Næstved celebrates with the UBC

Næstved municipality has been a member of the UBC since the beginning. In Denmark there was a strong will to resume political contacts and trade with the countries across the Baltic Sea, cut off for more than 45 years.

Næstved has always been interested in international relations. Since WW2 Næstved has had twin cities in the Nordic countries, and after the fall of the Iron Curtain, also in Poland. As a harbour city, Næstved like for other Danish member cities, a contact across the seas is natural. Thus, it was natural for Næstved to support the UBC from the very start. Næstved Mayor Henning Jensen was also a warm spokesman for international relations. For several years he has been one of the Danish representatives in the EU Commission. During 20 years Næstved's activities in the UBC have varied. Since 2001 Næstved has had the honor of representing the Danish cities in the UBC Executive Board and recently it has also been involved in the UBC Commission's on Culture activities.

The city's experience with the UBC has, however, a wider view. UBC has been used as a contact base, when there is a need to get in touch with other cities across the Baltic Sea.

The handiart-exposition in Næstved last year could serve as an example. Participants from Rostock came to Næstved because of the UBC network.

The UBC is much more than the organization itself. It is also an important network that makes the cities much easier to reach. Politics, trade and economics are much different in 2011 than in 1991 in a now much more globalized world. Nevertheless, the UBC as a network and as a spokesman for the Baltic Sea Region is as important now as it was in the 90s.