In collaboration with MinRestoration, U-LEAD with Europe organised a presentation and discussion of the main findings of the policy paper prepared by prominent international expert Dr Piotr Zuber that describes the experience of Poland in EU accession. Polish experience is unique in Europe as the country successfully absorbed 100% of available cohesion policy funds.

Cohesion policy provides targeted investments aimed to correct imbalances between countries and regions by use of EU funds. Effective absorption system of EU funds is evident in the effective application of procedures, swift spending, well-organised project competitions and tenders, project management and administration based on following success factors: 

• Agreement across political divides on prioritising preparations for EU membership and building an effective system for the absorption of European funds.

• Creation legal basis for a unified programming and monitoring system for development, regional, and EU policies.

• Establishment of a strong management centre, led by the Minister in charge of regional policy.

• Decentralized management of EU funds with the simultaneous implementation of robust mechanisms of partnership and strategic coordination between the central and regional governments.

• Building up and strengthening the competencies of administrative staff involved in programming and implementing EU programmes and projects.

• An influx of new highly motivated staff during the creation of new institutions.

• Stability of the staff in established institutions, including the units involved in the implementation of EU funds and management staff.

U-LEAD with Europe will continue to support MinRestoration in enhancing their capacities and capabilities relevant for EU regional policy and coordination of structural instruments

For more details, please follow the link below:

Policy document in English.

Presentation in English.

Policy document in Ukrainian.

Presentation in Ukrainian.