Poland is the biggest beneficiary of the European Union structural funds. They form as much as 50% of total investments in the country and will have huge impact on its social and economic development, as well as its natural environment. A real social participation in their management is needed to properly use the resources. In 2014-2020, even 40% of the whole budget (31.3 bln euro) is and will be used in regions.
The aim of the project was to better implement the principle of sustainable development (SD) in programming of EU funds for 2014-2020 through greater participation in the process of NGOs and citizens on the regional level, i.e. in developing 16 Regional Operational Programmes (ROP) in 16 voivodeships.
The process of selection of Non-Governmental Environmental Organisations (NEOs) was supported in monitoring committees, and the relevant report was prepared. For each voivodeship, a report on implementation of the principle of SD in ROPs and more detailed documents (SZOOPs) was prepared for the following areas: renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, adaptation to climate change, environmental protection and education, waste and transport. In 16 regions, debates with marshall offices and social partners were organised (in all, 307 participants). The report summing up activities in 16 voivodeships in particular areas was prepared and presented at the national seminar for members of monitoring committees and representatives of NGOs from the regions (31), and forwarded to marshall offices, the European Commission and the Ministry of Development. All the materials and reports (83 publications) were posted on the web page ekoprojekty.pl. The project was reported in regional and national media (18 publications).
As a result of the project, participation of social partners was strengthened in programming EU funds in the regions. Members of the committees acquired knowledge and professional expertise, and had opportunities to organise dialogue with marshall offices in the form of regional debates. 91% of participants of the debates agreed that their knowledge on ROPs and SZOOPs increased. Dialogue with marshall offices was started, and the image of NEOs was strengthened as constructive social partners. Marshall offices received comprehensive opinions and specific solutions to strengthen the principle of SD in implementing ROPs.
The project benefited NGOs, their representatives in ROP monitoring committees and marshall offices throughout Poland.