Związek Miast Polskich

The conference agenda includes a presentation of the Polish-Swiss Programme for Development of Towns and the Research and Innovation Programme.

The event will take place on:

12th December 2023 (Tuesday) from 1.00PM to 7.30PM

in Warsaw, at Fort Legionów, 12 Zakroczymska St.

The conference is aimed at representatives from 139 Polish towns eligible to participate in the recruitment process for the Polish Swiss Program for Development of Towns, as well as representatives from institutions involved in program implementation and representatives from scientific centers and businesses interested in research cooperation between Poland and Switzerland.

Second Edition of the Swiss-Polish Cooperation Program

In the framework of the second edition of Swiss Contribution, carried out between 2022 and 2029, Switzerland has offered financial assistance amounting to CHF 1.3 billion to 13 selected EU countries with the aim of reducing socio-economic disparities within the European Union.

On December 5, 2022, in Warsaw, the Framework Agreement between the Republic of Poland and the Swiss Confederation regarding the implementation of the Second Swiss Contribution was signed. The Framework Agreement established the second edition of the Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme (SPCP), under which Poland will receive 320.1 million Swiss francs. There are two programmes to be implemented in Poland. Both Programme agreements were signed on 13^th October 2023.

Polish Swiss Program for Development of Towns The majority of Switzerland’s contribution has been allocated to the Polish Swiss Program for Development of Towns (DoT), amounting to a substantial 278.7 million Swiss francs (with an additional 49.182 million Swiss francs from Poland, totaling 327.882 million Swiss francs). With these funds, medium-sized towns will be able to implement projects aimed at reducing unemployment, enhancing public safety, and supporting investments. You can find a list of towns eligible for participation in the Polish Swiss Program for Development of Towns attached.

The Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy (MDFRP) serves as the National Coordinating Unit for the SPCP, overseeing the overall implementation of the programme and achievement of its goals, acting at the same time as the Operator of the DoT Programme. The Association of Polish Cities closely collaborates with the Ministry and will support eligible towns in preparing competition documents and future laureates in implementing the planned activities.

Assistance in 12 Areas

The support will be focused on financing activities within twelve thematic areas covered by the Program:

Vocational and professional education and training
Financing for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises
Providing support to migration management and promoting integration measures
Energy efficiency and renewable energy
Public transportation
Water and waste-water management
Waste management
Nature conservation and biodiversity
Health and social protection
Improving public safety and security
Minorities and socially disadvantaged groups
Civil engagement and transparency

In a two-stage competition, winners will be selected from towns that receive the highest evaluation ratings. Indirectly, this competition will improve the strategic planning process in all participating towns. Support will be directed to all towns, contributing to enhancing the knowledge and skills of local government employees in strategic planning. Laureates will benefit from advisory services provided by advisors from the Association of Polish Cities (APC) and Swiss experts.

Additionally, during the third stage of project implementation in towns, bilateral cooperation between Polish and Swiss cities will facilitate mutual exchange of experience in strategic management and the execution of specific development actions.

Research and Innovation Programme

The programme aims to enhance the quality of applied research in Poland by strengthening scientific research cooperation between Poland and Switzerland. The programme also includes an element focused on internationalizing basic research, involving multilateral cooperation (the planned Multilateral Call for Joint Research Projects will involve entities from Poland, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, and Hungary, forming partnerships with Swiss entities).

The National Centre for Research and Development (NCRD) will be responsible for the part of the programme related to applied research, collaborating with the Swiss Innovation Agency - Innosuisse. The part concerning internationalizing basic research will involve the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), which will cooperate with the Polish National Science Centre (PNSC).

Invitations to the conference have been sent to the group of individuals and institutions mentioned above. For registration inquiries, please contact:

Hanna Leki: hanna.leki@zmp.poznan.pl; Tel: +48 661 545 141

Conference materials are provided below as attachments. In an effort to be environmentally friendly, we encourage you to use the electronic versions of the documents.