WHEN POLAND JOINED THE EU in 2004, the country started receiving structural grants to develop and strengthen the country. The first EU fund term was in 2004-2007. Poland is in the middle of the second fund term and trying to make the best use of the billions they receive up until 2013. Large amounts are being invested in infrastructure and the environment, human capital, innovative economy, technical assistance and developing eastern Poland.
THOMAS JOHANSSON IS in charge of the Baltic Sea unit and is working on strengthening and developing relations between Sweden and the Baltic countries. The aim is to facilitate for Swedish companies to participate in and develop activities with other companies in the area.
- We want Swedish companies and public actors to pay attention to our neighbours’ large and extensive EU related joint projects. In many cases they are looking for interesting partners, says Thomas Johansson.
HOW SHOULD SWEDISH actors proceed if they want to utilise these funds? Iwona Preis, EU consultant and Poland expert, says that there are three alternatives: setting up business in Poland, initiate partnership with a Polish company or by participating in public purchasing.
- The hardest and most extensive step is to set up a business in Poland. Once you are established, the company can apply for money from the EU funds earmarked for Poland. If you want to get established in Poland, you can apply for support from funds assisting with building office space, recruiting and much more. All European companies can participate in public purchasing. The only problem is that all purchasing is in Polish. Subsequently, you should hire a consultant in Poland to survey the public purchasing and to fill in forms, says Iwona Preis. All purchasing is available on the Internet and is sorted by type of business.
THE MINISTRY FOR Regional Development controls all structural programs in Poland. The Office of the Marshall and Voivodeship are in charge of coordinating regional programs together with the Surveillance Committee. The County board is responsible for the implementation in each region.
Emelie Ring