European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation TATRY PhDr. Mgr. Ján Ferenčák Member of the Assembly of the EGTC TATRY Brussels,

EUROPEAN GROUPING OF TERRITORIAL COOPERATION TATRY (EUWT/EZÚS/EGTC TATRY)

EUROPEAN GROUPING OF TERRITORIAL COOPERATION TATRY (EUWT/EZÚS/EGTC TATRY)

AREA of INTERVENTION AREA: km local governement units (31 from Poland and 104 from Slovakia):  1 region (Malopolska)  4 counties  23 cities  107 rural municipalities The number of inhabitants: people live in cities people live in rural municipalities AREA: km local governement units (31 from Poland and 104 from Slovakia):  1 region (Malopolska)  4 counties  23 cities  107 rural municipalities The number of inhabitants: people live in cities people live in rural municipalities

Euroregion Tatry Association [PL] (31 local governments) Region Tatry Association [SK] (104 local governments) European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation TATRY The second EGTC with the registered office in Poland (NOWY TARG) The first EGTC in Polish border established by the Euroregion MEMBERS of the EGTC TATRY

Conceptualization phase ( ) Phase of building structures + promotion and information about EGTC ( ) Formal establishment phase ( ) Establishment of the EGTC TATRY

The Convention and the Statutes were signed on 14 August 2013 EGTC TATRY was registered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland on 20 September 2013

OBJECTIVE and TASKS objective tasks To further develop, facilitate and promote Polish-Slovak cross-border cooperation with a view to enhancing the social and economic cohesion of the Grouping’s area of activities on the Polish and Slovak sides of the Tatry Mountains. The preparation and implementation of territorial cooperation projects co-financed by the European Union, as well as projects without a financial contribution from the European Union The Grouping may participate in managing and implementing programmes or programme parts financed by the European Union, and in particular Polish-Slovak cross-border micro-projects

Organs of the EGTC TATRY ASSEMBLY The highest organ 14 representatives of members of the EGTC = 7 PL + 7 SK DIRECTOR Executive organ, which directs the activities of EGTC SUPERVISO RY BOARD Organ of control of the EGTC 6 members of Supervisory Board = 3 PL+ 3 SK

Why did we establish the EGTC TATRY? To implement cooperation at a higher legal, substantive, and institutional level To implement Polish- Slovak projects financed by the European Union in ETC programmes To facilitate the solving of crossborder problems of the local communities of the Polish- Slovak borderlands in various areas of their lives As a tool for the use of local authorities of Polish-Slovak borderlands for the more effective and efficient implementation of projects in the Interreg V-A PL-SK Programme To overcome formal barriers, which have until now interfered with Polish-Slovak projects

EGTC TATRY in INTERREG Programmes TZET EUWT EGTC TATRY is naturally born beneficiary of Interreg, because EGTC partnerships fulfil cooperation criteria. As the sole beneficiary the EGTC TATRY can facilitate the preparation and implementation of projects and simplify the coordination, managment and accounting of project for the local governments from Polish-Slovak border.

EGTC TATRY IN INTERREG V-A Poland - Slovakia TZET EUWT Applying for the management of the Microproject Fund, what could be an innovative solution The director of EGTC TATRY is member of the Monitoring Committee of Interreg V-A PL-SK Support local governments in the preparation and implementation of cross- border projects EGTC TATRY as the lead partner of the flagship project in the partnership with 10 Polish and Slovak local governments The EGTCs may become aplicants in all priority axes of the Programme

TZET EUWT The creation of the EGTC TATRY has led to a significant innovation in the way that territorial cooperation is carried out. Regulations concerning cohesion policy emphasise the role of EGTCs in the realisation of European Territorial Cooperation projects as the public actor managing the program or part of the program, or as sole beneficiaries in ETC projects, which can be independently prepared, implemented, and coordinated. For EGTC as an innovative instrument to function properly and efficiently implement territorial cooperation on the Polish-Slovak border, it has been necessary to elaborate a long-term strategy. This strategy will make coordinated cooperation possible on both sides of the Polish-Slovak border. First and foremost, it will serve the needs of local governments on both sides of the border by facilitating the realisation of shared crossborder projects for For this reason, it has been essential to engage a wide range of Polish and Slovak local governments in the creation of this strategy. Representatives of these local governments have taken an active role in the consultations, meetings, surveys, and calls for proposals for shared projects. The COMMON CROSS-BORDER STRATEGY for the EGTC TATRY for the years

Survey on the perspectives of the effective crossborder co-operation of Polish and Slovak local governments 63% of local governments participating in the survey declared that they have a formal cooperation agreement with the Polish or Slovak municipality, city or county on the other side of the border. However, we can see the difference between Polish local governments, of which 81% have a formal cooperation with Slovak partner, and Slovak governments from which such cooperation with Polish partner have only 54%. The COMMON CROSS-BORDER STRATEGY for the EGTC TATRY for the years

Survey on the perspectives of the effective crossborder co-operation of Polish and Slovak local governments 65% of survey participants carried out the project in the Cross-Border Cooperation Programme PL-SK The ratio is very high (95% respondents) in the case of Polish local governments. In contrast, only 50% of Slovak municipalities participating in the survey realized cross-border projects. The COMMON CROSS-BORDER STRATEGY for the EGTC TATRY for the years

EUWT Survey on the perspectives of the effective crossborder co-operation of Polish and Slovak local governments The opinions about benefits for the Polish and Slovak cities and municipalities with the implementation of cross-border projects are very similar. The COMMON CROSS-BORDER STRATEGY for the EGTC TATRY for the years TOTALPL SK The possibility of establishing sustained cooperation with the Slovak /Polish local governments and its continuation in other projects 23%20% 24% Obtaining funds for the implementation of major projects 19%16% 20% The possibility of joint investment in the development of cross-border infrastructure 15%17% 14% Better understanding and building good neighborly relations 13%17% 11% Joint promotion of the municipalities / cities / counties 13%10% 15% Opportunity to engage in projects of institutions and organizations operating in the municipalities / cities / counties [schools, cultural institutions, NGOs, etc.] 10% 9% Gain experience in the implementation and settlement of cross-border projects 7%10% 6%

EUWT Survey on the perspectives of the effective crossborder co-operation of Polish and Slovak local governments Very similar are the opinions of Polish and Slovak governments relating to the areas that are most relevant to them in collaboration with partners from the other side of the border. The greatest assets of the border, which is the cultural and historical heritage (20%), tourism (16%) and construction and upgrading of local infrastructure (16%) dominate. These three areas constitute the largest potential for cooperation between Polish and Slovak cities and rural municipalities. Nearly 99% of local governments intend to continue cross-border cooperation and implement joint projects with their cross-border partner. The COMMON CROSS-BORDER STRATEGY for the EGTC TATRY for the years

EUWT Survey on the perspectives of the effective crossborder co-operation of Polish and Slovak local governments What kind of support from the EGTC TATRY is among most expected by municipalities / cities / counties in the new Cross-Border Cooperation Programme INTERREG Poland – Slovakia ? The COMMON CROSS-BORDER STRATEGY for the EGTC TATRY for the years TOTALPL SK Support of local governments at the stage of preparing projects 29%22% 32% Coordination of the strategic Polish-Slovak projects in their implementation and settlement 24%22% 25% Substantive support of local governments at the stage of realization of the projects 19%22% 18% Training workshops in project development and project application procedures 17%28% 12% Support to establish cross-border partnerships 11%7% 13%

TZET EUWT MISSION STATEMENT EGTC TATRY as an opportunity for the further development of Polish-Slovak cross-border cooperation VISION EGTC TATRY will be an innovative and effective instrument for the realisation of Polish-Slovak cross-border cooperation The COMMON CROSS-BORDER STRATEGY for the EGTC TATRY for the years

COMMON STRATEGY for the YEARS STRATEGIC AREAS OF COOPERATION IN EGTC TATRY TZET EUWT IV. Cross-border partnerships III. Cross-border education II. Transport and communication accessibility in the area around the Tatras I. Shared cultural and natural heritage

COMMON STRATEGY for the YEARS TZET EUWT Shared cultural and natural heritage Strategic objective: To preserve and popularise the unique cultural and natural heritage of the Polish-Slovak area of intervention of EGTC TATRY Key tasks (e.g.):  the construction and modernisation of cycling routes in the Polish-Slovak borderlands, for example: the continuation of the realisation of the Historical- cultural-nature cycling route around the Tatra Mountains: stage II and thematic routes associated with the Cycling route around the Tatra Mountains  the joint promotion and popularisation of cultural heritage carried out in an integrated manner, continuing from the point marked by the project A Meeting of the Seven Cultures of the Polish-Slovak Borderlands

TZET EUWT Strategic objective: To improve and increase transport and communication accessibility in the area of intervention of EGTC TATRY Key tasks (e.g.):  the creation of organisational plans for integrated systems joint Polish- Slovak public transport systems  the development of a system and analysis of possibilities for the launch of public transport lines  the support of the creation of multi-modal public transport links, including the construction of park and ride areas  the modernisation and construction of local roads of a cross-border nature located in direct proximity to the border which are essential for linking road networks on both sides of the border Transport and communication accessibility in the area around the Tatras COMMON STRATEGY for the YEARS

TZET EUWT Strategic objective: To develop cross-border education as an element of the socio-economic development of the area of intervention of EGTC TATRY Key tasks (e.g.):  the organisation and execution of training sessions and courses on topics such as language, the legal environment, and administrative procedures  programs for the exchange of experience, knowledge, and skills directed to students and teachers of middle schools, technical schools, and institutions of higher education  the creation of informational systems on educational and vocational training offers on both sides of the border Cross-border education COMMON STRATEGY for the YEARS

TZET EUWT Strategic objective : To expand and strengthen cross-border Polish-Slovak partnerships between local governments, institutions, and NGOs working in the area of intervention of EGTC TATRY Key tasks (e.g._:  the creation of networks of cooperation between local governments, institutions, and NGOs in the Polish-Slovak borderlands, for example the networks of towns of the Euroregion Tatry  joint efforts of Polish and Slovak institutions in the areas of cultural and natural heritage, tourism, education, economy, and the labour market  the promotion of best practice and lasting results of cross-border cooperation  joint conferences, workshops, training sessions, know-how transfers, and the preparation of joint projects Cross-border partnerships COMMON STRATEGY for the YEARS

The Cycling route around the Tatra Mountains The example of a project that involves many of municipalities – the common platform for the development of Polish-Slovak border EUWT 13 Polish and Slovak local governments 4 cities and 9 rural municipalities Total project value: EUR 6,5 mln The initiator of this strategic, trademark project was Euroregion „Tatry” in A number of communities and cities from both sides of the Tatras are engaged in the creation of this historical, cultural, and natural trail, helping in the preparation of necessary studies, plans, and project documentation. It is planned to build 250 cycling routes with the necessary infrastructure, running through the most attractive areas of the Polish and Slovak Tatras. Immediately after the EGTC TATRY was established, it has become manager of this project. EGTC TATRY coordinates the implementation of the project and financial project settlements. 80 km international cycling routes and infrastructure for cyclists The idea The stage I

The Cycling route around the Tatra Mountains The example of a project that involves many of municipalities – the common platform for the development of Polish-Slovak border. The project aiming at improved communication and transport between the rural and urban municipalities in Polish-Slovak borderland. This is crucial for higher attractiveness for inhabitants and tourists and for the competitiveness of the whole region. Building of the cycling route around the Tatras provide greater development of new tourist services and increasing the number of tourists who will enjoy the cycling routes and explore the borderland. It will have a positive impact on further development of the Polish and Slovak communities and cities of borderland.

The Cycling route around the Tatra Mountains - stage II – as flagship project EUWT The project was prepared by the lead partner – EGTC TATRY in partnership with 10 Polish and Slovak local governments CONTINUATION OF BUILDING GREAT CYCLING ROUTE AROUND THE TATRA MOUNTAINS – tourism product of Polish-Slovak borderland 11 partners = EGTC + 10 Polish and Slovak local governments 6 cities and 4 rural municipalities Over 60 km additional cycling routes around the Tatra Mountains Total project value: EUR 5 mln The flagship project for the INTERREG V-A PL-SK Programme with EGTC as lead partner

TZET EUWT EGTC TATRY does not just prepare a joint strategic cross-border projects with Polish and Slovak local governments. EGTC TATRY also support cities, municipalities and counties in the ongoing preparations for participation in the Interreg Programmes 20 November 2015 Nowy Targ, the Center of the Polish-Slovak Co-operation Informational conference on the European Territorial Cooperation Programmes available for Polish and Slovak local governements : and individual consultation with experts of the Programmes:  Interreg V-A Poland – Slovakia  Interreg Europe  Interreg Central Europe  regional programmes, Visegrad Fund, Europe for Citizen Programme Project co-financed by the Malopolskie Voivodship The main task – EGTC TATRY as beneficiary and sole beneficiary of Interreg Programmes

Thank you for your attention! Further information, preparatory documentation, Convention and Statute and leaflet on EGTC TATRY: