Approximately EUR 1.8 billion for 2021-2027 from the cohesion policy for the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship will be earmarked for, among other things, the development of entrepreneurship, infrastructure, revitalization, social inclusion activities and education. The Minister of Development Funds and Regional Policy Grzegorz Puda and Marshal of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship Gustaw Brzezin signed the program contract.

The Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship is the tenth region to complete Program Contract negotiations with the Minister of Development Funds and Regional Policy. A program contract is an instrument of the country's development policy, a kind of agreement between the government and the board of the voivodeship, in which specific investments, important for the region and the whole of Poland, will be indicated. In June 2022, the pool of funds for the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship was increased by more than EUR 54.7 million. The funds will increase the pool of the European Social Fund. In the end therefore, under the new regional European Funds for Warmia and Mazury program, the region will receive EUR 1 billion 786 million to use.

The signing of the program contract opens the way for joint negotiations between the government and local government with the European Commission regarding the European Funds for Warmia and Mazury 2021-2027 regional program. This money, together with national funds, will support the most important development needs of the region and Poland

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

Thanks to EU funds and national money, the region is becoming more competitive and residents are living better. The funds will help overcome the region's development discord and implement road and rail investments, develop tourism infrastructure and broader understood social capital

the Minister added.

As a part of the Program Contract for Warmia and Mazury, a package of priority projects important for the development of the voivodeship and, above all, for improving the quality of life of its residents has been agreed. This ranges from investments that support entrepreneurs and the economy, investments aimed at combating climate change and protecting the environment to investments that address important social needs, including the ambitions of local communities.

The voivodeship’s board plans to allocate a significant portion of the money to implement projects aimed at tourism and culture in Warmia and Mazury. An allocation of EUR 94 million is planned for strengthening the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion and social innovation (ERDF - European Regional Development Fund).

Investments in the area of tourism will take advantage of the region's natural assets, minimizing the impact on the natural environment through, among other things, the use of ecological solutions and directing of tourist traffic. The development of the tourist offer will be based on investments in expanded high-quality network products enabling the region to increase its competitiveness on the national and international stage, as well as extend the tourist season.

In the field of culture, investments will be directed at upgrading and diversifying the offerings and creating cultural trails in the region. An important aspect will be the use of modern digital technologies in both research and preservation as well as in presentation and promotion of cultural heritage. Responsible use of the region's cultural resources and investment in historic sites will lead to the expansion of the tourist offer.

Minister Puda noted that the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship is also one of the six regions that will be covered by the European Funds for Eastern Poland (EFEP) program. The goal of the EFEP is to finance activities aimed at strengthening the competitiveness and innovation of enterprises. It will also include investments in energy grids, climate protection and the environment. The program will facilitate transportation development, and will also focus on activating social capital. EFEP will also be one of the sources of funding of the development of the tourism industry and resort services. The Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship can count on support of about PLN 0.4 billion from the EF program for Eastern Poland.

According to EU regulations, EU funds must primarily support innovation, a low-carbon economy and meet climate goals. Investments should also, as much as possible, fit in with the objectives of the Strategy for Responsible Development.

According to the Partnership Agreement for 2021-2027, adopted by the government, approximately EUR 33.3 billion will be allocated to regional programs managed by provincial marshals. The Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy, coordinating regional policy, cooperates with all local governments. The Program Contract is a practical expression of this cooperation.