The Lubuskie Region is the leader in implementing EU funds. Can we already see the results?
The Lubuskie Region has the potential to thrive, and its residents deserve better living conditions. I want our region to be modern, open and innovative, so that you can call it the green land of modern technologies. We operate in an open, clear and transparent way. We have a plan and a clear vision, as well as programmes for industries and multiannual investments plans. We are focusing on transport and communications accessibility. The A2 “Motorway of Freedom” has been completed, and we are approaching the completion of the S3 express road. We received an award of EUR 55 million for the successful implementation of European funds, which we allocated for new, attractive majors in our universities, e.g. in medicine, and scientific and technological parks. We have finished the construction of an optical fibre network, thus eliminating 80% of white spaces. Owing to well-invested resources, we are successfully changing Lubuskie.
Today we can boast the lowest unemployment rate in Poland, 8.4%. In 2008, when I became Deputy Marshal, this was more than 15%. The number of SMEs has increased from 101,000 to 111,000. GDP grew from 28 bn to 40 bn, revenue from taxes increased by 12.5%, and since 2010 we have recorded a positive exports-to-imports ratio. Based on the 2020 Regional Operational Programme we are supporting the development of our smart specialisation in the field of modern technologies for health and healthy food, the bioeconomy and information technologies. We already have the infrastructure now it is time for research and innovations. As much as 30% of our EU cake will go to entrepreneurs in those fields. When coupled with the Territorial Contract, this can amount to PLN 12 bn for the development of Lubuskie. We will talk of not only improving transport and telecommunications availability but also of sustainable development in territorial as well as social terms. I believe that we will make wise and effective investments the brand of our beautiful and multicultural region.
But what will specifically be created in the region? How will ROP funds influence the changes?
We will have electric buses, new bridges in Milsko, Kostrzyn and Krosno Odrzańskie, modernised rail lines in the north, Gorzów – Krzyż, and in the south Berlin – Żary – Wrocław and Zielona Góra – Poznań. The S3 road from Świnoujścieto Lubawka and national roads A18, 22, and 12. Also modernised power networks, the construction of a Radiotherapy Centre in Gorzów and the Centre for Mother and Children’s Health in Zielona Góra. And of course, there is the next stage in the region’s digitisation. We already have a broadband motorway, so now it is time for the “last mile”, meaning providing high-speed Internet to all households. We have shown it is possible, as we were the first in Poland to create “A Broadband Lubuskie” and in 2016 connected the entire Sulęcin Commune to the web.
This is also the first event of its kind in Poland. An air rescue base will be established in Gorzów, and the entire region will be floodproofed: Słubice, Nowa Sól, Przewóz. We will be implementing very important projects in the social field. We willspend PLN 170 million on a true revolution in vocational schools, and a psychological-outpatient clinic will be established in every district. I am personally strongly supporting our Młodzi OnLife (The Young On-Life) programme, for which we have established a special Citizens’ Initiatives Fund. We are consistently focusing on creating favourable conditions for economic development and the development of civil society. My experience in local government shows that our stimulus for the economy,
I want our region to be modern, open and innovative, so that you can call it the green land of modern technologies.
in the form of EU funds, will unleash the creativity and productivity of Lubuskie residents, but only if we focus on education and entrepreneurship. This is why I have established the Lubuskie Development Academy. Our entire region is studying!
Will the Lubuskie of 2020 be a region which can cope without the EU’s aid and develop thanks to the strengths of its own economy?
We cannot waste this historic opportunity! We have clear priorities and money, and we know how to achieve this goal. But we must be flexible and quickly react to any change. We cannot control everything, and must carefully observe the macroeconomic, global, potentials. And then react! For the region’s economy, it is now most important to invest in human capital, vocational education and regional, smart specialisations. Only then will the post-2020 Lubuskie be a green land of modern technologies.
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