A lot of money to spend

Between 2007 and 2013 Poland will receive some EUR 67.3 (zł.261.76) billion in EU structural funds. Last week the EU and Poland officially launched final negotiations on how the funds will be spent.

Danuta Huebner, EU Commissioner for Regional Development, says that according to EU law the process should end by May. "We will aim to complete it in March. We will meet at least 50 times to close everything," said Huebner, adding that it is a feasible timescale because initial negotiations have been taking place for the last few months.

Documents such as the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) and the programs Infrastructure and Environment, Human Capital, and Innovative Economy were sent to Brussels in December. According to Huebner, the NSRF has already been accepted by the Commission. "Currently, it's being consulted with particular departments within the Commission. The other programs are at the initial stage of approval," said Huebner.

Minister of Regional Development Grażyna Gęsicka said the remaining regional programs as well as the Development of Eastern Poland Program will be sent to Brussels by the end of February. Huebner added that along with the Polish contribution and the recently announced aid from the European Investment Bank within the Jaspers program, Poland will have to spend some EUR 100 (zł.389.1) billion. Asked whether Poland would be able to use such a large amount, she said that it depend on people, especially those in public administration, and contractors. "It is critical to attract as much private funding within the public-private partnership as possible," the Commissioner said.