We were delayed in starting the current financial perspective for 2021-2027. I am pleased to admit that last year and the three quarters of this year clearly show that we are making up for lost time at a fast pace. We are systematically launching further calls for proposals and key projects for individual support areas,

said Deputy Minister of Development Funds and Regional Policy Jan Szyszko at the annual meeting to review the implementation of regional and national programmes. 

It was also attended by representatives of the Managing Authorities and of the European Commission: Director of Implementation at the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) Emma Toledano-Laredo and Manager at the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL) Christoph Nerlich.

The conversation with experts and representatives of the European Commission also focused on the midterm review of the programmes.

We addressed the implementation of the National Energy and Climate Plan, the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and changes in the socio-economic situation in Poland. We are aware that all programmes have to be periodically evaluated and verified by the end of March 2025. Managing authorities and partners outside the public administration are responsible for this process,

emphasised Deputy Minister Jan Szyszko. 

Support for regions affected by floods

Following the European Commission's proposal for changes to the flood reconstruction legislative package in the European Funds for Infrastructure Climate and Environment (FEnIKS) national programme and regional programmes in the four regions affected by the floods, the managing authorities are planning to make urgent changes. They are intended to make it possible to use European funds for post-flood recovery. 

The European Commission has proposed corresponding amendments to the package of fund regulations entitled RESTORE. Their aim is to improve the flexibility of the implementation of European funds which will be used to counteract the negative effects of natural disasters. These proposals are a direct response to the floods that affected central and eastern European countries such as Poland, Romania, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia, and the forest fires in Portugal in September 2024.