The EU compass

by Ms Ewa Kurjata

The European integration -L is said to be the best way to ensure the prosperity of Europe's peoples. Recent historic achievements such as the introduction of the euro and the reunification of Europe through the accession of the CEE countries seem to prove the case.

For Szczecin entering the EU meant first of all new development impulses and good motivation for faster modernisation. The enlargement brought increased competitiveness, infrastructure upgrade, new jobs, and better education of the youth. Szczecin's new geopolitical position brought unprecedented political, legal and financial conditions, as well as offered new challenges and chances for development.

The City International Policy was formally confirmed in 2004. It aspires for Szczecin to become a leading European city in the south Baltic coast on the Polish-German border, effectively using opportunities to become pan-regional cross- border centre for international activities. As a Polish gateway to Europe and the world, Szczecin should enable people to benefit from their European citizenship and to exchange ideas and information with leading and comparable cities in Europe and beyond. These exchanges include learning from other port-cities and understanding those processes, both physical and institutional, that have helped create an urban renaissance in similar or comparable cities. To be a leading city in the Region, Szczecin needs to be more competitive and responsive to the changing nature of the economy. Investment has occurred in recent years including numerous housing, office and commercial developments, yet Szczecin continues to experience slow development. Although the city is the driving economic force of the area, there remain pockets of serious deprivation and Szczecin is a city of contrasts. Initiatives seek to strengthen and develop the economy in key areas.

It is clear that new efforts are necessary to restore the role of the city as a place of social and cultural integration, as source of economic prosperity and sustainable development, and as the base of democracy. Here the challenges related to urban development provide an opportunity for the city to become a more meaningful body for its citizens by bringing tangible benefits to daily lives in the enlarged EU.