On 5 August 2024, the Voivode of Lubuskie Marek Cebula received the representatives of the Euroregion PRO EUROPA VIADRINA, Mr. Jacek Wójcicki, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Polish Municipalities of the Euroregion "Pro Europa Viadrina", and Mr. Rainer Schinkel, Chairman of the association "Mittlere Oder" e.V., for a working meeting.
During the meeting, the currently important topics for the border region were discussed. Starting points for intensifying relations were also discussed against the backdrop of the projects and initiatives carried out to date. Mr. Cebula made it clear that he attaches great importance to cooperation between institutions and residents on both sides and that he supports the initiatives that are important for improving cooperation to the best of his ability. Among the topics that were also important from a euroregional perspective were
- the expansion of railroad lines, especially Eastern Railway (line 203 on the Polish side and RB26 on the German side),
- the development of educational programs, including through the eduViadrina project,
- the development of a network of "border information points",
- the activities of the cross-border rescue service,
- measures to contain African swine fever,
- border controls, especially between Słubice and Frankfurt (Oder).
In view of the increased demand in the area of German-Polish youth encounters, Mr. Schinkel announced a euroregional initiative to improve support for those involved. "The further promotion of youth encounters by the German-Polish Youth Office contributes significantly to the historical education and skills development of our young people. It was highlighted in the recently adopted German-Polish Action Plan and was also acknowledged accordingly by Federal President Steinmeier in Warsaw," said Schinkel. He also agreed with his fellow chairman Mr. Wójcicki, who addressed the further development of the Euroregion's transport network, including rail and road. The electrification of railroad line 203/RB26 (Eastern Railway), the construction of a rail link from Gorzów via Kostrzyn nad Odrą to Szczecin and bypass roads around Słubice are urgently needed. With regard to the expansion of the Eastern Railway, Voivode Cebula also confirmed its enormous importance for the economic development of both sides.
The voivode and his euroregional guests agreed that the challenges currently facing both sides can be met effectively through joint activities. They agreed to exchange ideas on a regular basis in order to further advance such initiatives. With this in mind, Mr. Wójcicki and Mr. Schinkel invited Mr. Cebula to the inaugural conference "Small projects – BIG SUCCESSES, small projects funds in the PRO EUROPA VIADRINA Euroregion" on 11.09.2024.
Background: German-Polish Action Plan: Under the leadership of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk, members of both governments met in Warsaw on July 02, 2024 for the 16th German-Polish Intergovernmental Consultations. A good 6 years after the last talks at this level, both governments agreed on a comprehensive and far-reaching action plan. In the section on education and youth, the further promotion of youth encounters by the German-Polish Youth Office is emphasized, particularly with regard to the importance of historical education. The aim is also to expand formats of the "Weimar Triangle" in cooperation with the Franco-German Youth Office. It is also considered essential to improve young people's knowledge of the neighboring country, including the neighboring language. (cf. https://www.bundesregierung.de/resource/blob/975244/2295276/b5e9e128f9d0909349fd9a57f04cbe69/2024-07-02-deu-pol-aktionsplan-de-data.pdf)
Opening conference "Small projects – BIG SUCCESSES, Small Projects Fund in the PRO EUROPA VIADRINA Euroregion":
The PRO EUROPA VIADRINA Euroregion is organizing a conference on 11.09.2024 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Collegium Polonicum, Słubice, a conference on the occasion of the start of funding opportunities through small project funds under the INTERREG VIA Brandenburg – Poland 2021 – 2027 cooperation program. The event is aimed at all actors who experience and help shape cross-border German-Polish cooperation in the Euroregion PRO EUROPA VIADRINA in all areas of public life on a daily basis. The official invitation will be published in the next few days. Interested parties who would like to receive the invitation with program and registration options directly can already contact us at info@euroregion-viadrina.eu