Brussels, 28/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - In Brussels on Tuesday 22 January, the European Commissioner for regional policy, Danuta Hübner, took part in a special meeting with the Polish Union of Voivodeships, which brings together representatives of the regional authorities of Poland. This exchange of views focused on the future of the cohesion policy in Poland, the role of the regions and the best way of drawing maximum benefit from the 67.3 billion EUR of European funds which will be invested over the period 2007-2013, a Commission press release reports.
At this meeting, Ms Hübner laid emphasis on the importance of the regions for the cohesion policy in Poland. “High-quality administrative capacity, the full and active participation of local authorities, proper project selection, and strict observance of EU law are key factors in the successful design and implementation of European cohesion policy in Poland”, the Commission declared, stressing that these factors are “essential to ensure funds are smoothly and efficiently absorbed for investments that fully reflect the needs of the local and regional economy”. Ms Hübner reminded the Regions of their responsibility to create jobs and generate growth in line with the Lisbon strategy, the Commission press release continues.
Taking part in discussions were the President of the Committee of the Regions, Michel Delebarre, the Polish ambassadors to the EU, Jan Tombinski, and to Belgium, Slawomir Czarlewski, and the President of the Polish Union of Voivodeships, Jan Kozlowski, Polish members of the European Parliament and representatives of the European Commission. (G.B.)