2015 Development Cooperation Plan

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2015 Development

Cooperation Plan

implemented through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland from special purpose funds allocated to development cooperation, MFA funds, and funds allocated by other ministries active in development cooperation

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Warsaw, 2014

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Introduction

The 2015 Development Cooperation Plan concludes the implementation of the first Multiannual Development Cooperation Programme for 2012-2015, which was adopted by the Council of Ministers on 20 March 2012. The Plan, which was drafted pursuant to the Development Cooperation Act of 16 September 2011, sets the directions, objectives and forms of development cooperation, as well as the amounts allocated to partner countries by means of bilateral and multilateral cooperation instruments.

Assistance will be channelled primarily to the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries, which constitute main geographic area of support in 2015. Activities planned for 2015 reflect the dynamic changes that have been taking place in these countries. Polish development cooperation will also be addressed to selected countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Apart from geographic priorities, the 2015 Development Cooperation Plan also focuses on two thematic priorities: democracy and human rights, and systemic transformation. These areas have become the speciality and trademark of the Polish development cooperation.

In 2015, bilateral cooperation activities will focus on sharing Polish transformation experiences with those EaP countries that have engaged in closer cooperation with the European Union (EU) by signing Association Agreements and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreements (DCFTA). The Plan also foresees development cooperation initiatives addressed to Ukraine. The MFA will continue supporting key reforms carried out by the Ukrainian government, including those that are connected with the implementation of the UE-Ukraine Association Agreement and with a request for assistance from the government of the Republic of Poland in implementing local government reform. Building public administration capacities and rural development support will be continued in Moldova. In Georgia, the Polish development cooperation will mainly focus on supporting disadvantaged groups. A programme titled “Eastern Partnership Academy of Public Administration” will be implemented in all the EaP countries.

The main forms of development cooperation in 2015 include: financing activities by various development cooperation actors, projects to be implemented by government administration bodies, contributions to international organisations, institutions, programmes and funds, as well as the publication and distribution of materials about development cooperation.

The Plan provides information about Poland’s multilateral development cooperation, including EU development cooperation and Poland’s participation in international aid agendas.

As the year 2015 will mark the end of the Multiannual Development Cooperation Programme for 2012-2015, the 2015 Development Cooperation Plan does not foresee the introduction of any new module projects.

The Plan has been divided into three parts. The first part presents the distribution of special purpose reserve administered by the MFA and of the Ministry's budget funds. The second part outlines development cooperation activities implemented using funds administered by central government bodies. The third part provides information on Polish development cooperation funds transferred under Poland's EU membership obligations. Specific financial allocations are presented in the Annexes attached to the present document.

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Part 1 Development cooperation implemented through the MFA from special

purpose funds allocated to development cooperation and from MFA funds

Development cooperation – areas of support

In 2015, development cooperation will be implemented in line with the following thematic and geographic areas of support.

1.1. Democracy and human rights

1.1.1. Supporting democratic processes

 Supporting democratic and transparent electoral procedures

In cooperation with Solidarity Fund PL, the MFA will support the organisation of observation missions in connection with the 2015 presidential elections in Belarus. In warranted cases, the MFA may decide to organise election observation missions in other selected countries.

 Activities implemented through Solidarity Fund PL

Pursuant to Article 10.3 of the Development Cooperation Act, the minister competent for foreign affairs may assign a development activity to Solidarity Fund PL in countries where special political conditions prevail.

Solidarity Fund PL will be tasked with activities that support democratic processes and are aimed specifically at building democratic competencies among young opinion-making groups, supporting independent media, supporting leaders of social and political transition and the activity of civic organisations. Most of these activities will be implemented in the EaP countries.

Activities to be implemented by Solidarity Fund PL will focus on three thematic priorities:

 civil liberties under the rule of law: a) strengthening the rule of law, supporting civil initiatives, cooperation between state and civil institutions in implementing good practices of operation of public institutions; b) broadening citizens' access to reliable and unbiased news sources through the development of independent media, in particular electronic media; supporting people/organisations that are politically repressed, supporting monitoring and advocacy activity of human rights organisations; c) fair elections, activities that increase transparent electoral procedures and practices;

 supporting leaders of transformation and democracy: increasing youth participation in systemic transformation, shaping democratic institutions, democratic culture and civic attitudes among young people, civic education;

 strengthening the capacities of local communities and the civil society: a) strengthening self-governance and local democracy, sound management in local administration, social dialogue mechanisms and social consultations; b) supporting activities of NGOs working

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for the development of a civil society, think-tanks, independent trade unions, independent media, in particular civic media.

The following activities will also be financed through Solidarity Fund PL:

 projects implemented by Polish NGOs under the “Support for Democracy 2015” programme, which calls for a grant competition for democracy development projects addressed to selected EaP countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova) that are not covered by the priorities identified in the “Polish Development Aid 2015” call for proposals;

 projects implemented by Polish NGOs under the Poland-Canada Democracy Support Programme (2014-2017)1 for Ukraine; strengthening the capacities of local communities and local governments to provide public services and to conduct an effective policy by commonly applying transparent participatory mechanisms, and enhancing the role of the local media in providing independent, comprehensive, accessible and gender-inclusive information about local policies and reforms are the thematic priorities of the call for proposals financed from Polish and Canadian funds;

 projects implemented by Polish NGOs in Ukraine in line with the thematic areas determined by Mustafa Dzhemilev, the winner of the Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Prize in 2014;

 Solidarity Fund PL’s own activities, including:

o running the Information Centre for Local Authorities in Moldova2 ; o a Polish-Danish project for Belarusian journalists;

o organising election observation missions.

1.2. Systemic transformation and other measures

Supporting systemic transformation, next to promoting democracy and human rights, is the most important horizontal priority of Polish aid. Sharing Polish transformation experiences is the main direction and specialty of the Polish development cooperation today. In 2015, activities in this area will be aimed at sharing Polish transformation experiences with the EaP countries that have forged closer ties with the EU by signing Association Agreements and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreements with the European Union.

Activities addressed to the Polish aid’s priority countries will be implemented at a bilateral level, both through organisations that receive grants and through central government administration bodies and subordinate entities.

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The Poland-Canada Democracy Support Programme is financed under a development cooperation programme of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland and the Department for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada (DFATD).

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The Centre with the seat in the Regional Development Agency in Laloveni was established pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland and the Ministry of Regional Development and Constructions of the Republic of Moldova. The centre carries out training and information activity related to the use of foreign and domestic funds for modernisation projects by local authorities and local governments. It is financed by the governments of Poland, the US and Moldova.

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1.2.1 Projects implemented by government administration bodies and subordinate entities

Development cooperation projects are implemented with the participation of government administration bodies whose level of involvement and indicative budget have been preliminarily agreed with the MFA in the process of consultations. The consultations have run parallel to the drafting of the Plan. The planned activities will focus specifically on supporting systemic transformation in Polish development aid’s priority countries, in particular the EaP countries, Central Asia, the Palestinian Autonomy, and Tunisia.

The final list of projects to be implemented by government administration bodies and subordinate entities will be agreed on in the first quarter of 2015. Information about the selected projects will be posted on www.polskapomoc.gov.pl. This information will serve government administration bodies as the basis for filing applications for funds from the state budget’s special purpose reserve in order to initiate the implementation of individual projects.

In 2015, the MFA will continue to implement the following module project, which has been financed since 20143:

66/2014/M Ukraine Ministry of the Interior CBRN – cross-border security and cooperation

1.2.2 Activities assigned by the MFA to the National School of Public Administration (KSAP)

In cooperation with KSAP, the MFA will continue to provide trainings addressed to Polish development aid beneficiaries, including public administration officials in all the EaP countries, in the framework of the Eastern Partnership Academy of Public Administration (EPAPA).

The programme of the EPAPA specialised trainings includes lectures and workshops run by experienced experts and practitioners from Poland and other EU Member States. It is divided into thematic groups, such as, European integration, civil service, local government reform, public-private partnership, effective communication, and value-based management including anti-corruption measures and project management.

1.2.3 Increasing access to high-quality education

Scholarship policy is an important instrument for supporting the development of partner countries. Scholarships are aimed both at strengthening staff capacities in a given country and at establishing contacts that should yield tangible benefits to both sides in the future. Beneficiaries who have acquired new knowledge and experiences can initiate and support long-lasting changes in their countries. The best participants have an opportunity to stay and study at the most renowned Polish universities thanks to six scholarship programmes co-financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Provided they are being properly implemented and a report on the first module to be implemented in 2014 has been submitted.

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Scholarship programmes implemented through the Ministry of Science and Higher Education:

1. The Stefan Banach scholarship programme for citizens of the EaP countries, offering scholarships for MA programmes, internships and placements (in particular in the exact sciences, natural sciences, economics, law, technical studies and European integration). The programme is aimed at supporting the socio-economic development of the EaP countries by increasing the level of education and professional qualifications of their nationals. The initiative expands on the scholarship offer for foreigners that is already available in Poland, and provides an opportunity to take up MA studies in exact and economic sciences.

2. The scholarship programme for students in Specialised East European Studies at the University of Warsaw.

The programme provides an opportunity to apply for second cycle studies in liberal arts (second field of study) and is aimed at broadening the professional qualifications of university graduates holding a master degree who come mostly from Eastern European countries.

3. The Konstanty Kalinowski scholarship programme of post-graduate and doctoral studies as well as research internships.

The programme is addressed to young Belarusians who for political reasons have limited possibilities to do higher studies in their country. It allows beneficiaries to obtain a higher education degree at chosen Polish universities.

4. Scholarship programme for citizens of the Eastern Partnership countries entering doctoral studies in Poland.

The programme is addressed to MA graduates from EaP countries who want to take up Ph.D. studies in Poland. It is aimed at preparing beneficiaries for political and social activity in EaP countries.

5. Scholarship programme for doctoral students and research interns in technical fields, addressed to citizens of developing countries.

The programme is addressed to holders of master degree from countries that are ODA beneficiaries. Its participants can take up doctoral studies in Poland and participate in work placements in Poland to improve their professional skills. The programme prepares its beneficiaries for political and social activity in their countries.

6. Co-financing the education of Ukrainian citizens at post-graduate courses at the College of Europe in Natolin within the framework of cooperation with the College of Europe Foundation.

Pursuant to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Poland and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on the education of Ukrainian citizens at the College Europe in Natolin of 25 November 2009, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will co-finance scholarships for Ukrainian nationals. The initiative is aimed at supporting Ukraine in its aspirations to join the European Union.

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1.2.4. Small Grants System implemented by Polish diplomatic missions in developing countries The Small Grants System (SGS) enables projects to be implemented through Polish diplomatic missions. The SGS covers mainly low-budget projects of major significance for local communities. Projects addressed to the EaP countries will contribute to the implementation of specific priorities, in line with the Multiannual Development Cooperation Programme for 2012-2015, while projects carried out in other countries will contribute to the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals. Polish embassies implement projects in countries chosen by the MFA and listed as beneficiaries of OECD/DAC official development assistance.

The SGS also foresees development activities that include delivering products and services by Polish private companies. Projects implemented under the SGS will contribute to reducing poverty and improving standards of living in developing countries. The beneficiaries of these initiatives are local communities in partner countries benefitting from development cooperation. The distribution of funds allocated to small grants is presented in Annex 2.

Detailed information about Polish development cooperation in priority countries in 2015

ARMENIA

In 2015, projects will focus on supporting systemic transformation and will be carried out through government administration bodies. Projects implemented by the Polish diplomatic mission in Yerevan will be in line with the specific priorities identified for Armenia, pursuant to the Multiannual Development Cooperation Programme for 2012-2015. Moreover, the MFA will finance democracy and human rights initiatives via Solidarity Fund PL.

AZERBAIJAN

In 2015, projects will focus on supporting systemic transformation and will be carried out through government administration bodies. Projects implemented by the Polish diplomatic mission in Baku will be in line with the specific priorities identified for Azerbaijan, pursuant to the Multiannual Development Cooperation Programme for 2012-2015. Moreover, the MFA will finance democracy and human rights initiatives via Solidarity Fund PL.

BELARUS

In 2015, projects will focus on the following priorities:

Priority 1 – Support for independent media, civil society organisations and cooperation in the field of education and youth

Under Priority 1, the MFA will support media initiatives aimed at broadening access to reliable and objective information for Belarusian citizens. Belsat TV, the Belarusian Radio Racyja and Euroradio will receive support. Solidarity Fund PL and the Polish diplomatic mission in Vilnius will also be engaged in development cooperation activities under the Small Grants System.

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Under Priority 2, the MFA will finance projects selected in the “Polish Development Aid 2015” call for proposals. It will also provide funding via the Polish diplomatic mission in Minsk under the Small Grants System. The projects must be aimed at achieving the following goals:

a) social and vocational activation of disadvantaged persons;

b) improving the competences of social organisations that are active in preventing the spread of infectious diseases;

c) improving competences of social organisations that support children and young people without parental custody.

Moreover, this priority foresees a financial contribution to support the European Humanities University (EHU) in Vilnius. Since 2009, Poland has been a donor to the EHU. The University is financed from the Trust Fund, which is managed by the Nordic Council of Ministers.

In 2015, the MFA plans to organise an observation mission in connection with presidential elections in Belarus (pursuant to paragraph 1.1.1. of the Plan).

GEORGIA

In 2015, projects will be implemented under the “Polish Development Aid 2015” call for proposals, by government administration bodies and via the Polish diplomatic mission in Tbilisi. Funds will be allocated to projects that focus on the following priorities:

Priority 1 – Support for disadvantaged groups

a) social and vocational empowerment of persons with disabilities;

b) improving competences of school personnel to implement inclusive education programmes and to strengthen the mechanism aimed at establishing equal opportunities for children and young people who live in rural areas;

c) strengthening the system of care for children without parental custody and for persons with disabilities.

Priority 2 – Regional development, strengthening of public administration and of local government capacities

a) support for central, regional and local authorities in implementing regional development policies and devolution;

b) streamlining mechanisms for responding to, reducing the risk of, preventing, and removing the consequences of natural disasters and emergency situations at the regional and local level.

Priority 3 – SMEs and job creation

a) adjusting vocational training and advanced vocational training to labour market needs;

b) building capacities of producer groups, cooperatives, professional associations and small enterprises, and strengthening micro-entrepreneurship.

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Moreover, the MFA will continue to co-finance the following module project began in 20144:

224/2014/M Georgia Polish Centre for

International Aid Foundation

Early flood warning and prevention system targeted specifically at the Kabali and Duruji Rivers

In 2015, measures to support the Georgian side in implementing systemic changes for the purposes of priority reforms, including measures related to the implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, will also be taken.

MOLDOVA

In 2015, projects will be implemented under the “Polish Development Aid 2015” call for proposals, by government administration bodies and via the Polish diplomatic mission in Chisinau. Funds will be allocated to projects that focus on the following priorities:

Priority 1 – Public security and border management

Under Priority 1, the MFA will support initiatives taken by government administration bodies. Priority 2 – Regional development, strengthening of public and local government capacities

Under Priority 2, the MFA will finance projects selected in the “Polish development aid 2015” call for proposals that contribute to achieving the following goals:

a) support in the preparation and implementation of a legal framework for financing the local government;

b) supporting public administration bodies in aligning national legislation with EU standards and implementing measures stemming from this process;

c) preparing regional and local administration for an effective absorption of domestic and international funds;

d) boosting the competences of institutions responsible for regional development, also in drafting their own strategies and implementing activities stemming from these strategies. Priority 3 – Agriculture and rural development

Under Priority 3, the MFA will finance projects selected in the “Polish Development Aid 2015” call for proposals that contribute to achieving the following goals:

a) building capacities of SMEs, farmers’ cooperatives and agricultural advisory entities; b) enhancing the competitiveness of agricultural production;

c) implementing innovative solutions and technologies on farms (including projects based on unconventional or diversified energy sources, energy-saving technologies and technologies associated with water and sewage treatment, as well as waste management) and modernising rural infrastructure;

d) modernising infrastructure with a view to improving the functional quality of the education system, health care and social welfare in rural areas.

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Provided it is being properly implemented and a report on the first module to be implemented in 2014 has been submitted.

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Under the Small Grants System, the Polish diplomatic mission in Chisinau will implement projects that are in line with the specific priorities identified in the Multiannual Development Cooperation Programme for 2012-2015.

UKRAINE

In 2015, the MFA, in cooperation with external partners, will continue to support key reforms carried out by the Ukrainian government, including the ones related to the implementation of the UE-Ukraine Association Agreement and the ones that were notified to the Polish government as part of the local government reform. The projects will be divided into the following priority groups:

Priority 1 – Public security and border management

Under Priority 1, the MFA will support initiatives taken by government administration bodies. Priority 2 – Regional development, strengthening of public administration and of local government capacities

Under priority 2, the MFA will finance projects selected in the “Polish Development Aid 2015” call for proposals that contribute to achieving the following goals:

a) activation of local governments and residential communities in the area of municipal services and real-estate management;

b) implementing solutions based on renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency at the oblast and regional levels;

c) streamlining mechanisms for responding to, reducing the risk of, preventing, and removing the consequences of emergency situations at the regional and local levels.

Priority 3 – SMEs and job creation

Under priority 3, the MFA will finance projects selected in the “Polish Development Aid 2015” call for proposals that contribute to achieving the following goals:

a) boosting micro-enterprises and increasing the competitiveness of small enterprises, in particular by seeking new sources of financing for their operations;

b) implementing innovative technologies based on renewable energy sources and energy-saving technologies in SMEs;

c) introducing business education as a school subject and stimulating the development of academic business incubators.

Moreover, the MFA will continue to finance the following module projects implemented since 20145:

54/2014/M Ukraine Busko-Zdroj Commune

Supporting the local government in Khmilnyk, Vinnytsia Oblast, Ukraine, in rationalising water and sewage management, taking into account EU environmental policy

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Provided they are being properly implemented and a report on the first module to be implemented in 2014 has been submitted.

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133/2014/M Ukraine

Foundation in Support for Local Democracy - the Malopolska Institute of Local Government and Administration

Investment-Attracting School for Western Ukrainian Public Administration Entities

Under the Small Grants System, the Polish diplomatic mission in Kyiv will implement projects that are in line with the specific priorities laid down in the Multiannual Development Cooperation Programme for 2012-2015.

Moreover, Polish development cooperation with Ukraine will be carried out via international organisations.

AFGHANISTAN

In 2015, Polish development cooperation initiatives will be carried out via the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Contributions to the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund6 and the Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan7 are also to be made.

NORTH AFRICA

In 2015, Polish development cooperation with Libya and Tunisia will be carried out via the Polish diplomatic missions in Tripoli and Tunis, under the Small Grants System. Projects implemented under this system will contribute to achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

Moreover, Polish development cooperation with Tunisia will be carried out via government administration bodies under Priority 1: Professionalization and development of public administration.

EAST AFRICA

In 2015, projects implemented under the “Polish Development Aid 2015” call for proposals will be divided into the following priority groups:

Priority 1 – Education, social and vocational activation

a) providing equal education opportunities through improved access to education, including vocational education;

b) improving teachers’ skills, in particular disseminating inclusive teaching methods and information technologies;

c) enhancing civil society initiatives and organisations;

d) enhancing entrepreneurship among citizens, in particular enhancing the economic potential of disadvantaged groups;

e) enhancing the capacities of local communities in the area of food production and storage.

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The Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund was established in 2002 on the World Bank’s initiative. It is aimed at supporting public administration reform and the creation of public institutions in Afghanistan. Poland has been an ARTF contributor since 2006.

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The Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan was established to support the Afghan police. It is managed by the UNDP.

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a) improving access to renewable and cheap energy sources (solar power, hydropower, wind energy, geothermal energy, biomass);

b) preventing deforestation and soil degradation; c) improving waste management;

d) supporting responsible water resource management;

e) enhancing readiness to prevent and cope with natural disasters and negative consequences of climate change.

Priority 3 – Health care

a) improving access to health care, in particular for pregnant women and children;

b) increasing the number of potable water intakes and sanitary facilities, and promoting hygiene; c) limiting chronic malnutrition and deaths attributed to the lack of food through by improving

access to food.

Under the Small Grants System, the Polish diplomatic missions in Addis Ababa and Nairobi will carry out projects that contribute to the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.

Moreover, the MFA will continue to finance the following module projects implemented since 20148:

83/2014/M Tanzania Cultures of the World Foundation

Improving access to health care in the city and district of Mwanga

362/2014/M Kenya Foundation for Somalia

Centre for Carpenter Skills Development as a chance for improving qualifications and reducing unemployment of young people in the Subukia region

THE PALESTINIAN AUTONOMY

In 2015, projects implemented under the Polish Development Aid 2015 call for proposals will fall into the following priority groups:

Priority 1 – Education

a. Providing equal education opportunities, especially with regard to vocational education for persons from marginalised communities;

b. Improving school building infrastructure and research and teaching equipment in education facilities.

Priority 2 – Water and sanitation

a. Improving access to water and improving the quality of water, including expanding small water infrastructure, water collection and rain water irrigation systems;

b. Improving water resource management and municipal waste management. Priority 3 – SMEs and job creation

a. Creating new jobs in agriculture, tourism, trade and services;

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Provided they have been implemented properly and a report on the first module planned to be implemented in 2014 has been submitted.

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b. Improving competitiveness and innovation of agri-food sector companies and farms and developing agricultural cooperatives and agricultural extension.

The Office of the Representative of Poland to the Palestinian National Authority in Ramallah will implement projects in the framework of the Small Grants System that contribute to the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.

Poland will also be implementing development cooperation through government administration bodies within the scope of the systemic transformation priority. Cooperation in the framework of international organisations will also be pursued. Poland will make a contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

KYRGYZSTAN AND TAJIKISTAN

In 2015, projects implemented under the “Polish Development Aid 2015” call for proposals will be divided into the following priority groups:

Priority 1 – Local government and strengthening local communities:

a. Increasing the effectiveness of measures taken by local communities and structures to develop their region;

b. Improving the infrastructure and technical capacity of public utilities in local communities and strengthening local education initiatives.

Priority 2 - Water and sanitation:

a. Improving access to water and the quality of potable water; b. Building institutional capacity for water management. Priority 3 - SMEs and job creation:

a. Creating new associations, groups and communities and increasing the potential of the existing ones;

b. Vocational activation of the population through vocational training, among other things.

Polish diplomatic missions in Tashkent and Astana will be implementing projects for Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in the framework of the Small Grants System that contribute to the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.

Moreover, Polish Development Cooperation in Kyrgyzstan will be carried out via government administration bodies in the following priorities: SMEs and job creation, systemic transformation.

2. Global education and volunteer work

Global education is part of civic education and formation and includes education initiatives

addressed to the Polish society. Its goal is to increase people’s awareness of development problems and global interdependencies that affect global development processes. Global education implemented in 2015 will aim at:

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 enhancing the presence of global education in official curricula and teaching practice at all levels of formal education; funding will be provided for activities that are implemented independently by the MFA, in cooperation with the Ministry of National Education, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and by local government entities, NGOs, public higher education institutions, research institutes, the Polish Academy of Science and its subordinate units; particular emphasis will be put on the implementation of systemic projects with potential for multiplication.

In 2015, the MFA will continue co-financing the following module projects that were started in 2014: 9

715/2014 Task no. III ZNAK Christian Culture Foundation

Globally-Locally-Actively. Supporting development of non-formal global education in public libraries

720/2014 Task no. III Angelus Silesius House Global education of children is changing our world 3 888/2014 Task no. III Salesian Missionary

Volunteer Organisation “Youths for the World”

Together for development – active Global Education in schools (continuation)

849/2014 Task no. III ŹRÓDŁA Ecological Activities Centre

Opt for development. Sustainable development! (II edition)

 increasing public awareness of global problems using modern means of communication and the media, also within the framework of non-formal and extramural education; the activities will be implemented by NGOs, local government entities, public tertiary education institutions, and others; activities aimed at increasing knowledge and awareness of global development problems and of Polish and European development cooperation among Poland’s population will be consistent with the objectives of the European Year for Development10;

 enhancing the awareness of global problems in towns and cities with populations of less than 500 thousand inhabitants and providing training support to organisations with little experience in implementing global education projects; the implementation of these tasks will be entrusted to a non-governmental organisation that will carry out a re-grant cycle.

In 2015, the MFA will continue co-financing the following module projects whose implementation began in 201411:

770/2014 Task no. I Education for Democracy Foundation

Global Education 2014-2015. Regranting for NGOs.

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Provided they are implemented properly and a report on the first module planned to be implemented in 2014 has been submitted.

10_{On the initiative of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, the 2015 was declared} European Year for Development under the motto “Our world, our dignity, our future.”

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Provided it is implemented properly and a report on the first module planned to be implemented in 2014 has been submitted.

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Moreover, in 2015 a government administration body will be implementing a global education project.

"Polish Aid Volunteering" Programme supports direct involvement of Poles in providing assistance

to the inhabitants of developing countries by co-financing volunteering projects addressed to local communities in ODA beneficiary countries. The activities carried out by volunteers help support socio-economic development in the beneficiary country and respond to regional and community needs. Upon their return to Poland, volunteers share their knowledge and experiences which they gained while implementing projects and thus help raise awareness of development-related issues among Poles.

3. Humanitarian aid

Humanitarian aid consists in providing assistance, care and protection to a population that has suffered as a result of armed conflicts, natural disasters and other natural or man-made humanitarian crises. Due to its specific nature and low predictability, assistance is provided irrespective of the priority assistance areas identified in the 2012-2015 Multiannual Development Cooperation Programme.

Assistance will be provided consistently with the principles of neutrality, independence, impartiality and humanity through NGOs, Polish diplomatic missions as well as via specialised state services and international humanitarian organisations.

4. Development cooperation in the framework of international

organisations

Multilateral cooperation is provided via specialised international organisations and agencies. Each year, the MFA supports development activities undertaken by a selected group of organisations co-financing projects and programmes with contributions and donations in areas, such as, poverty reduction, systemic transformation, promotion of human rights and democracy, and access to education.

In 2015, a major part of multilateral cooperation funds will be expended via financial instruments of the European Commission from Poland’s contribution to the EU budget and from its contribution to the European Development Fund. Financial support will also be provided to programmes and funds administered by United Nations specialised agencies and to programmes and funds administered by other multilateral organisations and institutions.

The basic criteria attached to decisions about multilateral contributions are as follows:

 contributions complement sectors of bilateral cooperation, serving purposes that would not be implemented effectively in the framework of bilateral cooperation;

 Poland will make contributions primarily to those multilateral funds and programmes that fall within Poland’s foreign policy objectives and the geographic and thematic priorities of Poland’s Development Cooperation Programme;

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 by reducing the number of contributions, larger sums will be contributed to funds and programmes that implement specific tasks which fall within key Polish development assistance priorities.

5. Evaluation, information and administration measures

In 2015, the process of evaluation of Polish development cooperation projects and programmes will be continued for the purpose of collecting an objective body of knowledge about how relevant and effective the executed development projects are. This knowledge will be later used to improve aid management and planning, especially in the longer-term perspective. Detailed information about the evaluation process will be provided in the Annual Evaluation Plan for 2015.

As regards information and promotional activities, the MFA will continue to cooperate with radio stations on the basis of co-production agreements, thereby further propagating global development issues. The publication of information leaflets and brochures presenting Poland’s development co-operation programme is planned. As in previous years, the MFA will use public opinion polls to analyse changes in the attitudes of Poles towards development cooperation projects financed by Poland. A report on Poland’s development cooperation in 2014 will be published as well.

Furthermore the MFA will engage in activities to inform and educate Polish citizens about development cooperation in the European Union and Member States (including Poland) in connection with the proclamation by the European Parliament and the EU Council of the European Year for Development (EYD 2015). These activities will also support the direct involvement of citizens and will raise their awareness about the benefits of the European Union’s development cooperation felt not only by the beneficiaries of the EU development assistance, but also by EU citizens. Activities which the MFA plans to carry out will be described in the EYD 2015 action plan.

6. MFA call for proposals

Projects selected in the framework of MFA calls for proposals are implemented by non-governmental organisations 12, local government entities, public and private higher education institutions, research institutes, the Polish Academy of Sciences and its organizational units. The following calls for proposals are planned to be announced in 2014 and 2015:

“Polish Development Aid 2015”

A call for proposals will be published in the last quarter of 2014. The sums allocated towards individual countries/regions are subject to change depending on the final sum of the special purpose reserve for development cooperation and the final assessment of project applications.

Eligible entities: non-governmental organisations, local government entities (for projects implemented in the Eastern Partnership countries), public and private higher education institutions, research institutes, the Polish Academy of Sciences and its organisational units.

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Pursuant to Article 3.2 of the Public Benefit and Volunteer Work Act of 24 April 2003 (Journal of Laws 2010, No. 234, item 1536, as amended) and entities defined in Article 3.3 of the Act

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“Global Education 2015”

Within the call for proposals procedure, educational projects (each amounting to at least PLN 80,000) aimed at boosting the presence of global education in the formal education system, as well as in extramural and non-formal education will be selected. The educational projects will be targeted specifically at raising citizens’ awareness of global interdependencies and educational inequalities in the world.

Eligible entities: non-governmental organisations, local government entities, public and non-public higher education institutions, research institutes, the Polish Academy of Sciences and its organisational units.

“Polish Aid Volunteering 2015”

The call for proposals will cover long-term volunteering (more than 3 months) and short-term volunteering (up to 6 weeks), addressed to qualified specialists. NGOs offering volunteers will be able to compete for co-financing of volunteering activities in all of the OECD/DAC official development aid beneficiary countries (excluding countries torn by internal and external conflict posing life-threatening situations, in particular in the context of armed conflict). Upon returning to Poland, volunteers will carry out educational activities addressed to Poles.

Eligible entities: non-governmental organisations.

“Humanitarian Aid”

Humanitarian assistance provided through non-governmental organisations is financed from grants. Such organisations send in their proposals in response to announcements by the MFA to apply for MFA funding for humanitarian assistance projects in line with the MFA’s terms and conditions. The call for proposals is aimed at selecting the best organisations that will provide assistance to an appeal for aid or a problem defined in the announcement. In special situations prompted by the urgency of the crisis situation, the proposal to provide humanitarian assistance may be made by a non-governmental organisation that has received an individual invitation to tender. In such cases, procedures applied to calls for proposals are bypassed, while the application is also examined by a commission of experts.13

Eligible entities: non-governmental organisations.

13

Grants to humanitarian projects implemented by Polish NGOs may be awarded by the MFA pursuant to Article 10.2 of the Development Cooperation Act (Journal of Laws 2011, No. 234, item 1386) and Article 11a of the Act of 24 April 2003 on Public Benefit and Volunteer Work (Journal of Laws 2010, No. 234, item 1536, as amended) i.e. by bypassing an open call for proposals. In the event that the MFA decides to grant humanitarian aid through non-governmental organisations in reaction to a concrete humanitarian crisis, the MFA may publish a request for project proposals on the website

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19

7. Distribution of funds from the national budget’s special purpose reserve:

"Implementing the Polish development programme and support for international

cooperation towards democracy and civil society"

In line with the Multiannual Development Cooperation Programme for 2012-2015, Polish development cooperation focuses on the Eastern Partnership countries, towards which approximately 60% of bilateral development cooperation implemented by the MFA and the MFA's external partners will be allocated. As regards the Eastern Partnership countries, support for democracy and transformation processes will amount to at least 70% of funds; as regards the remaining geographical areas, the proportion will be at least 60%.

The MFA's National Coordinator for Development Cooperation is authorised to make decisions on the assignment of reserve funds for unplanned initiatives relating to development cooperation or on the assignment of funds between different lines of the Plan. To be passed, decisions on the re-assignment of funds do not require a modification of the Development Cooperation Plan for 2015. The distribution of funds from the special purpose reserve is premised on sustaining the reserve level that was set in the Budget Act of 25 January 2014 (Journal of Laws of 3 February 2014, item 162). If the final amount of the special reserve fund is changed in the course of drafting the state budget for 2015, the provisions of the Plan will be modified accordingly by decision of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

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20

Part 2 Development cooperation activities planned to be implemented in 2015 by

government administration bodies using funds allocated directly by these

bodies

The data below is based on estimates.14

Ministry of Finance Activity:

 Preferential loans (government export credits in the framework of tied aid)

USD 23,254,652 and EUR 84,251,056

 Payment of funds for the implementation of financial programmes financed through repayments of amounts due to the State Treasury to the benefit of the Kingdom of Cambodia

USD 488,395.76

 Payment of funds for the implementation of financial programmes financed through repayments of amounts due to the State Treasury to the benefit of Mongolia

PLN 500,000

Payments and contributions to international organizations:

 Poland's participation in financing European Union Official Development Aid through EU budget contributions 15

EUR 201,400,000

 International Development Association (IDA) in respect of title 15, 16 and 17 fund supplementation

SDR 2,425,000

 International Development Association (IDA) in respect of the Mulitlateral Debt Relief Initiative, MDRI

PLN 870,000

 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development IBRD – increase of capital

USD 18,384,774

14

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21

Total PLN 1,324,599,406

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Activity:

 Contribution to the European Development Fund

EUR 46,800,000

 Contribution to the UN budget USD 4,255,878 (represents 18% of the

contribution; 18% qualifies as ODA)  Contribution to the UN peacekeeping

budget

USD 2,016,300 (represents 7% of the

contribution; 7% qualifies as ODA)  Contributions to the UNESCO budget USD 773,358 (represents 60%of the

contribution; 60% qualifies as ODA)

EUR 890,854 (represents 60%of the

contribution; 60% qualifies as ODA)

Total PLN 219,053,990

Ministry of the Environment Payments and contributions to international organizations:

 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

USD 56,920

 International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from the budget of the National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA)

EUR 664,696

 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

CHF 443

 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer – Multilateral Fund

USD 2,100,000

 United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa (UNCCD)

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22  United Nations Economic Commission

for Europe (UNECE) contribution to the UNECE Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (the Aarhus Convention)

EUR 5,000

 The UN Environmental Programme (UNEP)

USD 150,000

 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol

(UNFCCC)

EUR 154,848.50 (represents 61%of the

contribution; 61%of the contribution qualifies as ODA)

 World Meteorological Organization CHF 23,751 (represents 4%of the contribution;

4% of the contribution qualifies as ODA)

Total PLN 10,811,888

Ministry of National Defence Activity:

 Financing Polish and English language courses for students from developing countries

PLN 600,000

 Financing of scholarships for military college students from developing countries

PLN 350,000

Total PLN 950,000

Ministry of the Interior Activity:

 Responding to humanitarian crises and carrying out rescue operations by the State Fire Service

PLN 1,200,00016

 Financing of the UNHCR Office in Warsaw

PLN 225,000

 Co-financing of the project Accepting in

Poland or transferring to other EU countries of persons seeking or enjoying international protection

PLN 389,000

16

It is not possible to define the exact number and locations of rescue and humanitarian operations in response to a specific natural or man-made disaster. It is not possible to predict the real level of State Fire Service involvement in ODA beneficiary countries.

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23

Total PLN 1,814,000

Ministry of Labour and Social Policy Payments and contributions to international organizations:

 International Labour Organisation (ILO) CHF 2,102,548 (represents 60% of the Ministry’s

contribution; 60%of its contribution qualifies as ODA)

Total PLN 7,174,735

Chancellery of the Prime Minister Activity:

 Closer bilateral relations with Georgia aimed at supporting the civil service reform in this country

PLN 15,000

 Bilateral cooperation with the National Agency of Civil Service of Ukraine aimed at enhancing the effects of the Polish-British twinning aid project Support for

the development of civil service in Ukraine

PLN 20,000

 Bilateral cooperation with the other Asian and Central-Eastern European countries aimed at building professional and politically neutral civil service corps

PLN 15,000

 International cooperation in the area of civil service pursued by the Head of the Civil Service, including the costs of organising workshops, providing assistance during study visits and foreign delegations

PLN 25,000

 The Chancellery of the Prime Minister’s own contribution to Internships for

Representatives of the Secretariat of Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine in the Chancellery of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland

PLN 5,000

Total PLN 160,000

Ministry of Infrastructure and Development Activity:

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24  Implementation of international

initiatives for non-EU countries aimed at supporting foreign partners in building effective institutional, organisational, management and human resource structures serving regional development

PLN 40,005 (funds from Counterpart Funds –

CPF)

Payments and contributions to international organisations

 Local Economic and Employment Development Programme (LEED) – voluntary contribution

EUR 33,230

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25

Ministry of Health Activity:

 Scholarships (studies, internship, specialisation) for citizens from ODA beneficiary countries

PLN 800,000

Payments and contributions to international organizations

 World Health Organisation (WHO) USD 3,251,667 (76% of USD 4,278,510)

 OECD Chemicals Committee EUR 21,000

 Trust Fund to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent

Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (UNEP)

USD 30,000

 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (UNEP)

USD 62,000

Total PLN 4,418,853

Ministry of Administration and Digitization Payments and contributions to international organizations

 International Telecommunications Union (ITU)

CHF 318,000

 Universal Postal Union (UPU) CHF 208,850

Total PLN 1,797,822

Ministry of National Education Activity:

 International Youth Exchange implementation of projects and cooperation with six EaP countries

PLN 600,000

 Democracy in School Summer Academy

addressed to educators from the EaP countries

PLN 100,000

Total PLN 700,000

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Payments and contributions to international organizations

 United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

EUR 1,756,628

 United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

USD 2,389,300

 International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (Bioversity International)

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26  European and Mediterranean Plant

Protection Organisation (EPPO)

EUR 77,716

Total PLN 14,629,319

Ministry of Culture and National Heritage Activity:

 Polish History Museum research scholarships towards research projects

PLN 50,000

 Scholarships for undergraduate, graduate and doctoral studies and internships for art students at higher education

institutions overseen by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage

PLN 300,000

 Gaude Polonia – scholarships for young artists and translators of Polish literature from Central and Eastern European countries

PLN 2,225,000

 Thesaurus Poloniae – scholarships for researchers focusing on the culture, history and multicultural heritage of the Republic of Poland and Central Europe

PLN 300,000

 Training, conservation and digitization of cultural heritage by countries:

- Moldova - Macedonia - India - Brazil - Ukraine - Belarus - Georgia PLN 180,000 PLN 16,200 PLN 75,000 PLN 12,000 PLN 4,859,000 PLN 720,000 PLN 70,000 Contributions:

 UNESCO World Heritage Fund USD 33,000  UNESCO Fund for the Safeguarding of the

Intangible Cultural Heritage

USD 33,000  World Intellectual Property Organisation

(WIPO)

CHF 34,188

Total PLN 9,124,859

Ministry of the Economy Payments and contributions to international organizations

 United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

EUR 1,080,951  International Cotton Advisory

Committee (ICAC)

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27  Voluntary contribution to a selected

OECD aid programme in Eurasia

EUR 100,000

Total PLN 4,953,942

Ministry of Science and Higher Education Activity:

 Implementation of development aid programmes (Konstanty Kalinowski Scholarship Programme and a scholarship programme for young researchers from post-Soviet states, who are not eligible for scholarships in the framework of cooperation with the Polish diaspora – financing of organisational and administrative costs)

PLN 520,000

 Implementation of development aid programmes (Konstanty Kalinowski Scholarship Programme and a scholarship programme for young researchers from the post-Soviet states, who are not entitled to scholarships in the framework of cooperation with the Polish community – financing of scholarships for students or participants of research internships)

PLN 3,700,000

 Implementation of short-term research scholarships for scholars from developing and the Eastern Partnership countries (benefits)

PLN 207,900

 Secondment of academic lecturers - Polish language teachers to foreign academic centres

PLN 1,300,000

 Implementation of development aid projects in the Eastern Partnership countries and ODA beneficiary countries (own contribution of the MSHE – financing of education costs in the framework of the basic grant as supplementation of support from the national budget special purpose reserve via the MFA)

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28

Financial Supervision Authority Activity:

 International training programmes for middle-level financial supervision employees from Central and Eastern European countries in the framework of the TIFS training platform (Training Initiative for Financial Supervision)

PLN 122,000

Total PLN 122,000

TOTAL SUM PLN 1,676,581,400

 Scholarships for foreigners – students, doctoral students or long-term interns, who are Polish Government scholarship holders coming from ODA beneficiary countries (financing of benefits)

PLN 16,000,000

 Financing the costs of education provided to foreigners – students, PhD students and long-term interns, Polish Government scholarship holders coming from ODA beneficiary countries

PLN 16,000,000

 Financing the costs of education provided to foreigners – students, PhD students and long-term interns coming from ODA beneficiary countries on a "no payment no scholarship" basis

PLN 35,000,000

 Financing the costs of living and education of students from Ukraine under the Polish Erasmus for Ukraine intervention scholarship programme

PLN 1,330,000

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29

Part III.

Polish development cooperation funds allocated in the framework of

obligations arising from Poland's membership in the European Union.

 Contribution to the EU general budget

Each year, Poland covers approximately 3 percent of the EU budget. According to projections, part of the Polish contribution to the general budget of the European Union amounting to approximately EUR 201,400,000 i.e. approximately PLN 800,000,000 will be allocated to development cooperation carried out in the EU framework in 2015.

 Contribution to the European Development Fund

Contributions to the European Development Fund (EDF) in 2015 are set out in the Council Decision on the financial contributions to be paid by Member States to finance the European Development Fund, including the ceiling for 2015, the amount for 2014 and the first instalment for 2014, according to which the ceiling of the annual amount of contributions by EU Member States to the EDF in 2015 amounts to EUR 3.3 billion for the European Commission (EC) and EUR 300 million for the European Investment Bank (EIB). According to the European Commission’s announcements, confirmed by the Communication of the Commission to the Council COM (2014) 350 final dated 13 June 2014 concerning financial information on the European Development Fund, EU Member States in 2015 will be called upon to make contributions in respect of the 10th edition of the EDF (2008-2013). In the case of Poland, the contribution key to the 10 EDF is 1.3%, which means that Poland is required to pay EUR 46.8 million (EUR 42.9 million to the EC and EUR 3.9 million to the EIB) in 2015.

According to estimates, Poland’s contribution to the European Development Fund in 2015 could amount to PLN 193,906,440.17

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Activities implemented and commissioned by the MFA

PLN 18,500,000

PLN 12,300,000 PLN 500,000 Scholarship programmes PLN 5,000,000 PLN 700,000

PLN 49,009,584

PLN 432,450

ARMENIA

_{PLN 300,000} PLN 732,450 PLN 250,000

AZERBAIJAN

_{PLN 300,000} PLN 550,000

ANNEX 1. Special purpose reserve ―

distribution of funds

Eastern Partnership

Activities implemented through Solidarity Fund PL Election monitoring

Eastern Partnership Academy of Public Administration

Projects implemented by government administration bodies

Projects implemented by government administration bodies Small Grants System

Small Grants System

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PLN 2,000,000 PLN 21,600,000 PLN 300,000 PLN 900,000 PLN 24,800,000 PLN 3,000,000 PLN 507,690 Projects implemented by government administration bodies

PLN 650,000 PLN 800,000 PLN 200,000 PLN 5,157,690 PLN 4,000,000 PLN 1,370,000 PLN 600,000 PLN 5,970,000 Projects implemented as part of the "Polish Development Aid 2015" call for

proposals

Projects implemented as part of the "Polish Development Aid 2015" call for proposals

Module projects implemented as part of the "Polish Development Aid 2014" call for proposals

BELARUS

GEORGIA

MOLDOVA

Support for independent news (co-production agreements) incl. Belsat TV PLN 17m, Radio Racyja PLN 4m, Euroradio PLN 0.6m

Projects of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ― transformation support European Humanities University

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PLN 3,500,000 PLN 647,789 Projects implemented by government administration bodies

PLN 2,343,050 PLN 208,605 PLN 2,000,000 PLN 2,000,000 PLN 300,000 PLN 800,000 PLN 11,799,444

Africa, Asia, Middle East

PLN 14,935,694

AFGHANISTAN

_{PLN 1,000,000} PLN 1,000,000 PLN 2,000,000 PLN 320,000

NORTH AFRICA

_{PLN 200,000} PLN 520,000

UKRAINE

Small Grants System (Tunisia, Libya)

Co-financing schooling of Ukrainian citizens at the College of Europe in Natolin

Contribution to the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund Support for transformation processes in Ukraine

Cooperation in the framework of international organisations

Contribution to the Law and Order Trust Fund

Module projects implemented by government administration bodies since 2014

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PLN 6,000,000 PLN 945,694 PLN 850,000 PLN 7,795,694 PLN 1,300,000 PLN 430,000 PLN 500,000 PLN 700,000 PLN 2,930,000 PLN 1,000,000 PLN 310,000 PLN 100,000 PLN 1,410,000 PLN 200,000 PLN 80,000 PLN 280,000

KYRGYZSTAN

Small Grants System (Ethiopia, Kenya)

EAST AFRICA

PALESTINIAN

AUTONOMY

Small Grants System (the Embassy of the Republic of Poland to Uzbekistan towards Tajikistan)

Small Grants System (the Embassy of the Republic of Poland to Kazakhstan towards Kyrgyzstan)

Cooperation in the framework of international organisations (contribution to the UNRWA)

2015 Development Cooperation Plan