The Lubelskie Three Seas Congress is one of the most important events dedicated to local government cooperation, bringing together representatives of government and local administration, as well as the academic and business sectors from the Three Seas Initiative countries. Between 2020 and 2024, four editions of this prestigious event took place. It serves as a platform for ongoing discussions and agreements among local governments focusing on flagship Three Seas investments, such as the Via Carpatia route and the Three Seas Regions Network, established in Lublin. The Congress is held under the Honorary Patronage of the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda.





The panel discussion featured representatives of the authorities from five partner regions of the Lubelskie Voivodeship. The panel’s objective was to present experiences and best practices while identifying shared interests and benefits arising from regional efforts in strengthening the European Union’s security. Energy security is closely linked to consumer demand for fuel and energy. The ability to ensure a continuous supply of energy at low costs is one of the fundamental conditions for economic growth and societal well-being.

Experience to date shows that interconnected energy systems with autonomous balancing areas, which are already mutually interacting and providing reserves, serve as a strong unifying factor within the European Union. Effective solutions and regional energy policies during the EU’s energy transition should serve as a model and a priority for cooperation. This presents a significant potential for interregional collaboration, which forms the local and regional governance component of the Three Seas Initiative.



The aim of this panel was to identify areas of cooperation between EU regions and Ukrainian regions on Ukraine’s path to EU membership and to explore how European regions can support Ukrainian regions in the integration process. The partnership between regions has taken on particular importance, especially now, in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as in the context of Ukraine being granted EU candidate status on June 23, 2022, during the European Council summit in Brussels. The European Union’s support for Ukraine’s accession process is not only an expression of solidarity but also an investment in regional stability and security.



Following the second panel, agreements were signed between municipalities from the Lubelskie Voivodeship and Khmelnytskyi Oblast. The partnership cooperation between the Lubelskie Voivodeship and the Khmelnytskyi Regional Council was made possible through the initiative of Marshal Jarosław Stawiarski and Head of oblast Wioleta Labaziuk. A letter of intent between the two regions was signed on December 12, 2023.

This cooperation has also created favourable conditions for establishing local government partnerships between municipalities from the Lubelskie Voivodeship and Khmelnytskyi Oblast. The following agreements were signed: - Zhvanetska Territorial Community with Hrubieszów Municipality - Narkevytska Territorial Community with Kraśnik Municipality - Krupetska Territorial Community with Tarnawatka Municipality





In the previous edition of the Congress, the Cultural Debate titled “Culture – Building Bridges Between Nations” played a significant role. The discussion focused on cultural projects that bridge national, linguistic, religious, and ideological differences, as well as on culture as a tool for regional and economic development, including tourism and business cooperation. Additionally, the debate explored culture as a pillar of identity for emigrant communities and as an instrument for promoting national traditions among other societies.

This year’s panel, in turn, examined culture as a means of promoting the region, particularly through cooperation with local governments. Panelists also presented their own ideas on how institutions can promote culture to attract younger audiences.



The cooperation within a network of open-air museums from Three Seas countries presents a great opportunity to promote cultural heritage, exchange experiences, and engage in joint promotional efforts. Open-air museums serve as living history sites that preserve traditions and national identity, strengthening regional cooperation. Panelists discussed how public perception of open-air museums has changed over the years, as well as the shift in target audiences. The discussion covered modern technological solutions, accessibility for people with disabilities, and the formalization of a Skansen Route to extend cultural engagement beyond local communities.





The Economic Forum featured panels on the internationalization of Lubelskie-based businesses, multimodal transport (cargo airports, rail, and the Via Carpatia route), and the latest innovations in nuclear energy. Business representatives had access to a B2B networking zone and exhibition stands. The participants of the event were greeted by the Marshal of the Lubelskie Voivodeship, Jarosław Stawiarski:

-The Economic Forum complements the main Three Seas Initiative by fostering discussions on increasing integration among member states. The Three Seas formula proves that we can achieve more together. The forum shows small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) how to support one another, learn from best practices, and scale their businesses locally and globally. The growth of SMEs is the driving force behind regional development. In Lubelskie, we focus on supporting SMEs and helping them expand beyond the region – Marshal of the Lubelskie Voivodeship Jarosław Stawiarski.

Speech by MP and Former Polish Prime Minister, Mateusz Morawiecki:

-The Three Seas Congress is an exceptional and necessary event that allows for a deeper reflection on the initiative at the local government level. Ensuring the security of European countries, particularly Eastern Europe, is now a priority. The geopolitical shifts we are witnessing call for a renewed focus on a north-south axis of cooperation. With economic pressures from the West and China, and security threats from Russia, European nations must adopt a new strategic perspective. The Three Seas Initiative, promoted since the beginning of President Andrzej Duda’s term, is a crucial economic and security framework for the entire continent.

A new economic initiative was launched in the Lubelskie Voivodeship, with Marshal Jarosław Stawiarski and MP Mateusz Morawiecki presenting nominations to the Lubelskie Voivodeship Economic Council. This council will provide expert guidance on regional economic development, innovation, and public-private collaboration.

Appointed Members: Dr. hab. inż. Konrad Gromaszek, Lublin University of Technology, Dr. hab. Piotr Zacharczuk, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Aleksander Batorski, Lublin Conference Center, Tomasz Pitucha, Voivodeship Labor Office, Marek Neckier, Lublin Agency for Entrepreneurship Support, Rafał Langiewicz, Lublin Regional Development Fund, Magdalena Stachyra, Lublin Science and Technology Park, Grzegorz Sobolewski, Puławy Science and Technology Park, Marcin Kowalewski, Lublin Airport, Marcin Wiczuk, Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego, Dariusz Jedlina, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Magdalena Czelej, DAREX Shirt Manufacturer, Przemysław Chabior, FUNPARK Sp. z o.o., Daniel Ciupak, Janex Polish Grain Producer Sp. z o.o., Piotr Kalinowski, Kabako Gruppe Sp. z o.o., Mateusz Kozłowski, ERKADO Sp. z o.o., Dariusz Jeleniewski, Spiżarnia Sp.z o.o, Grażyna Skubik, Stal-Tech Sp. z o.o., Wiesław Czarnecki, Elpar Cable Factory.



The seminar was held to discuss challenges and opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Lubelskie aiming for international expansion. Panelists shared strategies for entering foreign markets, tools for export growth, and available support from regional and national institutions. The session also facilitated experience-sharing among entrepreneurs to strengthen global competitiveness.



Multimodal transport integrating road, rail and air transport, is crucial for economic development of Central and Eastern Europe. An efficient transport network enables shorter delivery times, reduced logistic costs and higher investment attractiveness of the region. Given the growing demand foe efficient freight transport and the EU’s climate requirements, improving the integration of different transport modes is essential. The discussion focused on the development multimodal transport, including the completion of key investments such as Via Carpatia – an international transport corridor connecting the north and south of Europe. Its implementation will streamline the flow of goods and strengthen economic cooperation among the Three Seas countries.



In the face of growing economic challenges and increasing energy demand it is essential to seek stabile, secure and sustainable energy sources. Nuclear energy with its ability to generate large amounts of power while minimizing environmental impact, is becoming a key component of many countries’ energy strategies.



The Scientific Session began with the signing of an agreement between the Lubelskie Voivodeship and Nicolaus Copernicus University for collaboration on a project titled “Suicidology – Analysis of Knowledge and Educational Campaign”. The initiative aims to raise awareness about youth suicide prevention and develop educational programs addressing this issue.

Panels: - Panel I: Development challenges of the Three Seas Regions in the context of cooperation and threats in relations with the US, Russia and China - Panel II: Opportunities and barriers in cooperation between public and socio-economic entities on international projects - Panel III: Energy security and Three Seas cooperation in the context of access to natural resources - Panel IV: Historical and Cultural Heritage and Identity of the Three Seas Initiative Region



The Eastern Congress of Young Leaders is organised by European Meeting Centre - Nowy Staw Foundation. The event was inaugurated by PM and Former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. It is and accompanying event of the Three Seas Local Government Congress. The goal of this event is to prepare young people to engage in discissions about the future of Poland, Europe and the World. The event aims to confront theoretical knowledge with real-world problems. During this event young participants witness the establishment of cooperation among organisations from various European countries.



The 5th Three Seas Local Government Congress hosted 1,500 participants from 29 countries, including 20 delegations led by regional leaders. A total of 187 speakers participated in 32 discussion panels.

Key agreements signed:

- Establishment of the Three Seas Tourism Network

- Admission of a Moldovan region to the Network of the Three Seas Regions

- Declaration on Partnership and Cooperation of the Members of the Network of the Three Seas Regions for supporting the preparation and construction of the international transport corridor Via Carpatia

- Expansion of the Three Seas University Network

The Three Seas Local Government Congress complements the Three Seas Initiative, launched in 2015 by President Andrzej Duda and former President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović. The President’s initiative inspired the Lubelskie Voivodeship to establish a local government cooperation component. Organised by the Marshal’s Office of the Lubelskie Voivodeship, the Congress serves as an additional platform for local governments from the 13 Three Seas Initiative countries. The guests were welcomed by the Marshal of the Lubelskie Voivodeship, Jarosław Stawiarski.

- The practical realization of the Three Seas Congress is the ongoing cooperation of local governments within the Network of the Three Seas Regions, which currently includes 27 local governments from 7 countries, with another associated region from Moldova joining today. The Three Seas University Network is also developing successfully. We have created a platform for deepening economic cooperation, signing numerous important agreements in the transport sector and cluster collaboration. We continue our efforts, expanding cooperation this year to new fields, including mutual recognition of historical heritage through partnerships between open-air museums from Central Europe and the establishment of the Three Seas Tourism Network - Marshal of the Lubelskie Voivodeship, Jarosław Stawiarski.

In his keynote speech President Andrzej Duda reflected on the decade-long history of the Initiative.

- This year’s 5th edition of this event aligns with the 10th anniversary of the Three Seas Initiative, which I had the honour of initiating. Our goal was twofold: to strengthen the economic and infrastructural resilience of Central and Eastern Europe and to amplify the voice of nations that are now at the frontline of Russian aggression against Ukraine. Ten years ago, we decided to put an end to Europe’s division into more and less developed in order to align the regional economic disparities. I thank everyone for their efforts, which bring real benefits not only to local communities but to the entire Three Seas region, its partners, and its neighbours – President of Poland, Andrzej Duda.

Each year, the Congress focuses on key investment projects in transport, energy, and digitalization, as well as international policy challenges, such as the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on various aspects of society – from security and medicine to education, countering disinformation, and economic trends. This year’s edition expands cooperation in historical heritage preservation through partnerships between open-air museums from Central Europe and the establishment of the Three Seas Tourism Network.

The participants of the discussions were distinguished experts from Three Seas Initiative countries including Lithuania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Latvia, Romania, Greece, as well as associated countries: Ukraine, Moldova, and partners of the initiative: the USA, Japan, Germany and the European Commission.



The opening session, led by the content partner – Chancellery of the President of Poland, reviewed the 10-year history of the Three Seas Initiative and its future prospects. Key documents signed included:

• Declaration on the establishment of the Three Seas Tourism Network. It is a joint initiative led by the Lubelskie Voivodeship, The Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Lublin Regional Tourism Organisation, and the Union of the Bulgarian Black Seas Local Authorities. The Network aims to promote regional tourism, strengthen regional brands, and create a cohesive tourism offer for Central and Eastern Europe, using EU funding and other financial mechanisms.

• Official admission of new member to the Network of the Three Seas Regions. Ștefan Vodă region of Moldova joined the Network of Regions, which now includes 28 local governments from 8 countries. The Network aims to promote sustainable development, cross-border cooperation, and international partnerships to enhance the economic and social cohesion of the Three Seas area.

• Declaration on Partnership and Cooperation of the Members of the Network of the Three Seas Regions for supporting the preparation and construction of the international transport corridor Via Carpatia. The Lubelskie Voivodeship, Podkarpackie Voivodeship, and Slovakia’s Prešov Self-governing Region signed an agreement in Brussels in December 2024 to support the development of the Via Carpatia international transport corridor. During the Congress, additional Network members formally supported the initiative by adding their signatures.



The panellists presented a broader context for the use of AI in the economy, particularly in technical sciences and management. During the panel, it was emphasized that AI is not just about generating images and texts or the competition between ChatGPT and DeepSeek. The participants demonstrated how AI supports innovation in practice and enables the execution of tasks beyond the capabilities of typical design and research tools. Discussion included analysing whether AI can predict when an engine will fail, assess the risk of developing a rare disease, and determine the reliability of information provided by popular AI tools. The panel also explored the future development of AI in the European Union and the limitations imposed by the AI Act and national regulations.



The international session included 3 panels:

Panel I: The role of the Three Seas Initiative in the development of interregional tourism (Contents partner: Lublin Regional Tourism Organisation). The discussion focused on how shared infrastructure, such as Via Carpatia, can facilitate travel between countries and support the development of joint tourist routes. Experts addressed key challenges common to the Three Seas region, including the seasonality of tourism, the need for the industry to adapt to sustainable tourism trends, digitalization, transport accessibility, and cross-border initiatives that could significantly boost tourism in the region.

Panel II: The European Commission and European Parliament towards the Three Seas Initiative (Content Partners: Institute of Political Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Political Science and Administration, UKSW). This discussion provided an opportunity to discuss the role of EU institutions in shaping policies regarding the Three Seas Initiative. The panelists explored how the EU can support infrastructure development, digitalization, and energy security in the Three Seas countries. The discussion also covered the financing of strategic projects and the representation of Three Seas countries’ interests within the EU.

Panel III: The Three Seas Initiative – future and challenges in the Euro-Atlantic context: cybersecurity, economic relations, and countering disinformation (Content Partner: Schumans Thought Institute). The current geopolitical landscape is undergoing a significant “reorganization.” Changes in the White House, increasing global power competition, and the European Union’s crisis are creating political turbulence. This raises the necessity of defining the future and identifying the challenges that must be overcome, particularly in the context of transatlantic cooperation, economic growth, and economic security. Another major threat discussed was the widespread issue of disinformation, which creates instability and severely complicates policymaking, including international relations.



Marshal Jarosław Stawiarski conducted the official opening of the forum. The Economic Forum featured an opening session entitled “Women’s Lubelskie” and a seminar entitled “EXPO 2025 World Exhibition Osaka, Japan – opportunities for Lublin SMEs and the region’s economy.”

Opening Session: Women’s Lubelskie. In today’s world, the growing role of women is evident. It is worth highlighting women who have achieved remarkable professional success. The list of qualities is long: optimism, creativity, enthusiasm, curiosity, self-confidence, ambition, and above all, diligence, determination, courage, analytical skills, risk-taking ability, and assertiveness. Achieving success depends not only on personality traits, self-awareness, ambition, and resilience but also on knowledge. The Lubelskie Voivodeship is a region with significant economic potential, offering great opportunities for entrepreneurial women. Women in the region are the backbone of success and development, serving as ambassadors of entrepreneurship in a broad sense.

Following the “Women’s Lubelskie” session, a press conference was held to announce Lubelskie Voivodeship’s participation in the Polish Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai. Participants of the press conference included: Jarosław Stawiarski – Marshal of the Lubelskie Voivodeship, Elwira Lorenz – Director of the Department of Economy of the Lubelskie Voivodeship, Kamila Lendzion – Director of the Lublin Opera, Bartłomiej Bałaban – Acting Director of the Museum of Lublin Village Open Air Museum, Marta Zielińska – Deputy Director of the Expo Department, Regional Promotion Programme Coordinator.



The World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai will begin on April 13, 2025. It is the world’s largest and most significant economic and promotional event. The Lubelskie Voivodeship’s participation aims to strengthen its international image, establish new business contacts, and promote science, culture, and tourism. Poland will present itself at Expo 2025 as a country whose strength lies in its creative, open, educated, and bold people. The theme of Poland’s presence at the World Expo is: “Poland. Heritage that Drives the Future”. At the heart of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai preparations stand the Polish entrepreneur, with the economic program being the key component of the project. The program will particularly focus on industries identified as having the highest export potential for Asian markets and as top priorities for trade relations with Japan. These industries include: medical and pharmaceutical sector, cosmetics sector, IT/Fintech sector, green technologies sector (including hydrogen industry), agri-food sector (including AgriTech) and gaming sector. The panel “World Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan – Opportunities for Lublin SMEs and the Regional Economy” will discuss how participation in the Japanese trade mission can contribute to regional economic development and support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.



Three Seas University Network (Content Partner: John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin). As part of the scientific session organised by the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Polish and international universities and research centres discussed education and cooperation as values that unite the regions. The discussion explored how to effectively leverage the potential of the Erasmus+ program for the future of the Three Seas Initiative. Additionally, the session addressed the role of artificial intelligence in medicine and healthcare, analysing its opportunities, challenges, and future prospects. The scientific session included 4 discussion panels: Panel I: Three Seas University Network: Science, Innovation and Cooperation for Sustainable Development and the Future of the Region, Panel II: Education and cooperation – values that connect: Leveraging the potential of the Three Seas Initiative and the Erasmus+ program for the region's future, Panel III: Science for health and the future of healthcare systems: Opportunities, challenges, and perspectives in the Three Seas Initiative countries, Panel IV: Artificial intelligence in medicine: Innovations, legal, and ethical challenges in the future of healthcare.

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.

The Congress were held on 13-14 June 2024 in Lublin Conference Centre. The inspiration for its realization was the 18th edition of the Economic Forum of Young Leaders (FEML), the largest international socio-economic conference in Central and Eastern Europe organises by Foundation as an accompanying event to the Economic Forum in Karpacz (formerly in Krynica).

The mission of this year's Congress was to lead the debate and create space for it, and to strive to adequately prepare young people to participate in the discussion on the future of Poland, Europe and the world. Various types of problems faced by young people, such as employment and the labour market, in order to look for effective solutions was analysed. Special attention was paid to this issues. Mariusz Wiktorowicz - Head of the Information and Career Planning Center in Lublin, in his speech, presented to young people what and how to learn to become a leader on the labor market. The Chief emphasized that time is the greatest capital of young people. According to him, it is also worth taking up a job while still studying to gain experience that is useful and sought after on the labor market. Through solid work at a young age, young people also make a name for themselves. In turn, in the panel entitled "The corporation - imagination vs. reality", almost all participants emphasised the role of studies in the context of acquiring soft skills. Maciej Dudkowski, a manager from PwC Poland, advised Congress participants to persistently pursue their goals and not to worry about possible failures. In addition, he emphasised that opinions about working several hours a day are untrue.

One of the most interesting panels at this year's Congress was the panel entitled "Interculturalism a challenge in the activities of International Meeting Houses?" Rev. Dr. Stefan Batruch - President of the Foundation for Spiritual Culture of the Borderland - talked about the young people from Ukraine whom his Foundation took into its care after they fled their country following the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. "We are trying to enable refugees from Ukraine so that by their own involvement and their own activity they can discover the potential they have within themselves. Also, we are not so much trying to teach the newly arrived young people in Lublin, but we are trying to give them, to create opportunities for them, so that they themselves, better understand their needs when they look at them from their own perspective."

In turn, Agata Dziubińska-Gawlik, President of the European Meeting Center - Nowy Staw Foundation, emphasized the role of the National Institute of Freedom in the activities of International Meeting Centers. “For many years, the International Meeting Houses, which were established in the 1990s, were impoverished both in terms of infrastructure and programs. This situation changed after the appearance of this program, dedicated exclusively to MDSs. Moreover, President Gawlik emphasized that "we have to help the residents. Lublin and beyond, to get used to the fact that strangers or people with a different national, linguistic or cultural identity are not a threat to us, that this stranger is not a competition to be afraid of.

Ludmila Zubarieva – President of the NGO Great Idea mentioned, that over the last year, despite the ongoing war, it was possible to establish an International Meeting House in Ukraine in the city of Kovel in the Volyn Oblast, close to the Polish border. Ms Ludmila highlighted the role and opportunities offered by international youth exchanges. “Young people return from such trips inspired, with additional energy to further their own development, interested in discovering the world. Thanks to such exchanges, young people experience other cultures".

Congress was the great opportunity for young Poles, Ukrainians, Belarusians and Lithuanians for discussions about cultural heritage, national identity and also cooperation between their countries e.g. In terms of international exchanges.

This year, more than 900 participants from 20 countries attended the fourth 3Seas Congress.

– Three Seas Initiatives is now almost ten years old and will continue because it is a historical necessity. One hundred and twenty million people in thirteen countries have the right to function based on equal rights in the European Union. This potential should enable us to catch up faster with the old EU countries. We are building this community, we are inspired and we are united for the good of the whole of a united Europe – emphasised Marshal Jarosław Stawiarski.

The President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, then addressed the Congress participants.

– The congress is an extremely valuable and important event in the context of the further development of the Three Seas Initiative, which was designed primarily as a platform for economic and infrastructural cooperation, but in such a flexible way that we can successfully develop its local government dimension. I would like to acknowledge with appreciation the achievements of the Lubelskie Voivodeship as a region remaining in the European avant-garde in inspiring new directions in the development of the Three Seas cooperation. I am glad that you are consistently developing the Congress, which has become a permanent part of the Three Seas Initiative's calendar and which, year by year, attracts more and more local government officials, local and regional business representatives, as well as representatives of other countries outside the Initiative's areas. Most importantly, however, is the content with which you are creatively enriching the Three Seas cooperation agenda - you have created two new institutions: "Network of the Three Seas Regions" and "The Three Seas Universities Network". I congratulate you on these ideas for strengthening cooperation and wholeheartedly wish you success in achieving your ambitious goals – said the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda.

A decade of Three Seas cooperation – state of play ahead of the 10th Three Seas Initiative Summit in Poland.



By the decision of the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, the anniversary Summit and Business Forum of the Three Seas Initiative in 2025 will be held in Poland. Ten years of development of the Three Seas format allow us to formulate assessments of this cooperation: what has been achieved? What are the greatest successes of the Three Seas Initiative? What failures has the Initiative experienced and what lessons have been learned? The panel participants looked for the priorities of the Polish presidency of the Three Seas Initiative in the coming year.

After the official opening session, new members were admitted to the Network of the Three Seas Regions. The Network of the Three Seas Regions was launched in June 2021 by signing the Lublin Declaration. Today, this cooperation is formed by 25 regions from 7 countries: Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine.

The following regions have finalised admission to the Network this year: • Volyn Oblast (Ukraine); • Rivne Oblast (Ukraine); • Ternopil Oblast (Ukraine); • Luhansk Oblast (Ukraine) online; • Odessa Oblast (Ukraine) online.

Joining the Network of the Three Seas Regions allows for joint projects in various fields: economy, infrastructure, environment, digitalisation and education and science. Ukrainian regions join the Network as associated partners.

INTERNATIONAL SESSION

• Debate of the Regions: Three Seas Infrastructure, Via Carpatia; • Prospects for the development of the Three Seas Universities Network - cooperation of science and local government; • Debate of the Regions II: Cooperation priorities of regions associated under the Three Seas Initiative; • Good practices of the Three Seas – case studies; Good practices of the Three Seas - Meeting Corner; Networking

Debate of the Regions: Three Seas Infrastructure, Via Carpatia.

The panel discussed the construction of the trans-European transport corridor Via Carpatia, but also Rail Carpatia, new opportunities that, on the one hand, strengthen the security of the macroregion and influence its economic development, and on the other hand, create a network of Three Seas transport connections.

Prospects for the development of the Three Seas Universities Network - cooperation of science and local government.

The panel was a continuation of the conference "The Three Seas Universities Network in the face of opportunities and threats to the digital space of universities" organized by the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin during the scientific session on the first day.

Debate of the Regions II: Cooperation priorities of regions associated under the Three Seas Initiative.

The panel was addressed to regions that do not yet belong to the Three Seas Initiative, but which aspire to join the Network of the Three Seas Regions or have started cooperation within it as associated partners. The main goal of the panel was to identify challenges and problems, and above all, priorities resulting from the conditions and existing premises, which can be used to create a platform for cooperation in order to find solutions to similar problems through the implementation of new joint projects on Ukraine and Moldova's path to integration with the EU.

Good practices of the Three Seas – case studies

This part of the Congress was aimed at creating a space for inspiration, sharing experiences and building relationships between professionals in the field of international cooperation in the Three Seas area. The meeting was divided into two parts. In the first part, the so-called 'inspiration session', a selection of projects were presented that have already been successful, are in progress or have great potential for future implementation. In turn, the second part featured meeting corners. Participants were able to move between three thematic stations: Modern Technologies and Green Energy, Culture and Tourism, and Aid to Ukraine. The formula allowed for a free conversation about the presented projects.

ECONOMIC FORUM



As a part of the Forum, three seminars were held: • Seminar I: Healthy Society • Seminar II: Digital Society • Seminar III: Material technologies, production and logistics processes.

Seminar I: Healthy Society.

The debate focused participants' attention on various aspects of health and led to deliberations around the most important challenges facing society in the context of health in a broad sense, including health education, access to medical care, promotion of healthy lifestyles or the fight against diseases and the impact of the environment on health. The seminar is an opportunity to look for solutions that can help to bring 21st century diseases under control and improve the health of society.

Seminar II: Digital society.

The digital economy and the ICT sector in the Three Seas countries have experienced significant growth in recent years. Our region has become an important center of technological progress, innovation and digitalization for the entire EU. The importance of the digital economy and the ICT sector has played a key role in driving economic growth and developing the competitiveness of our region. In selected areas, the Central and Eastern European region is already ahead of the more developed, Western EU economies. During the session, we learned about the latest data on the condition of the digital economy and the ICT sector in Central and Eastern Europe. The participants discussed how to use the opportunities facing Poland and the region related to the digitization of the economy in the spirit of cooperation and responsibility, and identified the most important obstacles to progress and innovation in the Three Seas countries.

Seminar III: Material technologies, production and logistics processes

Panelists discussed trends in the area of sustainable energy use and the management of production and logistics processes. Participants learnt in which areas we can expect legislative changes that will have an impact on the conduct of business and which new technological and scientific solutions will enable industry-specific performance indicators to be achieved.

ACCOMPANYING EVENTS



The "Unissued Diplomas" exhibition was placed in the foyer of S1, presenting the life stories of 40 Ukrainian students who lost their lives as a result of aggression from the Russian Federation. Unissued diplomas of young people whose plans and dreams were brutally interrupted by the war. The exhibition, organized by the group of Ukrainian students "Connect with UA", has so far been shown in 250 places in over 30 countries. On the second and third day of the Congress, the Congress of Young Leaders also took place, which gathered almost 150 participants. Report from the Congress of Young Leaders coming soon.