An ear to the ground in Brussels

by Ms Ewa Wójtowicz-Mój

West Pomeranian Region boasts its own regional office in Brussels since November 2004. Located in the commune of Koekelberg, now collaborating officially with this Polish region since March 2006, it serves as the Region's antenna in Brussels. With its numerous tasks, the office serves Szczecin, the capital of West Pomerania, and the whole region by providing not only useful information but also effectively promoting the whole region and its citizens.

Apart from lobbying the European institutions, the regional office works closely with other European regions searching for partners to develop joint projects. It also channels two-way up-to-date information about the developments within the EU and in the region. Not only does it provide a comprehensive overview of European integration but it also offers a fresh insight throwing light upon the European institutions, explaining the EU measures, legal provisions and economic programmes e.g. through its E-newsletter received by all interested regional actors.

The Brussels Office represents the West Pomeranian Region at the meetings organised by the European institutions, participation in which is a must. Such promotional events as "European Week of Cities and Regions" (2005), the Committee of the Regions' Open Day 2005/2006, "the International Co-ordinators in Brussels - Making Connections" (March 2006), Euroferia Andaluza (2005,2006), the Polish Evening in the European Economic and Social Committee 2006, the Spring Party at the NATO's premises, the Polish Party 2006, to name just a few, help promoting the Region and make it a "buzz word". Besides, the office organised more than 10 official visits of local and regional representatives and civil servants to Brussels.

The Regional Office further provides support to the West Pomeranian COR and MEP members. Finally, its task is to establish and maintain a network of contacts to develop joint European projects, assist regional and local representatives in making meaningful contacts in Brussels and lobby for the West Pomeranian projects submitted directly in Brussels.

Up-to-date information on the European issues, or about events in Brussels, calls for proposals, opened Public Consultation processes facilitate better understanding of the opportunities that the EU has to offer and at the same time help increase the region's competitiveness.