Kraków and the European Union – a Shared Path to Development

On 18 September, at the Museum of Kraków, Mayor Aleksander Miszalski met with Piotr Serafin, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud, and Public Administration. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the results of EU investments in Kraków and to discuss future challenges, including the proposal for a new multiannual EU budget.

The meeting highlighted Kraków’s active participation in European initiatives and projects, as well as the key investments made possible through EU funding. Mayor Miszalski noted that over Poland’s 20 years of EU membership, Kraków has received more than PLN 5.1 billion in support, enabling the implementation of over 420 projects with a total value of PLN 9.7 billion.

Looking ahead, the Mayor stressed that EU financial support should be directed as closely as possible to residents of cities and regions, ensuring it addresses real needs. “Thanks to this approach, we have been able to implement territorial strategies in Kraków to respond to global challenges such as climate change and digital transformation,” he said.

Commissioner Serafin underlined the crucial role of cities and regions in the European Union, emphasizing that they must remain central to the implementation of EU policies, particularly in the use of EU funds. He recalled that in July a proposal for the new long-term EU budget for 2028–2034 was presented. The funds, he explained, will be directed primarily to the regions and will remain essential for their development, especially where the process of catching up with the EU average in terms of prosperity is still underway. The main priorities of the new budget are strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and security, with cohesion policy serving as a key instrument in achieving these goals.

Speaking about Kraków, the Commissioner observed that it is not only a city of rich history but also one of great potential for the future—development in which EU funds play a decisive role.

Dr Rafał Solecki, Director of the Strategy and European Funds Department, presented how Kraków has used this support. He highlighted major projects such as the ICE Congress Centre and the eco-incinerator, as well as smaller but equally important initiatives, including the thermal modernisation of clinics and the adaptation of nurseries for children with disabilities. Together, these investments have significantly contributed to the city’s growth and improved the quality of life for its residents.

The meeting concluded with a symbolic visit to the exhibition at Krzysztofory Palace, the headquarters of the Museum of Kraków and one of the city’s most important cultural landmarks. The palace’s historic interiors, meticulously restored and modernised in recent years, stand as a prime example of the effective use of EU cultural funds. Thanks to nearly PLN 29 million in support, the project not only preserved this valuable monument but also created a welcoming space for both residents and visitors.