Transnationale samenwerking voor het voetlicht in Katowice (en)

Between the 15-16th of September 2011, 13 trans-national programs operating within the framework of the European Territorial Co-operation will organise a joint conference in Katowice. It is the first such conference of its kind and aims to showcase the way in which trans-national cooperation is improving the quality of life in the regions of Europe.

’Trans-national programs best embody the ideas of European co-operation and solidarity. This is why I am pleased that Silesiais so actively involved in them,’ said Minister Elzbieta Bienkowska at the inauguration of the conference.

‘The aim of this conference, is to discuss the role of trans-national programs as an instrument of the cohesion policy and the way in which they can help achieve EU development objectives. I believe that European Territorial Co-operation complements regional and sectoral programs,’ Minister Bienkowska stated in her speech. Within the European Territorial Co-operation, the trans-national component has a special place. Trans-nationality means a program or project is carried out in a defined area, covering several regions, and at times in more than a dozen states. In practice, this means co-operation between partners that are separated by up to several thousand kilometres.

The ETC budget is EUR 8.74 billion. Polandis currently participating in two trans-national programs: The Baltic Sea Region program and the Programme for Central Europe. The first, involves 73 projects, including 61 with Polish partners and has a budget of EUR 236.6 million. The second, involves 94 projects, of which 76 have Polish partners and has a budget of EUR 246 million.

The head of the regional development ministry reiterated that the motto of the conference is: 13 programs, one goal - improving the quality of life in Europe’s regions.’The message is clear. These programs, small in financial terms, have the experience and the possibility to be an important element in developing the European Union’s regions.’

‘The conclusions of this conference will be presented during the European Regions and Cities Week, in a special workshop devoted to trans-national cooperation. Poland will forward them to the ministers responsible for: regional policy, cohesion policy, territorial cohesion and urban development, who are to gather at an informal meeting in November in Poznan,’ said Minister Bienkowska, also stressing that one of the Polish Presidency’s cohesion policy objectives is to strengthen the territorial dimension.

The two-day conference, held at the Academyof Music, was attended by: representatives of the provinceof Silesia, Marshal Adam Matusiewicz, and Piotr Spyra, The Deputy Governor of Silesiaand the Mayor of Katowice Piotr Uszok, as well as representatives of the European Commission - Normunds Popens and beneficiaries of trans-national programs.

More information can be found in the press release and on the website:https://registration.livegroup.co.uk/EventWebsites/transnational-cooperation/