The aim of Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme is to reduce economic and social disparities within the enlarged European Union. On 20 December 2007 in Berne, The Polish Minister of Regional Development, Elżbieta Bieńkowska has signed an agreement concerning the implementation of the Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme. Switzerland has made available CHF 1 billion for the countries that joined the European Union on 1 May 2004. The contribution to Poland amounts to CHF 489,02 million (approx. 310 million EUR).
Negotiations on Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme
In October 2007 the Ministry of Regional Development has finished the negotiations with Swiss partner on the Framework agreement between the Government of the Republic of Poland and the Swiss Federal Council concerning the implementation of the Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme to reduce economic and social disparities within the enlarged European Union. The document was approved by the Polish Council of Ministers on 7 November 2007 and by Swiss Federal Council on 21 November 2007.
Objectives
The Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme pursues two objectives:
- To contribute to the reduction of economic and social disparities between the Republic of Poland and the more advanced countries of the enlarged EU;
- To contribute within the Republic of Poland to the reduction of economic and social disparities between the dynamic urban centres and the structurally weak peripheral regions.
Applicants
All public and private sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) may apply for assistance.
Geographical Focus
At least 40% of the Contribution will be spent in the four south-eastern provinces: lubelskie, małopolskie, podkarpackie, and świętokrzyskie.
Duration
The Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme is available for Commitment period of five years and a disbursement period of ten years starting from the approval of the funds by the Swiss Parliament.
Thematic focus:
- Security, Stability and Support for Reforms
- Regional development initiatives in peripheral or disadvantaged regions
- Measures for secureting borders
- Environment and Infrastructure
- Restoriation and modernization of basic enviroment infrastructure and improvement of the environment condition
- Biodiversity and nature protection and Cross-border environmental initiatives
- Private Sector
- Improving the business environment and the access to financing for SMEs
- Development of the private sector and promotion of exports of SMEs
- Human and Social Development
- Health
- Research and Development
The contribution to Poland amounts to CHF 489 million.
Rules on the grant rate :
Grant rate may not exceed:
- 60% of the total eligible costs of the project/programme;
- 85% of the total eligible costs in the case of projects/programme receiving additional financing in the form of budget allocations from national, regional or local authorities;
- 90% of the total eligible costs in the case of projects implemented by non-governmental organizations
- 100% of the total eligible costs for institution-building and technical assistance Projects,
When can projects be submitted?
It is planned to have calls for proposals for each area of intervention. There are two main types of calls for proposals – open and restricted.
First call for proposals will be conducted within the thematic area: Security, Stability and Support for Reforms:
- Regional development initiatives in peripheral or disadvantaged regions in the four south-eastern provinces: lubelskie, małopolskie, podkarpackie, and świętokrzyskie – open call for proposals from 1st of October to 23nd of December 2008
- Measures for securing borders – restricted call for proposals without time frame.