UBC-EU Coordinators Network met in Rostock

On 3-4 December the UBC-EU Network held its first meeting since Rostock took the responsibility for this Network in summer 2007. The conference took place in the city hall of Rostock and had been organized and realized by European Integration Center (EIZ) Rostock, which coordinates the activities. Several guests from all over the Baltic Sea Region joint the meeting.

The meeting was ment as an open workshop to discuss the work of the network and plan new projects. The first day was dedicated to the discussions and the presentation of the possible actions. In the evening Mr. Arno Poker, Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Denmark, hosted a Late Date Dinner and talks. The second day witnessed concrete planning of further work and a presentation of the project "Baltic Model United Nations".

Regarding the fact that the BSR still has got a lack of representation and perception in the European institutions, networks and regions, the conference decided to put the promotion of the UBC and its activities on top of the agenda. The aim of further actions should be better promotion of UBC members and the UBC itself in Europe. In that way the members and the network will gain more perception, which could lead to an enhanced benefit from EU-supported Programs, new contacts with other networks and regions in the European Union and to better recognition of each UBC city with special regard to tourism and economy.

To put this plans into action, the conference decided to prepare a participation of UBC members in the "Open Days" in Brussels in 2009. With topics like Maritime Policy or the Baltic Sea Strategy of the EU and Best-Practice-Projects of the UBC Commissions the work of the UBC could be placed in a favourable light.

This proposal was forwarded to the UBC Board in February 2008, but the decision was to keep it open until the next Board meeting. Other topics will be discussed at the next network meeting on 10-11 April 2008 in Rostock. For suggestions and requests to this project and the work of the UBC-EU network, please contact the Network coordinator EIZ.