Maritime Hanseatic traditions

The cities of Szczecin and Berlin strive at founding their polycentric relationship based on complementarity. In this way they could both contribute to a better European territorial balance which might be realised over time.

The basic aim behind creating the Szczecin-Berlin Corridor of multi-level and multi-dimensional cooperation is to restore the historic relationship between the two cities, in the context of the enlarged EU, and to maximize the benefits of the EU membership. Szczecin is presently searching for a new European role and welcomes opportunities for its future development. This is why the proximity of Berlin has a special significance for Szczecin, as it is at present one of the most rapidly developing European metropolitan areas.

If Szczecin takes advantages of its assets it could become a complementary centre for the German capital in respect of many urban functions. Existing and planned activities and development, including infrastructure, are being analysed, as well as other possibilities for cooperation between Berlin and Szczecin. These actions are the first step to restoring the centuries old interaction of these metropolitan areas, based on the EU standards. In the framework of the Corridor, relationships will also be considered with the Saxon Triangle, the southern Baltic, adjoining Polish regions and the European NS transportation corridor. The basic approach is to explore various scenarios for future relationship between Berlin and Szczecin and the spatial planning implications in the two-city corridor. The partners will continue their discussion to create a Steering Committee to be responsible for coordinating Expert Group meetings and tasks, as well as working out the details of the Berlin-Szczecin Corridor Concept, started earlier in 2007 under the framework of the Network of European Metropolitan Regions and Areas (METREX). Both cities concentrated on the rail and air connections, sustainable development, complementarity and functional connectivity.

Szczecin is particularly interested in continuing the launched activities and dialogue with the city of Berlin. 'The Concept of Long-term Berlin-Szczecin Corridor' is to be the basis for such continuation. As both cities expressed their interest and willingness for cooperation, it has positive prospects for the future.