In the face of current challenges, macro-regional cooperation becomes even more critical – stressed Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. As he added, the region’s countries should cooperate closely, among others, on key infrastructure projects. In this context, he emphasised the importance of the Three Seas Initiative, a convenient framework for cooperation for Central Europe, from Scandinavia to Greece. Furthermore, he mentioned two international road projects: Via Carpatia and Via Baltica, among the most important infrastructure projects. He pointed out that they are the missing links on the map of European connections of strategic importance.

The Baltic Sea Region has development potential, which results, among others, from the progressive integration between the individual countries. Over the last quarter of a century, many companies have relocated their production to distant parts of the globe. Now, faced with problems caused by the pandemic, many are trying to return their operations to the European continent. The Prime Minister pointed out that Central Europe and the Baltic Sea can offer exceptionally attractive conditions in this respect. As he added, Poland and the countries of the region are in a stage of rapid growth after the halt associated with the pandemic. The reasons for this growth include good investment conditions, including financial stability. – Workforce shortage is increasingly becoming a problem in Poland – noted Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister pointed to the growing costs of the green transformation in the EU, stressing that there is a need for fair compensation. – This significant shift in our policy should be adequately financed and compensated. We need to keep this in mind also when planning the Baltic Sea Strategy. It is important both because of the social concerns in our region’s countries and the challenges in remaining competitive with countries outside the EU.

The Prime Minister also drew attention to regional and European security challenges. – There is no responsible cooperation strategy without considering security issues – said Prime Minister.

Poland is strongly engaged in the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region and participates in most projects, including:

• supporting decisions on dumped munitions;
• advocating for innovative and sustainable use of the Baltic’s marine resources, including the growth of blue and green bioeconomy;
• supporting local authorities in building resilience to climate disasters;
• working to reduce the discharge of hazardous substances into the Baltic Sea and increase benefits from implementing TEN-T corridors.