Under UBC's patronage

Gdynia Maritime Academy, Stegna Municipality and Academia Europa Nostra, in cooperation with the University of Szczecin, are organizing the international scientific conference on "The Borders, passenger traffic and integration in the Baltic Europe" to be held on 29-31 May 2009. The conference under the patronage of UBC offers the chance for young political researchers to investigate issues relevant to the Baltic Sea Region, its identity and well-being. As of 1 July 2011 Poland shall preside over the EU Council; one of the Polish Presidency's priorities is to review strategies for the Baltic Sea Region. The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region has been underway to activate the potential created as a result of the Union's extension in 2004. This aim is to be met through realisation of such priorities as: environmental protection, economic well-being, accessibility, attractiveness, and security.

Five years since Poland's joining the European Union, when the Baltic Sea has become the internal sea of the EU, the question of cooperation with the Russian Federation, and in particular with Kaliningrad Oblast, has grown in importance. In the context of expanding "the Schengen zone", new conditions for servicing the passenger traffic have appeared. The region with its national, linguistic, religious and cultural mosaic add to the Baltic Europe's coloration, making it one of the most attractive tourist reception areas in the world. Traditions and customs, beside the stereotypes about Baltic peoples, play a significant role in the international relations. Genuine investigation of their historical and social background may contribute to promoting the heritage and creating the Baltic Sea Region brand.

The aim of the II Forum Europa Nostra is to join the mainstream discussions over the EU Strategy from the BSR. The intention of the Scientific Committee is to identify chances and threats for the passenger traffic and international exchanges, and to propose solutions leading to fuller integration of the Baltic Europe. Tourism, an important component of cooperation and development, should play a special role in this process.

Researchers, representatives of local and governmental authorities and all interested in the vision of the Baltic Europe without borders, including historians, sociologists, economists, political scientists, theoreticians and practitioners involved in tourism and recreation studies are welcome to participate in the conference.