For ECR Member Witold Kozłowski, Marshal of Małopolska, deepening cooperation within the European Union is a strategic direction. Through action and close cooperation with EU partners, Małopolska, one of Poland's most beautiful regions, is becoming safer and stronger. "The global pandemic has confirmed the strength and importance of the European ties and values that bind us. Thanks to Małopolska's 'anti-crisis shield' and European funds, we have managed to save lives, health and tens of thousands of jobs for people in our region," Mr Kozłowski said.

The Małopolska anti-crisis shield – effective protection through European funds

The strength of our European community is determined by common values and ideals. The global pandemic has shown that cooperation is an essential precondition for shaping the future of Europe and the world. Marshal of Małopolska, Witold Kozłowski, stressed that in these extremely difficult times, European solidarity is rising to the challenge.

Thanks to its determination and the full commitment to cooperation from many communities and institutions as well as EU funds, the Małopolska regional government has allocated some PLN 1.5 billion to fighting the effects of the pandemic. The Małopolska anti-crisis shield, a pioneering programme in Poland, has provided real support for hundreds of thousands of the region's residents and aid reaches the places where it is most needed and anticipated. Marshal Witold Kozłowski came up with the idea of the Małopolska anti-crisis shield.

​"In the early months of 2020, we began our pioneering work on these systemic, local government programmes designed to address the social and economic consequences of the pandemic. At that time, although we had an inkling, we did not yet know what we were about to be faced with. Thanks to this rapid response, cooperation with many partner institutions and European funds, we were able to create a comprehensive programme of assistance for the Małopolska community. We are protecting health and lives. We have saved tens of thousands of jobs. We are supporting education. The Małopolska anti-crisis shield has already allocated approximately PLN 1.5 billion to combat the consequences of the pandemic," Mr Kozłowski emphasised.