New Competencies for the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis Starting July 31, 2026

The Polish Sejm has passed legislation expanding the powers of the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis (GZM) and facilitating the creation of a new metropolitan union in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, effective July 31, 2026.

Legislative Status and New Competencies

On June 11, 2026, the Sejm adopted amendments to the law regulating the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis, alongside the creation of a metropolitan union in the Pomeranian Voivodeship. The bill is awaiting the President’s signature and is scheduled to enter into force on July 31, 2026. For the GZM, this means broader competencies and increased flexibility for its 41 constituent cities and municipalities.

Leszek Pietraszek, chairman of the GZM board, confirms that once the law is signed, the metropolis will begin amending its statutes to fully utilize these new powers. This step is a response to nine years of operational experience, identifying which administrative solutions have succeeded and which required adjustments to better meet modern challenges.

Metropolitan Cooperation as a Model for Development

The metropolitan model addresses issues that transcend administrative borders, such as labor markets, demographic shifts, and transport. By acting as a unified entity, the 41 GZM municipalities become more attractive to business and can plan infrastructure projects on a scale that individual local governments could not manage alone.

Transport remains the primary success of this cooperation, featuring a unified tariff, integrated rail and bike-sharing systems, and consistent passenger information. Expanding this model allows the metropolis to manage regional policy more effectively, particularly in sectors like waste management, which is now a priority for the updated competencies.

Future Integration and Strategic Goals

The updated regulations aim to strengthen cooperation rather than limit the autonomy of individual cities. Future efforts will focus on economic transformation, digitalization, and building a collective offering for both residents and investors. The GZM serves as a platform to tackle the challenges of the 21st century by coordinating investments and public services more efficiently.