Poland spent $8 million on development projects in Belarus in 2009

The IV Polish Development Aid Forum took place on September 18 at Warsaw University's Library. The European Radio for Belarus has learned that in 2009 Poland spent 24 million zlotys for projects in Belarus.

The forum is an annual event organized by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to present a report on the results of its development projects in Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Afghanistan, Senegal, Cambodia and other countries.

"We would like to draw your attention to several actions that we call projects that, in our opinion, might lead to changes in such countries as Belarus, Ukraine and other partner countries", said Marek Ziolkowski, Director of Polish Aid Department at Poland's Foreign Ministry.

Forum's program also included other events, including the debates on economic situation in Belarus, a film by Uladzimir Kolas "Ada's Gallery", African and Asian dishes, various exhibitions, workshops and live music from around the world.

Some statistics. In 2009, Poland implemented almost 160 projects worth a total of 100 million zlotys ($33 million) in Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia, including $8 million on projects for Belarus.  Our country was the second country after Afghanistan that was supported by Poland in terms of funding. "We had 100 million zlotys. 35 million were allocated for projects in Afghanistan. Projects for Belarus were in the second place (24 million), followed by Ukraine (13 million) and Georgia (7 million).

The Polish aid in Belarus in 2009 focused on four fields: access to objective information, support to civil society, including NGOs and small businesses, development of local self-rule and transborder cooperation, support to good governance intiatives.

Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister Henryk Litwin said: "Our priority are media projects. Besides, money is allocated for civil projects and for the development of the private sector. However, one should not expect that the Polish aid would be an element that could change Belarus".

In an interview with Euroradio, Litwin explained why Belarus is an important country for Poland. He said: "Belarus is a very important country for Poland, because it is a country of people that are close to us. Besides, Belarus is a neighboring country which resembles Poland in terms of its transit position in Europe. We have common interests to a significant decree. For these reasons, Belarus is clearly a priority country for us".  

He also noted that Bealrus has a good potential to join EU in the near future. "I think Belarus has a great potential that could be used quickly. But, presently, the government (in Belarus) is pursuing a concept of the so called third-way development -- a place between the West and Russia. This concept is understandable from various points of view. We, Poland, try to promote another idea. We reckon that the idea of integration gives countries of our size the best future in our conditions and with our possibilities".

ERB's file:

Belarus-related projects funded by Polish MFA in 2009:

Belsat TV,
Radio Racyja,
Kamunikat.org,
Without Barriers -- for handicap people in Belarus,  
Public transport service entrepreneurs in Belarus

Photo: Dasha Forman, Lena Sidoza, Polish Aid