Around 90 per cent of the country's energy needs are covered by coal, which pollutes the environment. Under the framework of the EU Directive on renewable energies the country has undertaken to increase the share of renewable energies as a proportion of overall energy consumption to 15 per cent by 2020. Switzerland is supporting Poland in this effort and is allocating grants from its EU enlargement contribution.
Project description (PDF, 2 Pages, 645.4 kB, English)
Further examples of projects supported by Switzerland's EU enlargement contribution:
Improving road safety with Swiss know-how
The project involves exchanges between Swiss road safety experts and their Polish partners. Road safety in Poland, which is currently below the European standard, is to be improved through training courses, investment in road safety and national prevention campaigns.
Project description (PDF, 2 Pages, 643.2 kB)
More modern border crossings
The border crossings at Siemianówka and Połowce on the frontier between Poland and Belarus are being upgraded and brought in line with Schengen standards with Swiss support. Modern facilities and equipment are largely lacking, meaning that staff are unable to carry out their duties effectively, especially given the growing volume of cross-border traffic. Another aspect of the project involves exchanges of know-how and experiences between Swiss and Polish customs authorities.
Project description (PDF, 2 Pages, 1.5 MB, English)
Strengthening the economy in the foothills of the Carpathian mountains
In the foothills of the Carpathian mountains (Podkarpackie) in south-eastern Poland Switzerland is supporting the regional economy, particularly tourism and local production.
Project description (PDF, 2 Pages, 320.2 kB)
Disposal of asbestos
Switzerland is supporting the administrative district of Lublin with a grant of CHF 13.2 million to dispose of asbestos. The project involves introducing a system to monitor and dispose of asbestos, removing waste containing asbestos from illegal dump sites and refurbishing the roofs of 6600 homes. Asbestos was often used in the past in Poland, particularly in the construction industry.
Project description (PDF, 2 Pages, 678.7 kB)
