Dynamic development of Małopolska
Małopolska, as Marshal Łukasz Smółka pointed out, is undergoing dynamic development in various areas, including road and rail infrastructure, health care and education. In recent years, the province has invested heavily in provincial and district hospitals, and has also placed great emphasis on environmental protection and the development of sports. Smółka also highlighted the successes of Olympians from the region, which emphasizes not only sports achievements, but also supporting the development of young talents.
The economic development of Małopolska has been noticed on the national stage – the region has twice received an award for entrepreneurship. As the marshal emphasized, this distinction is dedicated to residents who contribute significantly to the region’s successes.
Development outside of Krakow
Kraków, the capital of the province, is a key business centre, but the region is also developing beyond its borders. Marshal Smółka mentioned the creation of new economic activity zones in places such as Niepołomice, where the number of investors has increased so much that there is a shortage of available places for business development. In response, the province is preparing further investment areas, including in the vicinity of Miechów, near the newly opened S7 expressway.
The development of communication infrastructure, such as bypasses and investments in railways, is also becoming a key factor supporting entrepreneurship in the region. Such investments are aimed not only at facilitating communication, but also at increasing the attractiveness of Małopolska for new investors.
International cooperation and development of the Carpathians The conversation also touched on international cooperation, especially in the context of neighboring regions. Małopolska cooperates with Ukraine and Slovakia, which includes, among others, cross-border bus connections, important for tourists and residents. The Marshal emphasized the need to promote the Carpathians, comparing them to the Alps, which can significantly contribute to the development of tourism in this part of Europe.
Investments in security
Border and regional security was another topic of discussion. Smółka drew attention to security issues in the context of the war in Ukraine and crisis situations such as floods. Małopolska, as a border region, actively participates in activities aimed at supporting neighboring areas in case of need. In recent years, the province has experienced floods, which prompted the authorities to allocate significant funds to help the affected regions and repair infrastructure.
Flood protection infrastructure and crisis preparation Marshal Smółka stressed the importance of preventive measures in the area of flood protection infrastructure. Although Małopolska has learned its lesson after the floods of 1997 and 2010, there is still a need for further investments in flood protection infrastructure. According to the Marshal, prevention is better than cure of natural disasters, which is why the region systematically monitors the condition of infrastructure and takes corrective measures where necessary.
Conclusions from the Forum in Krynica
During the Economic Forum in Krynica, the main theme of which was security issues, the issues of military security, flood security and crisis preparedness were raised. As Smółka pointed out, it is crucial that such discussions lead to specific conclusions that can be implemented by both regional and central authorities.
Małopolska, being one of the key regions of Poland, focuses on further development based on investments in infrastructure, international cooperation and preventive measures aimed at increasing the safety of residents and investors. The forum in Krynica has become an excellent platform for discussing the future of the region and the challenges facing Małopolska.
