The European Commission adopted changes to the IEP

The most important goal of the changes is to introduce the second tranche of the REACT-EU instrument to OPI&E – additional money to fight the social and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

EUR 93 million, i.e. approx. PLN 435 million, from the European Regional Development Fund was allocated primarily to:

• the development of low-emission urban transport (EUR 70.1 million, i.e. approx. PLN 330 million),
• support for poviat sanitary and epidemiological stations (EUR 19.2 million, i.e. about PLN 90 million).

Until when can the funds be used?

This money can be used until the end of 2023. They can cover expenses that have been incurred since February 1, 2020. The amount of co-financing from the European Funds will be 100%. This solution will reduce the burden on the state budget in connection with crisis corrective actions in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and its social consequences.

Scope of support

The scope of REACT-EU support has been supplemented with investments in public transport in cities, including:

• replacement of bus and tram rolling stock,
• ITS systems,
• junction or line infrastructure,
• development of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans.

In the health sector, it will additionally cover poviat sanitary and epidemiological stations that will be able to purchase equipment and supplies necessary to perform their tasks.

The change in the program also allows for the allocation of additional money for the next edition of the “My Electricity” program, which is implemented by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management. More funds will also go to the Public Schools Thermal Modernization Project.

Co-financing rate

For the priority axes of the program which are financed from the Cohesion Fund, a co-financing rate of 100% has also been temporarily applied. This applies to expenditure declared in applications for payment to the EC for the financial year 2021/2022.

The use of such a solution is possible on the basis of the EU CARE package. It includes cohesion policy actions for refugees in Europe. The purpose of the solution is to temporarily ease the burden on the state budget resulting from the need to respond to the crisis situation in connection with the armed conflict in Ukraine.

The amended program is available on the websites of the European Funds.