NGOs get first opportunity to participate in government development planning

According to a directive of regional development minister Jerzy Kropiwnicki, by the end of August, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can participate in the appraisal of government proposals on regional development strategy. The directive was created based on the regional development act and is the first to balance the rights of business and trade unions. "We always wanted to expand the vehicle for social dialogue," said Polish Confederation of Private Employers (PKPP) president Henryka Bochniarz. She says business should respond to every opportunity for a dialogue with trade unions. (Prawo i Gospodarka, page 2)