Interview with the Mayors of Gdynia and
Jurmala
What are your expectations for your own
city in connection with the enlargement?
 Accession
of Poland to the European Union will change a lot, both
at a national and local level. So far Gdynia has received
EU funds amounting to 40 million EUR designated for the
implementation ofprojects. We have also applied for the
financing of the 6th Framework Research Programme.
We plan to introduce, among others, an integrated communication
system of public transport and internet.
Do you think the identity of your citizens
become more European?
The question about European identity is nothing
else but a question about who we are in a social aspect.
Our membership in the EU is an opportunity to enrich European
identity with values being so important and close to us.
Becoming more European depends exclusively on ourselves,
and more precisely on our awareness that we have always
been and will be Europeans.
What will be the direction of EU's evolution
after the enlargement?
The political debate on the European Constitution
proves how difficult this question is to answer. The Union
has not still defined either its philosophical or political
direction. In my opinion it is difficult to anticipate what
Europe will look like in two, five years' time and in the
more distant future. I am convinced that the future of Europe
lies in our hands.
Wojciech Szczurek
Mayor of Gdynia, Poland
What kind of changes do you expect in
your city after EU enlargement?
 Jurmala
is tourism-oriented and resort city. That's why after EU
enlargement we are awaiting opportunities to advertise our
city to potential guests from EU. Jurmala already participated
in tourism fairs in Finland and Germany which provided gradual
increase of tourists. Through developing of informative
work, and offering to guests ever high - quality and many
- sided services, tourism will increase. It will provide
new workplaces for inhabitants and will promote economic
prosperity. Jurmala has already several twin-cities in the
EU. We are convinced, that after Latvia becomes EU member,
cooperation will expand.
Are you thinking, that your inhabitants
become more Europeans?
Certainly, though Latvia has always been
European country and Jurmala -European resort. We have never
felt differently, we belong to Europe. Unfortunately, 50
years-long development breach didn't allow people to express
themselves so creatively as it is possible right now in
free and independent country. I think that inhabitants will
safely involve in different international projects, they
will form many private contacts with people from other countries.
In which way will develop EU after enlargement?
After enlargement EU will become stronger,
will enrich with experience and national contribution of
new member states. We expect that in Europe democratization
process will continue and new states will rapidly join the
Union.
Juris Hlevickis
Chairman of Jurmala City Council, Latvia
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