Among other things, the plan for the implementation of the European Funds Program for Śląsk for 2021-2027, the scope of support for the region and business, and the development of the region was presented during the event.

The result of good cooperation between local authorities and the government in the implementation of development policy in the Polish regions is the Program Contract for the Śląskie Voivodeship for 2021-2027, signed in June. It is an agreement that will form the basis for negotiations with the European Commission on the regional program "European Funds for Śląskie for 2021-2027"

said Grzegorz Puda, the Minister of Development Funds and Regional Policy.

Implementation of European Funds requires close cooperation with local governments. In the case of the Śląskie local government these activities are proceeding in an exemplary manner. Minister Grzegorz Puda noted, that thanks to the intensive work of the authorities, local government officials and entrepreneurs from Śląskie, who reached for European funds and state budget resources, we are realizing innovative ideas and introducing changes that contribute to the development of the voivodeship.

The results of their activities and investments benefit residents of the region and all of Poland. Good and positive changes are visible in Śląsk. I am convinced that the implementation of the vision included in the region's strategy will have a significant impact on improving the quality of life for residents throughout the region

the Minister added.

The contract signed in June, serves to develop the voivodeship's innovation and competitiveness. The Program will fund projects oriented toward activities that support innovative and smart economic transformation and regional digital connectivity, promote clean and equitable energy transition, green and blue investments, a closed-loop economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility, for achieving climate goals, and for social exclusion and sustainable urban development.

The signing of the Program Contract for the Śląskie Voivodeship fulfilled a prerequisite for the start of formal negotiations with the European Commission regarding the European Funds for Śląskie 2021-2027 regional program. From a national perspective, we look at Śląskie as the industrial heartland of the country. It is the area with great potential that faces significant challenges in transforming its economic profile or improving environmental quality. In the next financial perspective, Śląskie will be the leader in terms of financial allocation. The allocation of the regional operational program alone, including the newly created Just Transformation Fund, will be about EUR 5 billion. The new distribution of European funds for 2021-2027 is another opportunity for the Śląskie Voivodeship to become even more modern, livable, innovative and accessible to people with different needs

noted Grzegorz Puda, head of the MDFRP.

Funds invested in the economy, green transformation and digital development, the Minister said, have effectively improved the lives of residents. Since Poland's accession to the European Union and the launch of the first support program, it was possible to do really a lot for Śląsk. Thanks to good management of national and EU money and sound investments, the Śląskie Voivodeship is also becoming more competitive.

- The Śląskie Voivodeship is the largest beneficiary of EU funds from regional programs for 2014-2020 with an allocation of funds of EUR 3.47 billion. These funds have already been almost entirely invested in important regional projects and have translated into concrete results visible at every turn and in all areas of life. This is a tremendous effort by all efficient institutions and beneficiaries of the regional program: entrepreneurs, institutions and local governments, Minister Puda emphasized.

I am proud that more than EUR 5 billion will go to the Śląskie Voivodeship in the coming years. These are huge resources that the region has never had before. It is clear that cooperation between the government of the Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, local governments and representatives of the European Commission brings real benefits and will help improve the quality of life of residents, create equal opportunities and boost development. The difficult process of transforming the voivodeship lies ahead of us, but we approach it with far more hopes than fears; it's an opportunity for the region with new, innovative jobs, better quality of the air we breathe, green energy and a boost for the economy. We want to make these changes with the participation of the social side, listen to their voice and build the region on the basis of sustainable development. We have prepared projects that we will successively implement and a very good "Green Śląskie 2030" strategy. I'm sure that together we will achieve these goals and create new prospects for the voivodeship and its residents"

said Jakub Chełstowski, Marshal of the Śląskie Voivodeship.

The European Funds for Śląskie program will be a natural consequence of investments in the areas that the MDFRP has taken care of developing so far.

We will continue to invest in business innovation, develop green transportation, build new roads and modernize rail lines, station buildings and train stations. A strong emphasis in the program will be placed on the environmentally friendly economy, with almost EUR 350 million earmarked for RES activities and more than EUR 426 million for energy efficiency measures. Large resources will also be directed to the social dimension of the program. Taking into consideration the region's ongoing economic transformation, nearly EUR 125 million has been planned for measures to improve access to employment, and EUR 107.5 million for support for adapting workers, businesses and entrepreneurs to change.

The overarching goal of the new program will be to develop and consolidate conditions that foster the competitiveness of the economy and improve the quality of life of residents.

The biggest beneficiaries of the program will be local government units, entrepreneurs, research organizations, social and economic partners as well as entities representing civil society.

The program provides support in the areas of digitalization, economy, energy efficiency and RES, climate change adaptation, water and waste water management, biodiversity, sustainable mobility and transportation, as well as labor market and education, social inclusion, health, culture and tourism, territorial development, revitalization and transformation of the region.