Progress in the implementation of the second edition of the Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme (SPCP) was the most important topic of the conversation between Secretary of State at the Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy, Jacek Protas, and Swiss Ambassador to Poland Fabrice Filliez. Our country will receive over 320 million Swiss francs for two programs – Polish Swiss Programme for Development of Towns and Research and Innovation Programme.
"We have many years of cooperation under the previous edition of the Swiss-Polish Programme. I believe that its continuation will further strengthen the existing excellent relations between our countries" - said Jacek Protas, Deputy Minister of Development Funds and Regional Policy.
It was Fabrice Filliez's first visit to the Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy after Jacek Protas took over as Secretary of State at the ministry. The deputy minister is, among other things, responsible on behalf of the ministry for the implementation of the second edition of the Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme.
In the new edition of the Swiss Funds, two programmes will be implemented in Poland. The Polish-Swiss Programme for Development of Towns with a budget of 278.7 million Swiss francs contribution is aimed at medium-sized cities losing their socio-economic functions. The Research and Innovation Programme worth 35 million Swiss francs aims to improve the quality of basic and applied research in Poland.
The conversation at the Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy also concerned relations between Poland and Switzerland.
"The Swiss Confederation is an important political and economic partner for Poland. In 2019, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of establishing bilateral relations. We also remember the strong historical ties of both nations - best symbolized by the figures of Tadeusz Kościuszko, Ignacy Jan Paderewski and Antoni Patek" - emphasized the deputy minister.
Jacek Protas added that an important impulse to further strengthen these relations will be the visit to Poland of the President of the Swiss Confederation, Viola Amherd, scheduled for autumn 2024