Impulse for Dębica – A Comprehensive Urban Development Programme
“Impulse for Dębica” is the largest urban development programme in the city’s history, prepared under the Polish–Swiss Urban Development Programme. Its objective is to comprehensively strengthen the socio-economic functions of Dębica and improve the quality of life of its residents.
The project encompasses seven key areas of action:
Impulse for Vocational Education – Modernisation and equipping of the Vocational Education Centre, implementation of vocational training programmes, and initiatives supporting young people in acquiring future-oriented skills and qualifications.
Impulse for Entrepreneurship – Establishment of the Dębica Entrepreneurship Incubator, modernisation of the local marketplace, and support for the development of local businesses.
Impulse for Public Safety – Expansion of the city monitoring system, installation of SOS emergency columns, purchase of power generators, and provision of modern equipment for the Municipal Police.
Impulse for Urban Mobility – Purchase of eight electric buses and development of free, environmentally friendly public transport within the framework of the Dębica Resident Card programme.
Impulse for Modern Healthcare – Modernisation of the infectious diseases ward and equipping the ophthalmology and cardiology departments at the Healthcare Complex in Dębica with modern medical equipment.
Impulse for Social Reintegration – Creation of a new headquarters and provision of equipment for the Social Integration Centre, alongside implementation of reintegration and professional activation programmes.
Impulse for the Development of Civil Society – Establishment of the Dębica Centre for Social Activity, Volunteering and Innovation, and strengthening cooperation with non-governmental organisations.
The project will be implemented in cooperation with Dębica County and its organisational units. Its purpose is to stimulate economic growth, enhance public safety, improve the quality of public services, and build an active and integrated local community.
“Impulse for Dębica” is an investment in the future – in a city that aspires to grow, act effectively, and provide a better quality of life every day.
What is the Swiss–Polish Cooperation Programme?
The Swiss–Polish Cooperation Programme (commonly referred to as the Swiss Funds or Swiss Programme) is an initiative through which Switzerland allocates financial resources to support Poland’s socio-economic development. The programme results from an agreement concluded between Switzerland, the European Union, and the Government of the Republic of Poland. The implementation agreement was signed in Warsaw on 5 December 2022.
This is the second edition of the Programme, continuing the activities completed in 2017. Its primary objective is to reduce socio-economic disparities within the European Union and Poland, while strengthening bilateral cooperation between Switzerland and Poland.
The programme finances projects aimed at developing innovation, education, environmental protection, local infrastructure, and social cohesion. The total budget of the second edition amounts to CHF 327.88 million.
What is the Polish–Swiss Urban Development Programme?
The Polish–Swiss Urban Development Programme is one of the key components of the Swiss–Polish Cooperation Programme. It is an initiative dedicated to medium-sized Polish cities facing the loss of socio-economic functions or requiring a development stimulus.
The programme aims to strengthen the potential of Polish cities through investments in the economy, public transport, vocational education, environmental protection, healthcare, and social activation.
It enables local governments to implement projects combining infrastructure investments with social and educational initiatives, such as entrepreneurship development, NGO support, urban mobility improvements, and modernisation of public services.
The programme is coordinated by the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy. Its primary mission is to support cities in achieving sustainable development, greater attractiveness, and an improved quality of life for residents.