Lobbying for a strong region

by Ms Alicja Majewska-Galeziak

The office's mission is to support dynamic development of Pomorskie and to build its image as a strong region. To achieve its goal, the office provides information, promotion and organisational support to institutions and organisations in Pomorskie and pursues lobbying activities for EU legislation which may have significant impact on Pomorskie.

The office operates within the framework of the association "Pomorskie in the European Union" whose members are: regional and local authorities, the Pomeranian Development Agency and universities. This model proves very successful not only in representing regional interests in Brussels, but also in applying for and effectively using EU funds. The scope of responsibilities of the Pomorskie Regional Office includes:

• Providing information on the EU programmes, funds and initiatives, best practices and EU legislation, which has an impact on our region.
• Promoting the region - the office disseminates information on investment opportunities and tourist
  and cultural attractions of Pomorskie. Exhibitions, seminars and conferences are organised.
• Lobbying - the office monitors development of EU policies.
• Supporting international co operation.

The areas of special interest to the Office are: the EU regional policy and its instruments, transport, energy, maritime policy, co-operation in the Baltic Sea region, rural development, environmental and social policy. The Pomorskie office closely monitors maritime policy and takes part in consultations on the Green Paper "Future Maritime Policy for the EU".

One of the most significant events of the year is the European Week of Regions and Cities "Open Days" -organised jointly by the Committee of the Regions, the European Parliament, the European Commission and regional offices located in Brussels. Our office were participating in this event for the third time. During the Open Days the experts from Pomorskie invited by the European Commission, were sharing with their experience at numerous workshops on regional development and structural funds. We also promoted our local products and culture.