The Polish government will determine whether funds are available for the planned Pomeranian metropolitan area, involving Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot.
Metropolitan Union Project Faces Funding Hurdles
The Council of Ministers’ Standing Committee approved a bill concerning a metropolitan union in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, but disagreements remain between the Ministry of Interior and Administration (MSWiA) and the Ministries of Finance and Agriculture.
A key point of contention is whether the state budget can allocate 350 million złoty for the initial phase of the Pomeranian metropolis.
Concerns Over Financial Impact and Withdrawal Procedures
The Ministry of Finance has expressed doubts about the additional expenditure, citing the excessive deficit procedure. Concerns also exist regarding the process for potential withdrawal from the union, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development supporting the Ministry of Finance’s position.
Project Scope and Costs
The proposed metropolitan union would include Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot, along with functionally related municipalities. Initial integration costs, including bus-rail integration, are estimated at 250-350 million złoty.
The total cost of establishing and operating the new metropolitan union is projected to exceed 5.6 billion złoty between 2026 and 2035.
Disagreements on Union Principles and Voluntary Participation
Disagreements extend beyond funding to the principles governing the union’s operation. The MSWiA emphasizes the spatial continuity of the union, stipulating that a municipality’s withdrawal cannot disrupt this continuity, defined by administrative boundaries.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development advocates for voluntary participation and the right to withdraw if a local community believes the union negatively impacts their living conditions or local decision-making.
Spatial Continuity Deemed Essential
The MSWiA argues that spatial continuity is crucial for effective performance of the union’s tasks, particularly strategic and spatial planning, public transport organization, and urban mobility development. A lack of continuity would hinder effective task execution.
Government Decision Pending, Legal Review Scheduled
The MSWiA has requested the Standing Committee of the Council of Ministers to resolve the discrepancies with the Ministries of Finance and Agriculture. The Committee approved the bill, leaving the final decision to the government.
The Legal Committee will review the project at a meeting scheduled for March 27th.