47^th UBC Executive Board met in Gdynia

The 47^th UBC Executive Board meeting was held in Gdynia on 19-20 October 2006. The meeting was attended by the Board members, leaders of the Commissions and the delegates of member cities.

Secretary General Pawel Zaboklicki on behalf of the task force presented the possible themes to be discussed at the General Conference in Pärnu, 27-28 September 2007 - security and threats, communication, culture as driving force for development, youth involvement in democracy.

Peter Wretlund Mayor of Oskarshamn submitted the proposal to establish the UBC Commission on Energy. The Board decided to create the Commission on Energy.

The Board accepted Robertsfors and Jyväskylä as new members of UBC and wished them fruitful cooperation.

President Per B. Andersen reminded that on 2 October 2006 the UBC Antenna Office in Brussels began to operate. The goal is to represent the member cities' interests more effectively, to increase UBC's visibility in Brussels, to influence EU policies which affect local authorities. The Board encouraged member cities to attend the opening event which will be held in Brussels on 6 December.

Mikko Lohikoski, Turku, presented ideas for UBC further development. UBC shall constantly discuss how to improve its structure and operations in order to serve better the citizens of our cities. Member cities will be asked to comment on the ideas for the Union's development.

Earlier this year, at the UBC initiative, major Baltic Sea organisations issued a 2^nd statement on new EU Cohesion Policy 3^rd objective - the territorial cooperation, questioning the 150 km limit for cross (maritime) border cooperation. The limit was finally maintained by the EC but thanks to the lobbying of Baltic Sea organisations, regions and cities, the cross-border cooperation program for southern Baltic will be established next year. Currently the relevant regions are preparing the contents of the program.

President Andersen informed about the positive reactions of President Barroso and Commissioner Borg on the UBC Maritime Logistics Policy. Both EC executives strongly encouraged UBC to contribute to the Green Paper on future European maritime policy. UBC will submit its contribution.

UBC Secretariat will produce a publication called "UBC Business Mixer". The aim is to encourage the cities' business environment to effectively use the Union as the economic forum for establishing partnerships and initiating ventures.

During the open session the commissions leaders presented annual activity reports. The Board appreciated efforts and actions carried out by the commissions.

The next Board meeting will be held in Gävle on 9 March 2007.