Leba - Town in Action

One of the most important rules of development of NGOs are international contacts. They enable to increase the attractiveness of the region not only for its inhabitants but also for national and foreign investors. Since many years the town of Leba has been cooperating on many levels with a range of towns which makes easier, among other things, subsidising from different EU founds.

One of the first of such projects was the construction of the Yacht Marine in 1998 which contributed to the increase of tourist attractiveness of the town. Since then, the town of Leba has started treating the founds as a chance for creation of new perspectives of development.

At present, a new project "European Integration Panel" aims at creating the youth way of European integration. The youth from the partner cities is going to acquaint themselves with the town and its surroundings and in the latter part of their visit to write a publication in their mother tongues on the biggest attractions of the town and its surroundings.

Another idea is the suppression of barriers and stereotypes through personal contacts with people of the same age from different countries, acquaintance with and bringing closer to culture and tradition. It all is going to be achieved through artistic evening meetings organised by and under the supervision of the participants.

This year in autumn a conference 'European Rapprochement of Local Governments' is planned. Its aim is to bring the participants closer to the idea of European integration and simultaneously emphasise the preservation of their own national identity. Representatives of the participating countries are going to 'create' a civil society and develop the idea of joint activities and form co-operation between local governments and NGOs.

However, the most important day for Poland and for the town of Leba is 1 May On that occasion and coming celebration the town's authorities have planned a meeting of fire brigades' representatives from the partner cities. Participants are going to share their problems and exchange experiences regarding saving people's lives through seminars and rescue-displays.