On 17th November a conference dedicated to the Three Seas Initiative Investment Fund was held in Vilnius (Lithuania). The event was organised by the Ministry of Finances of the Republic of Lithuania. It was attended by representatives of the Lithuanian Ministry of Finances and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Polish Development Bank (BGK) – the initiator and founder of the Fund.

President of BGK -Beata Daszyńska – Muzyczka estimates that there is still a huge gap between Western Europe and the Three Seas Initiative states. Manly in sectors such as digital infrastructure and energy. The Three Seas Initiative countries should spend 3% of their GDP to achieve the western level in the above mentioned sectors.

Each 1% spent on infrastructure investments in the Three Seas countries may bring profits from 2 to 2.5 %of GDP in future – economists forecast.

An important element of these actions is construction of gas connection between Poland and Baltic states, which will make countries such as Lithuania independent from supplies from Russia. Until 2025, Lithuania is to transfer its energy infrastructure from suppliers from the East to new network of links based on partners from the West. Connecting Lithuania with Sweden and Poland by means of electrical connections via the Baltic Sea is an interesting solution. (source: trimarium.pl)

- We have completed the first day of debates and lectures on topics that concern not only those who politically represent their countries but also those representing municipalities, cities, and regions. We are co-creating the political future of the Three Seas countries. If we act together, we will strengthen our presence in Europe. I wish all the regions of the Three Seas Initiative prosperous days ahead - Marshal Jarosław Stawiarski.

In the category of Regional Business that has significantly contributed to the development of the Three Seas Initiative by engaging in active economic activities in the region while adhering to responsible business principles the award went to ERKADO Sp. z o.o.

ERKADO Sp. z o.o. is a family-owned company that has been operating for over 45 years. It is a Polish manufacturer of interior and exterior doors and door accessories, combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. The company ensures meticulous attention to detail and utilizes innovative solutions in its products. ERKADO’s production and storage facilities are located in Gościeradów, Chwałowice, and Radom, and its products are available in 30 countries. The company’s greatest asset is its employees, who form an experienced team built on principles of genuine partnership. The award was received by Dariusz Prucnal, Financial Director of ERKADO Sp. z o.o.

In the category International Business that has exceptionally contributed to the development of the Three Seas Initiative by actively operating in the region, promoting responsible business practices, and enhancing the region’s international image the award went to Lublin Airport S.A.

Lublin Airport S.A. is located in Świdnik approx. 10 km from Lublin. It has been operating since 2012 and serves both domestic and international flights, primarily to European cities. Its convenient transport links to Lublin, including rail and bus connections, make it a preferred choice for travelers from Eastern Poland. The award was received by Marcin Kowalewski, Vice President of Lublin Airport S.A.

In the category Outstanding Contributor to the Three Seas Region Initiative whose determination, vision, and perseverance have contributed to the dynamic development of cooperation within the Three Seas Initiative the award went to Her Excellency Margarita Ganeva, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Poland.

This award recognizes outstanding contributions in the fields of economy, culture, and international cooperation. With her diplomatic sensitivity, ability to build relationships, and broad vision of Central and Eastern Europe’s challenges, Margarita Ganeva actively promotes political dialogue and fosters business, social, and cultural ties. Her work inspires and motivates future generations to strengthen cooperation between Three Seas Initiative regions. Through diplomatic engagement, strategic initiatives, and effective actions, she has deepened relations between the Three Seas countries. Her continuous support for infrastructure, economic, and social projects, along with her commitment to regional integration, reflects her dedication and visionary leadership.



Individual Category • 2021: Jacek Sasin, Deputy Prime Minister of Poland, Minister of State Assets • 2022: Beata Daszyńska-Muzyczka, President of Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego • 2023: Mariusz Błaszczak, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defense • 2024: Rev. Prof. Mirosław Kalinowski, Rector of John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin

International Company Category • 2021: PKN ORLEN S.A. • 2022: PZU S.A. • 2023: PKO Bank Polski • 2024: ELPAR Cable Factory Sp. z o.o. (Parczew)

Regional Company Category • 2021: Bempresa Sp. z o.o. • 2022: NORGPOL Czerwiński S.J. • 2023: APIS-VITA d.o.o. • 2024: POL-MAK SA (Ludwin)



• 2021: Andrzej Duda, President of Poland • 2022: Mateusz Morawiecki, Prime Minister of Poland • 2023: Elżbieta Witek, Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland • 2024: Jarosław Stawiarski, Marshal of the Lublin Voivodeship

Be sure to join us for this exceptional event happening in just one week!! Inspiring speakers, expert panels, exhibition zone and B2B meetings await you. The Congress offers a unique opportunity to exchange experiences, make valuable contacts and work together to develop solutions to the key challenges facing our region.

Over 700 people from 20 countries in Central Europe and around the world have already registered to participate in the Congress. We are expecting up to a thousand participants from diplomatic missions, local governments, universities and businesses.

This year we are honored to be working with such prestigious partners as: the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland, the Institute of Political Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Schuman's Thought, Grand Hetman Kostiantyn Ostrogski Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian Brigade, as well as Polish universities: John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin University of Technology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw and Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School.

During the Congress, we will be summarising the 10th anniversary of the Three Seas Initiative, analysing the prospects for its further development, as well as looking at the role of the European Union in this cooperation and key challenges, such as multimodal transport in Central Europe.

As part of the scientific path organized by KUL, Polish and foreign universities and research centers will address the subject of education and cooperation as values ​​connecting regions. They will consider how to effectively use the potential of the ERASMUS + program for the future of the Three Seas, and will also talk about artificial intelligence in medicine and health care, analyzing its opportunities, challenges and prospects.

The Economic Forum will feature thematic sessions, including Feminine Lubelskie, showing the role of women and their impact on regional development; Artificial Intelligence and the Economy - the impact of modern technologies on the development of enterprises; Internationalization of SMEs - opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises in the context of the World EXPO in Osaka.

There will also be debates on culture, security, and the reconstruction of Ukraine led by regional leaders and experts. In the face of dynamic geopolitical changes and global challenges, dialogue and exchange of ideas are now more important than ever. Therefore, we invite all interested parties to participate in discussions that will shape the future of our region.

This is a great honour for us, but also a motivation for further action. Mr President, as one of the founders of the Three Seas Initiatives and the patron of the 3Seas Congress since its first edition, has consistently supported all activities undertaken as part of this initiative. Therefore, in view of the Polish Presidency of the Three Seas Initiative, which lasts until April 2025, we count on the presence of the Head of State, as was the case in previous years.

Last year's fourth edition attracted more than 900 participants, 180 speakers leading interesting and varied discussions and numerous foreign delegations from 20 Central European regions. This year's Congress will feature inspiring discussions and interesting topics, including investments in infrastructure and the development of transport connections, led by the flagship Via Carpatia project, energy security, cybersecurity, digital transformation and regional integration. The program includes the promotion of cultural heritage, including a discussion on cooperation between open-air museums, which can be an excellent opportunity to cultivate one's own tradition and discover the role of culture in building bonds between nations.

An important point for entrepreneurs will be the Economic Forum, a place to discuss energy transition, investment or innovation. The Forum will include conferences and seminars: Feminine Lubelskie, AI - artificial intelligence, Lubelskie SMEs on the global market, World Expo 2025 Osaka, as well as a B2B Zone for entrepreneurs and an exhibition zone.

Registration for the Congress is open now - more information is coming soon!

During the 5th edition of the Congress, we will debate about infrastructure investments, led by the flagship project Via Carpatia, energy security, cyber security, digital transformation or regional integration. The event's agenda will include regular points such as the Debate of the Regions, the Debate on Culture, the Economic Forum and meetings of young leaders.

Don't miss the opportunity to establish valuable contacts and participate in inspiring discussions. Join us and let's build the future of the Three Seas Initiative together!

REGISTER

Every year, the event's programme focuses on contemporary challenges in the areas of transport, energy and digitalisation. During debates and discussions, invited guests discuss energy security, the development of the hydrogen economy, infrastructure including progress on the Via-Carpatia route, artificial intelligence or the digitalisation of society. The accompanying Economic Forum offers seminars on the green economy, innovation and the role of women in business.

During the fifth edition of the Congress, we will talk about, among other things: investments in infrastructure, led by the flagship project Via Carpatia, energy security, cyber security, digital transformation or regional integration. The event's agenda will include regular programme points such as the Debate of the Regions, the Debate on Culture, the Economic Forum and young leaders meetings.

The President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, emphasized at the fourth Three Seas Congress that "The Three Seas Initiative has a very specific dimension. It is primarily a space of security - not military security because we have the North Atlantic Alliance for these matters. I mean security understood in the economic and social context, which consists of transport, energy and digital infrastructure". In 2025, Poland will host the jubilee 10th Three Seas Initiative Summit, which will be an excellent opportunity to sum up, strengthen and give new impetus to the Three Seas Initiative.

We cordially invite you to the March edition of the Congress in 2025 - a cyclical event strengthening the position of the Lubelskie Region as an important centre for international cooperation in Central Europe.