4. Poland
• A regional aid map defines the regions of a Member State eligible for national
regional investment aid under EU state aid rules and establishes the maximum aid
levels for companies in the eligible regions. The adoption of this regional aid map
ensures the continuity of Poland's regional policy. It will be in force between 1 July
2014 and 31 December 2020.
• Under the new map, areas which have a GDP per capita below 75% of the EU
average - covering 86.3% of the population of Poland - will continue to be eligible
for regional investment aid at maximum aid intensities varying between 25% and
50% of the eligible costs of the relevant investment projects.
• Additionally, the region of Mazowieckie (around Warsaw) – representing 13.7% of
the Polish population – will be eligible for aid at maximum intensities varying
between 10% and 35%, as its GDP per capita is no longer below 75% of the EU
average. This is because regional aid is meant to benefit the most disadvantaged
regions of Europe.
• The maximum aid intensities apply to investment by large enterprises. They can be
increased by 10 percentage points for investments by medium-sized enterprises
and by 20 percentage points for small companies.
5. Operational Programs
In the programming period 2014-2020 Poland will manage six national operational programmes
(OPs) and 16 regional programmes (one for each region).
The OP Infrastructure and environment will support energy efficiency and low-carbon economy
projects, in particular in cities. Its main beneficiaries will be public bodies (including local
authorities), but also private companies.
The OP Intelligent Development will aim to increase Poland's innovation and competitiveness by
supporting private sector research and development. The OP will focus on strengthening the link
between business and education, as well as the development of innovative companies. Its main
beneficiaries will be SMEs, research institutions, clusters and business associations.
The OP Knowledge, Education and Development will aim to improve the quality and efficiency of
the Polish higher education system.
The OP Digital Poland will be dedicated to ICT projects, broadband networks and e-services.
The OP Eastern Poland will focus on increasing the competitiveness of the macro-region.
The OP Technical Assistance will ensure the smooth implementation of Structural and Investment
Funds in Poland.
The 16 regional operational programmes will finance a series of activities that are
complementary to the investments envisaged by the 6 national programmes: promotion of
entrepreneurship, education, employment, social inclusion, ICT, infrastructure, environment,
energy and transport.
As previously announced by Polish authorities, more funds will be managed at the regional level
(around 41,5% compared to 24,9% - excluding the figures for European Territorial Cooperation).
8. Next steps
End of 2014 / beginning of 2015 opening of grant
calls for companies (multinationals & SME’s)
More information / keep updated on the latest
grant calls
Joost.holleman@hudson.com
Edwin.Aelberts@hudson.com
Wilvert.vanderVliet@hudson.com