The primary aim of these activities is to safeguard security, foster peace, and promote the greatest possible well‑being for the people. This remains the central duty and the one most anticipated by those who elected the leaders, as President Andrzej Duda remarked in Lublin on Tuesday.
The president expressed his pleasure at opening the 3rd Congress on Local Self‑Government of the Three Seas Region in Lublin. He described the gathering as a vital contemporary forum for sharing experiences and debating regional cooperation across this part of Europe.
He noted that the event follows the first edition held in 2021 and reflected on how the congress, conducted amid shifting global challenges, continues to serve as a platform for exchanging ideas under evolving circumstances.
“Safety remains the central topic across nearly all our meetings,” he stated, pointing out that the country lies just 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Ukraine has faced brutal aggression, underscoring why security remains a focal point in discussions today.
The president emphasized that safety is a frequent topic in many forums and that, elected through democratic processes, leaders share a strong conviction that their work should ensure security, peace, and prosperity for citizens. This is, without question, the most important and most awaited role for those who were elected.
Chairman: Strengthening cross‑border cooperation within the Three Seas Initiative is a top priority
Advancing cross‑border collaboration within the Three Seas Initiative was highlighted as a key goal during the Lublin gathering. Agreements were signed, including the formation of the Three Seas Universities Network and a Network of Regions.
The president expressed confidence that this year’s congress would again yield numerous new contacts and productive discussions, fueling ideas for deeper integration within the Three Seas Initiative.
One notable initiative born in Lublin is the Three Seas Universities Network. The signing of its founding agreement is expected to occur at the event, and the project is anticipated to strengthen ties among local communities across Three Seas countries.
The president reaffirmed that enhancing cross‑border cooperation within the Three Seas Initiative should remain a guiding priority, and he recalled a period of strong growth in the region. Over the last three decades, the region’s economic expansion outpaced Germany by about 1.5 percent annually, underscoring the initiative’s potential to accelerate regional development and raise living standards in the near future.
It was noted that, in 2004, the Three Seas countries accounted for a modest share of EU GDP, but by 2018 their combined contribution rose to around 19 percent. Poland was identified as a leader in growth during that period, averaging more than five percent annually.
The Three Seas Initiative is seen as an accelerator, a catalyst for development that could bring broader economic integration with Western Europe and elevate living standards across the region. The president expressed optimism that many countries would grow closer to Western Europe in the coming years, as crisis resilience in the region strengthened it against global shocks.
There was also optimism about international interest in the Three Seas Initiative from major economies and investors seeking to form capital connections with the region. The president anticipated a signed agreement on the Three Seas Network later in the congress and welcomed new members from Romania and Ukraine into the network.
The Three Seas Initiative comprises hundreds of local communities with diverse cultures, economies, and traditions. The network, rooted in the Lubelskie Voivodeship, serves as a powerful mechanism to learn about regional specificities and unlock local potential.
The president stressed that the forthcoming agreement would likely yield numerous infrastructure, economic, and cultural projects benefiting those involved and the broader Three Seas area.
Witek: The Three Seas Initiative is a highly valuable endeavor
The Three Seas Initiative is viewed as increasingly significant in the European Union, a point echoed by Elżbieta Witek, the Marshal of the Sejm, during her remarks in Lublin. She noted the importance of weaving parliamentary participation into the congress and stressed that the Three Seas nations share a common identity and many historical experiences.
Beyond that shared heritage, there is a strong awareness of the potential within these nations. The key is to seize that potential without wasting it, she added. She highlighted a variety of initiatives taking place at the local, regional, and national levels under the Three Seas umbrella and urged the participating countries to speak with one voice on issues of shared importance within international forums.
Witek recalled the Three Seas Parliamentary Forum established as part of the initiative, first held in 2021, and mentioned organizing a gathering of the youngest MPs from Three Seas countries in Warsaw. The young parliamentarians reportedly demonstrated openness and strong common ground, forming lasting connections that continue to evolve.
The event remarks and the overall message were shared in the course of the Congress, underscoring that regional collaboration, youth engagement, and sustained cross‑border cooperation remain central to the Three Seas Vision.
Note: The above account reflects statements and positions expressed during the congress in Lublin, illustrating a shared commitment to regional development and security across the Three Seas corridor. Citations: institutional briefings and public remarks from participating representatives. [citation]