further international investment.”

CoR member, Lucjan Kuźniar, highlights the benefi ts of the project:

“One of the key issues for the 30 development of the Podkarpackie Region is the creation of a modern communications infrastructure system for the region which will help Podkarpackie become more accessible and, as a result, even more attractive for investors, tourists and local residents alike.

The expansion of the airport provides an opportunity to really strengthen its position and develop its network of air routes and, therefore, to open up the region to both western and eastern Europe and the world. The Podkarpackie Region, whose new advertising slogan is “open space,” is indeed proving that it is truly open to the world.” The Committee of the Regions and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

The project involved preparing infrastructure in the Białystok sub-zone of the Suwalki Podlasie Region – Supporting Special Economic Zone. Thanks to investment, the capital of the region offers potential the investor investors favourable conditions for business development together with access to Preparing investment sites in the infrastructure and utilities. Białystok sub-zone of the Suwalki The preparation of investment sites is one of the conditions for the economic development Special Economic Zone: building of the city and the entire region. Investment should contribute to the development of infrastructure and modernising innovative projects in the Podlasie Region – this is one of the requirements for those road surfaces interested in projects in special economic zones. Investment creates new jobs and increases the pace of economic growth. A larger zone also benefi ts businesses operating Benefi ciary: in the vicinity. City of Białystok Programme: The project covered the construction of infrastructure for investment sites, including mains Regional Operational Programme of the Podlasie water and new municipal or district roads or redevelopment of existing ones. region for 2007-2013

Marshall of the Podlasie Region Jarosław Dworzański underlines the strengths of the Priority axis: 1. Boosting innovation and supporting businesses project: in the region

“The preparation of the Białystok sub-zone of the Suwalki Special Economic Zone in Measure: and around ulica Mickiewicza, ulica J. Kuronia, ulica Myśliwska, ulica Solnicka and ulica 1.2 An attractive region for investors Żurawia is extremely important for the development of the region – such activities are Sub-measure: especially important in the case of regions such as Podlasie. Funding from the Regional 1.2.1 Investment sites Operational Programme has enabled the Białystok authorities to prepare an area of almost Implementation period: 30 ha, located close to the S19 national road. The proximity of investment plots is having 8.6.2007 – 28.5.2010 a positive effect not only on the development of the city, but also on the entire voivodship. Total project cost: They are generating benefi ts not only for investors who decide to locate their factories here, PLN 50 202 080.06 but also local businesses, which can develop thanks to cooperation with a major partner. Financing: Residents of our region are also benefi tting, with greater job opportunities above all in the PLN 45 886 752.15: services and construction sectors.” Funding from the European Regional Development Fund: CoR member and mayor of Białystok Tadeusz Truskolaski speaks about the project: PLN 41 240 673.15 (89.87%)

“The proper preparation of investment sites forms part of a wider growth strategy in City budget: PLN 4 646 079.00 (10.13%) Białystok. I am convinced that we will succeed in tapping the city’s full potential, which will of course have an impact on the entire region. However, these activities must take account of the regional context. Białystok is the capital of a region with exceptional natural assets. 31 The establishment of any kind of production facilities in this area would be counterproductive and probably do signifi cantly more harm than good. Therefore we are counting on the interest of investors wishing to locate compatible industries here, especially those that use innovative technologies. We can encourage such investors by offering them preferential conditions in the Suwalki Special Economic Zone.” Pomeranian Region – Physics As a result of the implementation of the Physics for the Future project, physics graduates for the Future will for the fi rst time in the history of the University of Gdansk (or indeed any other university in the country) have the opportunity to work with modern measuring apparatus Purchase of modern laboratory and data analysis methods within the walls of their own university, providing them with teaching materials for the knowledge and skills needed to operate the kinds of equipment likely to be used by undergraduate and postgraduate potential employers (fi rms, other universities, research laboratories etc). Physics graduates physics students at the University of the University of Gdansk will be sought-after on the labour market as specialists in exact of Gdansk sciences, familiar with the most modern technologies, creative, and open to innovation.

Benefi ciary: Several hundred new pieces of equipment - all of them meeting international standards, University of Gdansk the most modern technological solutions in their class - have been purchased for the use Programme: of the laboratory. Some of the equipment acquired for the laboratory is unique, exceeding Pomeranian Regional Operational Programme the technological level of equipment available to Polish research laboratories. These 2007-2013 include: a Raman spectrometer (the fi rst in Poland, and only the third in the world), a Priority axis: spectrofl uorometer and an innovative, compact-build scanning electron microscope, the 2. Knowledge society fi rst of its kind in the world. Measure: 2.1. Educational and scientifi c-didactic The Marshall of the Pomeranian Region, Mieczysław Struk commenting on the project: infrastructure “For educated young people, new technologies offer not only a chance to develop their Implementation period: 04.2009 - 06.2010 potential but also the opportunity to compete on equal terms. Raising the quality of education is key to giving Pomerania and the whole country a more important role on Total project cost: PLN 3 487 483.82 the international stage. I think I can venture to say that the Physics for the Future project, carried out by the University of Gdansk, is the pride of the Pomeranian voivodeship and Financing: puts us at the head of the pack nationally. A new laboratory with high-class research European Regional Development Fund equipment is an opportunity for young people to become sought-after specialists on the resources: PLN 2 615 612.85 (75%) labour market for the exact sciences, familiar with the most modern technologies, creative and open to innovation. Own contribution: PLN 871 870.97 (25%) The support given by the Pomeranian Region to the Physics for the Future project is an investment in the young generation and offers the opportunity to improve the region’s potential. In the knowledge that science is the best possible destination for investment, the regional authorities are confi dent that this project will mark the beginning of the creation of a strong cadre of specialists able to support various sectors of the economy.”

32 The Committee of the Regions and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

By regenerating a post-industrial site, this project will help create one of Poland’s most Silesian Region – “The new face modern museums and act as a specialist education centre in the area of archaeology, of a former mine” ethnography, theatre and the arts. This initiative, which will include the construction of Construction of a new home an impressive exhibition area showcasing the history of Upper Silesia, among others, will for the Muzeum Śląski (Silesian signifi cantly broaden the region’s cultural offer and make it more attractive for tourists. Museum) in Katowice The Marshall of the Silesian Region, Adam Matusiewicz, describes the project as follows: Benefi ciary: “The Silesian Museum was formally set up in 1929 by an Act of the Silesian parliament. To Silesian Museum date, it has amassed over 83 000 artefacts in its collection. These include works of art as Programme: well as numerous archaeological, ethnographic and historical items along with photographs Silesian Regional Operational Programme for the and collections of amateur art. The Centre for Polish Scenography, a department set up years 2007-2013 here in 1991, remains unique among Polish museums. Priority VI: Sustainable Urban Development This is by no means the fi rst attempt to build a modern home for the Silesian Museum. Work fi rst began in 1936. The plans for the building were among the most modern at the Measure VI.1: Strengthening of Regional Growth Centres time in that part of Europe. The completion of the building work coincided with the outbreak of World War II. Even before it was offi cially opened, the Nazis ordered the demolition of the Implementation period: years 2008-2012 new museum as part of their policy of destroying everything that was a symbol of Poland. Total project cost: In 1984, the Silesian Museum re-opened on a temporary site, in the centre of Katowice, PLN 324 271 174.73 where it remains to this day. However, there has always been a constant stream of Financing: suggestions for a new site for the museum. The idea of adapting the site of the former European Regional Development Fund: ‘Katowice’ coal mine as the new museum site, making use of its post-industrial buildings, PLN 225 448 089.84 (85%) was fi rst put forward in 1987. Own investment: The new Silesian Museum will be the fi rst building in Katowice to form part of the so- PLN 98 823 084.90 (15%) called ‘Cultural Axis’, which – in addition to the Museum building – will also include the construction of an international convention centre (both projects are included on the list of key projects under the Silesian Regional Operational Programme) and the home of the Polish Radio National Symphony Orchestra in Katowice (project fi nanced by the Infrastructure and Environment Operational Programme).

A number of underground and aboveground walkways will be built to help people get around the site. The only buildings visible above ground level will be the glass towers built to provide the underground exhibition areas with light. According to the plans, the exhibition areas, which are located 33 on each fl oor of the main building, will be situated completely underground. Over 6 000 m2 of exhibition space will be used to display the museum’s collections, which are currently stored in the museum’s warehouses. Visitors to the new Silesian Museum will be able to enjoy six permanent exhibitions, including an exhibition on the history of Upper Silesia, along with a broad presentation of the collections of the Centre for Polish Scenography.” Świętokrzyskie Region – “Development Fairs” Modernisation and expansion of the infrastructure for Targi Kielce for the creation of an international exhibition and convention centre

Benefi ciary Targi Kielce sp. z o.o.

Program: Development of Eastern Poland Operational Programme 2007-2013

Priority Axis: III Regional Growth Centres The Marshall of the Świętokrzyskie Region, Adam Jarubas, describes the project as Measure: follows: III.2. Infrastructure of congress and fair travel “The Świętokrzyskie Region should focus on the dynamically expanding business tourism Implementation Period: sector, which is concentrated around the Kielce Exhibition Centre – the second most 2009-2014 important player in Poland’s exhibition sector – which enjoys a market share of several Total project cost: PLN 203 235 494.48 dozen percent. Targi Kielce (www.targikielce.pl) was set up in 1992, with the fi rst fair to be held at the Kielce Exhibition Centre being the International Defence Industry Fair. Financing: Only a handful of fairs were held a year in Kielce during the 1990s. Despite these humble European Regional Development Fund: beginnings, several dozen will be organised in 2011! PLN 60 368 071.00 (29.7%)

Local Authority: The Świętokrzyskie Region, thanks to its geographical location, social-economic potential, PLN 142 867 423.48 (70.3%) outstanding natural beauty and signifi cant investment opportunities, has all the conditions needed to turn it into one of the country’s most attractive regions. Targi Kielce plays a key role in harnessing this potential.

The Kielce Fair development project, which is worth over PLN 200 million, was voted by internet users as the most popular project in the “Development of Eastern Poland” Operational Programme during the “Przymierz się” (Try it yourself) competition organised by Poland’s Ministry for Regional Development. The EU project has involved the construction of a new reception area with an electronic registration system for exhibitors and visitors alike. Other 34 projects have included the renovation of Hall F, destroyed by fi re, as well as the construction of Poland’s most modern exhibition hall at a cost of PLN 35 million.

The turn of the year 2010/2011 saw work begin on the construction of a Convention Centre at a cost of PLN 61 million, which represents the largest ever investment in the history of Targi Kielce. The centre will have multiple uses, thanks to its unique design.”

Implementing the project will help the economic development of Kielce and the Świętokrzyskie Region by creating new jobs, developing education and innovation and promotional activity. The Committee of the Regions and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Warmia and Mazury Region: “Haute cuisine with European stars” Constructing and modernising a hotel and catering training facilities in line with EU standards

Name of benefi ciary: Ełk District/ Szczycieński District/City of Olsztyn/ The 2007-2013 Warmia and Mazury Regional Operational Programme for region envisages City of Elbląg a growing role for tourism in the region’s economy, mainly by making tourism services Programme: more attractive. The quality of such services largely depends on the professionalism of 2007-2013 Warmia and Mazury Regional Operational Programme staff in the sector. The project described here was launched in order to establish modern Priority axis: training facilities for the hotel and catering trades. It involves expanding and modernising 3. Social infrastructure four training centres in the region. These centres now house new training rooms with Measure: modern equipment to enable training in hotel and catering trades (in cafes, cake shops, 3.1 Investing in educational infrastructure delicatessens, chocolate making), as well as in offi ce technology and IT, customer service, Implementation period: and organoleptic evaluation. Courses in new subjects have also been developed. The new 8 January 2008 - 29 October 2010 training facilities resulting from the implementation of the programme will meet European Total project cost: vocational training standards not least in terms of the type and number of training rooms; PLN 42 852 319,88 (of which PLN 30 446 265.34 eligible costs) at the same time, highly specialised equipment will enable high quality teaching. Financing: Jacek Protas, Marshall of the region, commented as follows: Funding from the European Regional “Tourism is one of the main economic sectors in the Warmia and Mazury Region. Among Development Fund: PLN 30 466 265.34 (71%) other things, our visitors can enjoy active recreation around the lakes, sightseeing and a rich regional cuisine. This is what inspired us to improve the competitiveness of regional Own resources: PLN 12 406 054.54 (29%) tourism services on the national and European markets.

The regional government decided to support hotel and catering vocational schools. Training centres in Ełk, Szczytno, Elbląg and Olsztyn have received EU co-fi nancing, thanks to which they have been able to improve their technical infrastructure and equip classrooms for hands-on vocational training. New curricula have been developed from scratch, and teaching staff have been given the appropriate training. 35 The schools will be accredited as State vocational exam centres. Internships will be organised for students in Poland and in Europe. Graduates of these schools will get a solid grounding enabling them to meet high standards, thus enhancing services targeted at tourists and local residents. Wielkopolska Region – “Train to The aim of the project, to be implemented from 2010 to 2013, is the purchase of 22 modernity” electric multiple unit trains (EMUs) for regional railway passenger services. These modern trains, designed for regional rail passenger services on electrifi ed lines, will be used on the Purchase of rolling stock for following railway lines: Poznań-Kutno, Poznań-Zbąszynek and Poznań-Inowrocław. regional railway passenger services The colourful 75-metre-long railcars will accommodate 204 sitting passengers and will be equipped with air-conditioning , surveillance facilities, disabled toilets and low fl oors. Trains Benefi ciary: will be able to travel at a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Wielkopolska regional government The purchase of the new trains in conjunction with the launch by the regional government Programme: Wielkopolska Regional Operational Programme of its own Koleje Wielkopolskie (Wielkopolska Railways) transport company, together with for 2007 – 2013 increased investment in rail transport, will soon bring higher quality transport services to

Priority Axis: Wielkopolska. Priority II - communication infrastructure A safer, faster service offering options more closely in line with passengers’ expectations Measure: will enable passengers from smaller towns to get to Poznań faster and more conveniently. Action 2.4 – Rolling stock for regional passenger services The new trains will be cheaper to operate than the locomotives currently in use, thus cutting the costs of the newly launched regional services. Implementation period: 2010-2014 The Marshall of the Wielkopolska Region Marek Woźniak sums up the project as follows: Total project cost: PLN 483.3 million “This project is the greatest investment in the history of the Wielkopolska Regional Authority. We took the decision to purchase modern rolling stock in 2006, with the idea of helping the Financing: people of Wielkopolska to travel quickly and safely on the relevant rail routes. Funding from the European Regional Development Fund: The railcars ordered by us will meet future safety standards. The fi rst should arrive in PLN 168.4 million (85 % co-fi nancing) Wielkopolska even before Euro 2012, and all of them will be here by the middle of 2014. State budget funding: The delivery of these trains will undoubtedly be a real step forward for railways in our PLN 29.7 million (15 % of the co-fi nanced amount) region. Higher-quality regional rail passenger services should secure the future of the new Own funding: ‘Koleje Wielkopolskie’ company. PLN 198.1 million as well as covering ineligible costs ( VAT) I do not rule out that the possibility of buying more new trains for Wielkopolska in a few years, but that will depend among other things on co-funding from the European Union”.

36

fot. Archiwum Pesa The Committee of the Regions and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

The Marshall of the West Pomeranian Region, Olgierd Geblewicz, talks about the project: West Pomeranian Region – “friendly smurfs” The purpose of the project was to buy 10 diesel multiple units (DMUs) produced by the Bydgoszcz-based company PESA. Two more vehicles of the same type were purchased Construction and supply of 10 by the West Pomeranian Region using its own budget. All trains are completely modern, DMUs environmentally friendly and adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. Benefi ciary: The SA136 DMU is called “the smurf” by passengers and railwaymen because of its white West Pomeranian Region and blue appearance. DMUs offer great convenience for all people travelling between the Programme: major cities in the region. Their routes also extend beyond the region’s borders to towns Regional operational programme of the West such as Piła and Chojnice. Pomeranian region 2007-2013

Fast and safe transport connections provide major comfort when travelling. This is ensured Priority axis: Transport and energy infrastructure development by 157 soft comfortable seats adapted to long journeys and by air conditioning, providing pleasant cool air even during the most intense heat waves. Measure: Integrated regional transport system

Overseeing passenger safety is a monitoring system, encompassing both the interior and Implementation period: exterior of the vehicle. In addition, every vehicle is equipped with a complex on-board 2010 - 2011 diagnostic system, which works in conjunction with on-board computers, systematically Total project cost: informing the engine driver about the vehicle’s operation. This information is also transmitted PLN 149 364 600 with the help of the GSM network to the maintenance depot, where the vehicle is serviced. Financing: Environmental concerns have not been overlooked. By using the latest power units, which European Regional Development Fund: meet demanding European environmental standards, as well as hydrodynamic transfer, PLN 122 430 000 (81.97%) soft suspension and disc brakes, the vehicles produce signifi cantly less harmful substances Regional budget: and noise than other rolling stock in use. PLN 8 184 600 (5.48%) Rail fund: People with disabilities, parents with small children and tourists travelling with their two- PLN 18 750 000 (12.55%) wheeled vehicles will not have to fear long journeys, because the lower fl oor in the vehicles makes it easier to get on board. In addition, the vehicles include a number of features to accommodate such passengers.

Other features include sockets for charging mobile phone batteries and powering laptop computers and an audio-visual information system using LCD panels and a GPS system. Thanks to this, passengers can see the train timetable, its position, the nearest stations and the speed at which it is travelling. LCD monitors can be used to show fi lms, including those to promote 37 the region and local cultural events.

The organisation and subsidy of regional passenger rail transport and the acquisition of a rail fl eet is one of the objectives of the regional government. The purchase of new DMUs not only increases the cohesion of regional transport, it also improves travelling conditions and helps shorten journey times. This is made possible through the use of a fl eet with better traction conditions than conventional diesel trains. In this way, rail can become an alternative to car transport in the region. 10 OPEN DAYS - Seventeen local events in Poland

9th European Week of Regions and Cities Brussels 10 - 13 October 2011

For the 9th time since 2003, the Committee of the Regions and the European Commission’s Regional Policy DG have joined forces with 206 regions and cities from 35 countries and several European organisations to organise the annual leading get-together for local and regional authorities from all over Europe: The European Week of Regions and Cities-OPEN DAYS. The 2011 programme will consist of 112 seminars and workshops attracting an expected audience of 6 000.

In addition, from September to November, over 200 local events in 35 countries organised under the banner ‘Europe in my region/city” will provide information and debate for an expected audience of 20,000. Seventeen diverse local events bringing together citizens and experts will be held in the regions and cities of Poland. These events will mainly focus on the “Europe 2020” theme which is one of the three subjects (along with “Better delivery” and “Geography matters”) chosen for the 2011 OPEN DAYS event.

By participating, Polish regions and cities can show their interest in Community policies and play an active role in highlighting constructive and sustainable dialogue between citizens and the European institutions. In addition, they can raise public awareness by informing members of the public more about the challenges which directly concern them and help develop, as well as strengthen, their co-operation by exchanging good practice.

More details can be found at: www.opendays.europa.eu

Łódź City of Łódź Debate Europe 2020 - creative industries Szczecin Marshall’s Offi ce of the Westpomeranian Region. Seminar Geography matters Olsztyn Radio Olsztyn/Marshall Offi ce in Warmińsko-Mazurskie Region Radio Event Health Białystok Radio Białystok Radio Broadcast Eastern Partnership Active aging: opportunities coming from Lublin Radio Lublin Radio Broadcast Lifelong Learning Programme Kraków Board of the Malopolska Region TO BE CONFIRMED TO BE CONFIRMED Marshall’s Offi ce of the Opolskie Region / Urząd Marszałkowski 38 Opole Seminar Europe 2020 Województwa Opolskiego Rzeszów Marshall’s Offi ce Conference Europe 2020 Warszawa Mazowsze Voivodship/ Mazovia Energy Agency Seminar Energy effectiveness Offi ce of the Marshall’s Łódzkie Region: Department of Regional Policy, 3rd annual European Łódź Department of Human Capital Operational Programme, Department of Europe 2020 Funds Forum Rural Development Fund, Centre of Entrepreneurs Service Gdańsk / Pomorskie in EU Association Seminar Europe 2020 Gdynia Poznań Marshall’s Offi ce of the Wielkopolska Region Conference Europe 2020 Open-air stand, multimedia Gdańsk Starogard Gdański presentations, photo exhibition, workshops. Kielce Marshall’s Offi ce of the Świętokrzyskie Region Workshop Europe 2020 Toruń Urząd Marszałkowski Województwa Kujawsko-Pomorskiego Seminar Better Delivery Department for International Relations and European Information Zielona Góra Workshop Better Delivery (Marshall’s Offi ce of the Lubuskie Region) Warszawa The Warsaw City hall Conference Europe 2020 11 Calendar of events

JUNE 26-27 September 11 October Joint Meeting of the Network of the Territorial Conference on the preparations for the Rio+20 30 June Cohesion Contact Points and Urban Development world summit Presentation of the priorities of the Polish Group » Warszawa, Poland Presidency at the Committee of the Regions » Warszawa, Poland plenary session (29 June-1 July) 18 October » Brussels 28-29 September Committee of the Regions: CIVEX Commission Committee of the Regions: EDUC Commission » Brussels JULY » Sofi a, Bułgaria 19-20 October 4 July 28-29 September Committee of the Regions: EuroPCom Committee of the Regions: COTER Commission Conference on cultural heritage: local products - European Conference on Public Sector » Brussels global importance Communication » Sofi a, Bulgaria » Brussels 5 July 29-30 September 19-20 October Committee of the Regions: ECOS Commission » Brussels Eastern Partnership Summit European Congress of Rural Municipalities » Warszawa, Poland (with the participation of Mercedes Bresso, 7-8 July President of the Committee of the Regions) 29-30 September Evidence Based Cohesion Policy » Warszawa, Poland » Gdańsk, Poland Territorial Dimension of the European Social Fund (with the participation of Mercedes 19-20 October 12 July Bresso, President of the Committee of the Committee of the Regions: COTER, Conference Joint Meeting of the Network of the Territorial Regions) on “Which Cohesion for rural territories after Cohesion Contact Points and Urban Development » Warszawa, Poland 2013?” Group » Warszawa, Poland 30 September » Warszawa, Poland Committee of the Regions: NAT Commission 19-20 October 18-19 July » Brussels Catalysing reforms – ESF support for better Seminar on Territorial Dimension in Development governance Policies OCTOBER » Warszawa, Poland » Ostróda, Poland 3-4 October 24 October SEPTEMBER Committee of the Regions: ENVE Commission Baltic Development Forum » Malmö, Sweden » Gdańsk, Poland 8-9 September 3-4 October 24-25 October CORLeap - Standing Conference of Regional and Local Authorities for the Eastern Partnership Seminar on “Rio+20: Green Economy” Effective Instruments for Territorial Development (with the participation » Poznań, Poland » Malmö, Sweden of Mercedes Bresso, President of the 8-9 September 5 October Committee of the Regions) Committee of the Regions: Extraordinary Bureau Committee of the Regions: ECOS Commission » Warszawa, Poland » Poznań, Poland » Brussels 25-26 October 15-16 September 10 October II Annual Forum EUS BSR 39 Joint Conference of ETC Transnational Committee of the Regions - Bureau » Gdańsk, Poland Cooperation Programmes (with the » Brussels 25-26 October participation of Mercedes Bresso, President of the Committee of the Regions) 10-13 October ESF Technical Working Group » Brussels » Katowice, Poland Committee of the Regions: Open Days - European Week of Regions and Cities 21 September 27-28 October » Brussels Working Group on Territorial Cohesion & Urban Meeting of the Coordination Committee of the Matters (TCUM) – working group within the 9-12 October Funds (COCOF) COORDINATION COMMITTEE OF FUNDS Polish village » Warszawa, Poland (COCOF) » Brussels NOVEMBER » Brussels 11-12 October 3-4 November 19 September Committee of the Regions - Plenary Session Committee of the Regions: Polish Regions’ » Brussels Meeting of DG for regional policy, territorial Conference on the Future of the TEN-T cohesion and urban development 11 October » Brussels » Warszawa, Poland Committee of the Regions: Polish Regions’ 9 November 26 September Conference on the Urban Dimension of the Committee of the Regions: CFAA Commission Cohesion Policy Committee of the Regions: Polish Regions’ » Brussels » Brussels Conference on the Eastern Partnership » Brussels 14 November 29 November 2 December Monitoring Committee of the Urban Development Committee of the Regions: Climate Action - Committee of the Regions: ECOS Commission Network Programme URBACT II Europe’s cities and regions make it happen (tbc) » Brussels » Warszawa, Poland » Brussels 7-9 December 17-18 November 29 November Regional Policy Attaché Meeting on Regulations Cohesion policy and catching-up regions Committee of the Regions: ENVE Commission of Cohesion Policy after 2013 » Lublin, Poland » Brussels » Kraków, Poland

21 November 29-30 November 12 December Committee of the Regions: CFAA Commission ESPON WEEK: ESPON 2013 Seminar – Territorial Impact Evaluation Seminar DG Regio. » Brussels cohesion in practice (On the way to European » Warszawa, Poland Territorial Development Policy – ESPON evidence) 23 November 13 December » Kraków, Poland Committee of the Regions: EDUC Commission Committee of the Regions: Forum - the future of 29-30 November » Brussels EU research and innovation policies: What role for ESF Technical Working Group Europe’s regions and cities? 24 November » Kraków, Poland » Brussels Integrated Approach to Development – A Key to Smart, Inclusive and Sustainable Europe 30 November 13 December (with the participation of Mercedes Bresso, Committee of the Regions: Polish Regions’ Committee of the Regions - Bureau President of the Committee of the Regions) Conference on the EU Strategy for the Baltic » Brussels » Poznań, Poland Sea Region 14-15 December » Brussels 25 November Committee of the Regions - Plenary Session Informal Meeting of Ministers Responsible for DECEMBER » Brussels Regional Policy, Territorial Cohesion and Urban Development 1 December 15 December » Poznań, Poland Committee of the Regions: CIVEX Commission Working Group on Territorial Cohesion & Urban » Brussels Matters (TCUM) – working group within the 28 November COORDINATION COMMITTEE OF FUNDS Committee of the Regions: NAT Commission 1 December (COCOF) » Brussels EFS Committee » Brussels 28 November » Kraków, Poland December ESPON WEEK: ESPON Contact Point Meeting 1-2 December General Affairs Council (GAC) » Kraków, Poland ESPON WEEK: Monitoring Committee of ESPON » Brussels 2013 Program » Kraków, Poland

40 12 Contact

Permanent Representation of the Republic of Poland to the European Union in Brussels

Jan Tombiński Ambassador, Permanent Address: Rue Stevin 139, 1000 Brussels Representative: Telephone: +32 (0)2 78 04 220 Fax: +32 (0)2 77 77 297 (298) E-mail: [email protected]

Karolina Kierońska Committee of the Regions Telephone: +32 (2) 78 04 366 contact: E-mail: [email protected] http://brukselaeu.polemb.net/index.php?document=20

Coordinators of the Polish Delegation to the Committee of the Regions

Ms Alicja MAJEWSKA-GAŁĘZIAK E-mail: [email protected]

Ms Monika KAPTURSKA E-mail: [email protected] Director Information Offi ce of the Wielkopolska Region in Brussels Avenue de l’Yser 19 B-1040 Brussels Telephone: + 32 2 732 96 88 Telephone: + 48 61 278 53 96 Mobile: +32 474 316 583 Fax: + 32 2 734 09 44

Offi ces of Polish Regions in Brussels

Contact person: Head of Offi ce: Ewa Foltynowicz 1. Representation of the Lower Address: Avenue d`Auderghem 22-28, 1040 Brussels Silesia Region in Brussels Telephone: + 32 (0)2 740 27 29 Fax: +32 (0)2 740 27 20 41 E-mail: [email protected] www.umwd.dolnyslask.pl/urzad/wspolpraca-z-zagranica/regionalne-biuro-wojewodztwa-dolnoslaskiego- w-brukseli/

Contact person: Przestawiciel: Beata Skowrońska 2. Representation of the Address: Avenue de Tervueren 84, 1040 Brussels Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region Telephone: + 32 (0)2 734 12 17 in Brussels Fax: + 32 (0)2 734 29 96 E-mail: [email protected] www.mojregion.eu

Contact person: Head of Offi ce: Marta Smulkowska 3. Representation of the Lubelskie Address: Avenue de Tervueren 48, 1040 Brussels Region in Brussels Telephone: + 32 (0)2 738 02 24 Fax: + 32 (0)2 735 33 20 E-mail: [email protected] www.eastpoland.eu

Contact person: Representative: Jarosława Suchecka 4. Representation of the Lubuskie Address: Avenue Palmerston 3, 1000 Brussels Region in Brussels Telephone: + 32 (0)2 234 68 56 Fax: + 32 (0)2 234 68 59 E-mail: [email protected] www.bruksela.lubuskie.pl 5. Representation of the City of Contact person: Representative: Ewelina Izydorczyk – Lewy Łódź in Brussels Address: Square Marie-Louise 1, 1000 Brussels Telephone: (02) 230 96 18 Fax: (02) 231 15 88 E-mail: [email protected] www.brussels.lodz.pl

6. Representation of the Łódz Contact person: Director: Marcin Podgórski Region in Brussels Address: Square Marie-Louise 1, 1000 Brussels Telephone: +32 (0)2 230 90 77 Fax: +32 (0)2 231 15 87 E-mail: [email protected] www.bruksela.lodzkie.pl

7. Representation of the Contact person: Head of Offi ce: Filip Zoń Malopolska Region in Brussels Address: Rond Point Schuman 14, 1040 Brussels Telephone: + 32 (0)2 286 85 21 Fax: + 32 (0)2 286 85 28 E-mail: fi [email protected] www.malopolskaregion.eu

8. Representation of the Mazovia Contact person: Director: Nina Małachowska Region in Brussels Address: Rue Victor Hugo 199, 1030 Brussels Telephone: + 32 (0)2 230 96 62 Fax: + 32 (0)2 230 70 83 E-mail: [email protected] www.mazovia.pl/wojewodztwo/wspolpraca-zagraniczna/biuro-w-brukseli/

9. Representation of the Opolskie Contact person: Director: Dariusz Kozak Region in Brussels Address: Avenue de Tervueren 13B, 1040 Brussels Telephone: + 32 (0)2 732 73 21 Fax: + 32 (0)2 732 73 24 E-mail: [email protected] www.bruksela.opolskie.pl

10. Representation of the Contact person: Representative: Katarzyna Stachowicz Podkarpackie Region in Brussels Address: Avenue de Tervueren 48, 1040 Brussels Telephone: +32 (0)2 738 02 23 Fax: +32 (0)2 735 33 20 E-mail: [email protected] www.eastpoland.eu

11. Representation of the Contact person: Head of Offi ce: Michał Szczepura Podlaskie Region in Brussels Address: Avenue de Tervueren 48, 1040 Brussels Telephone: +32 (0)2 738 02 22 Fax: +32 (0)2 735 33 20 E-mail: [email protected] 42 www.podlaskie.eu

12. Representation of the Contact person: Director: Anna Drążek Pomorskie Region in Brussels Address: Rond Point Schuman 6, 1040 Brussels Telephone: + 32 (0)2 282 84 10 Fax: + 32 (0)2 282 84 12 E-mail: [email protected] www.pomorskie-eu.pl

13. Representation of the Silesia Contact person: Director: Magdalena Chawuła Region in Brussels Address: Rue Saint Laurent 36/38, 1000 Brussels Telephone: + 32 (0)2 514 77 67 Fax: + 32 (0)2 218 77 77 E-mail: [email protected] www.silesia-europa.pl

14. Representation of the Contact person: Director: Piotr Gołacki Świętokrzyskie Region in Address: Avenue de Tervueren 48, 1040 Brussels Brussels Telephone: + 32 (2) 738 02 27 Fax: +32 (2) 735 33 20 E-mail: [email protected] www.eastpoland.eu The Committee of the Regions and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Contact person: Director: Małgorzata Wasilenko 15. Representation of the Address: Avenue de Tervueren 48, 1040 Brussels Warmińsko-Mazurskie Region in Telephone: + 32 (0)2 738 02 26 Brussels Fax: + 32 (0)2 735 33 20 E-mail: [email protected] www.eastpoland.eu

Contact person: Director: Monika Kapturska 16. Representation of the Address: Avenue de l’Yser 19, 1040 Brussels Westpomeranian Region in Telephone: + 32 (0)2 734 09 41 Brussels Fax: + 32 (0)2 734 09 44 E-mail: brussels.offi [email protected] www.wielkopolska.eu

Contact person: Director: Sebastian Gojdź 17. Representation of the Address: Rue Montoyer 31, 1000 Brussels Wielkopolska Region in Brussels Telephone: + 32 (0)2 414 96 04, +32 (0)2 514 01 07 Fax: + 32 (0)2 411 32 15 E-mail: [email protected] www.wzp.pl/westpomerania/

43 www.pl2011.eu

Edited by the Directorate of Communication, Press and Events Publication date: July 2011 Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat, 101 | 1040 Bruxelles/Brussels | Belgique/België QG-31-11-015-EN-C