– A particularly important place in yesterday’s debate was the discussion on security and defence, which involved seeking solutions to strengthen the regions in the face of the ongoing war. The Congress agenda did not lack of scientific sessions, international topics, and important business meetings. As part of the Economic Forum, we talked about accelerating the digitisation of the economy and cyber security. An important highlight of yesterday was the signing of the agreement on the establishment of the Network of the Three Seas Universities. Today we offer a debate on energy security, as well as technological sovereignty, green transformation, and the use of hydrogen in the economy – said Jarosław Stawiarski, Marshal of the Lubelskie Voivodeship.

The participants gathered at the Centre for the Meeting of Culture in Lublin were joined by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

– The Three Seas is not only about increased economic cooperation, but it is also cooperation in the fields of science and culture. The initiative should play a key role in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine, guaranteeing its security, faster economic and infrastructural development. The roads, energy networks, railway connections and water pipelines we build will be tangible proof that we are integrating our homelands – said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

Among the opening speeches on the second day of the Congress, attendees could hear from Minister of Climate and Environment Anna Moskwa.

– It was in Lublin that the discussions on energy security began before Europe even started the dialogue. Winter and spring have verified our sovereign, thoughtful and consistent energy policy. Poland has not gone off the path of planned projects since 2015, despite incentives for gas pipelines. Energy must be the pillar of the work of The Three Seas Initiative. We hope that here, at the Congress, projects that will set an example for the whole Europe, will emerge. – Minister Anna Moskwa concluded.

Right after her speech, Minister of Climate and Environment Anna Moskwa received the award of the Three Seas Local Government Congress, for her activities in the development of energy cooperation and effective support of the Lubelskie Voivodeship in the energy transition process, awarded by the Programme Committee of the Congress.

Dr. Marek Dietl, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Warsaw Stock Exchange, talked about the strengthening of cooperation between the stock exchange of the Three Seas countries.

– The stock exchanges of the Three Seas countries have existed for 250 years, including the Warsaw Stock Exchange, which is more than 200 years old. The value of companies in the region is equalized. – Poland and Austria are the leaders. If the market only consisted of the Three Seas stocks, they would represent only 3%, which is a great incentive for integration. A measurable result of the discussions is to seek more proportional regulation; therefore, I encourage local governments to issue their financial instruments on stock markets in their countries – added Dr. Marek Dietl

The discussion focused on the challenges Poland faced in the energy context after the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The speakers discussed the government’s efforts to improve Poland’s energy security, the distribution of coal and the problems that needed to be overcome as well as cooperation between the government and the local government. Another issue discussed was of our country’s current energy situation and the security associated with it.

The discussion was moderated by Piotr Rycerski, Head of the Political Office of Deputy Prime Minister Jacek Sasin. The panel featured Wojciech Dąbrowski – CEO of PGE S.A., Paweł Majewski –President of the Management Board of Enea S.A., Filip Grzegorczyk – Vice President of the Management Board of Grupa Azoty S.A., Jerzy Kwieciński – Vice President of the Management Board of Bank Pekao S.A., Jan Szeczak – Chief Financial Officer of PKN ORLEN, Piotr Podgórski – Chief Transformation Officer of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. and Lucjusz Nadbereżny – Mayor of Stalowa Wola.





Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 demonstrated that countries dependence on importing Russian energy resources was the wrong direction for energy policy. The participants of the panel discussed the security of energy raw material supplies, looked into countries energy sources, and presented goals for future years.

The discussion was moderated by Jakub Wiech – Editor-in-Chief of Energetyka24.pl. The panel featured Anna Moskwa – Minister of Climate and Environment, German Galushchenko – Minister of Energy of Ukraine (online), Wojciech Dąbrowski – CEO of PGE S.A., Kasjan Wyligała – President of the Management Board of Lubelskie Węgiel “Bogdanka” S.A., Łukasz Młynarkiewicz – Acting President of the Management Board of Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe sp.z o.o., Artur Michalski – Deputy President of the Management Board of NFOŚIGW, and Iwona Waksmundzka – Olejaniczak – Member of the Board PKN ORLEN ds. for strategy and sustainable development.



The Tree Seas Local Government Congress is not only rich in discussions, but also in the implementation of specific projects. On May 17, 2023, was signed the Agreement of the Network of the Three Seas Regions – a format for deepening interregional cooperation in Central Europe.

The network was initiated by the Lubelskie Voivodeship in 2021. During the previous editions of the Congress, representatives of the countries signed the Economic Declaration of the Network of the Three Seas Region, also known as the Lublin Declaration. This year’s event was an opportunity to put this generally expressed will to cooperate into the form of a specific commitment, so the heads of the regions ceremonially signed an agreement on the creation of the Network of the Three Seas Regions.

The signatories of the agreement are the marshals of five polish Voivodeships and the heads of regions of the Three Seas Initiative countries:

1. Marshal of the Lubelskie Voivodeship Jarosław Stawiarski

2. Marshal of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship Andrzej Bętkowski

3. Deputy Marshal of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship Janina Ewa Orzełowska

4. Deputy Marshal of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship Ewa Draus

5. Member of the Board of the Podlaskie Voivodeship Marek Malinowski

6. Mayor of City Panevėžys and Representative of the Panevėžys Regional Development Council Rytis Račkauskas, Lithuania

7. Chairman of the Alytus Regional Development Council Nerijus Cesilius, Lithuania (online)

8. Chairman of the Marijampole Regional Development Council Edgaras Pilypaitis, Lithuania (online)

9. President of Dolj Dorin County Council Cosmin Vasile, Romania

10. President of Timis County Council Alin Adrian Nica, Romania

11. Vice President of Călărași County Council Ion Samoila, Romania

12. Vice President of Maramureș County Council Doru Alexandru Lazăr, Romania

13. Secretary General of Caraș-Severin County Council Darian Ciobanu, Romania

14. Representative of the Prešov Self-governing Region Director Fabián Novotný, Slovakia

15. President of Hajdú-Bihar Committee Zoltán Pajna, Hungary (online)

This signing ceremony was followed by a ceremony of admission of New Members to the Network. The agreement was signed by:

1. Head of Rivne Regional Military Administration from Ukraine Vitaly Koval (online)

2. Acting Head of Odesa Regional Military Administration from Ukraine Boris Voloshenkov (online)

3. Head of Khmelnytskyi Regional Council from Ukraine Violeta Labazyuk

4. Head of Zakarpattia Regional Council from Ukraine Volodymyr Chubirko

5. Acting Head of the Regional Council from Ukraine Yevhenii Hirnyk

6. Director of the Agency for Regional Development "Centru" from Romania Maria Ivan.

With the admission of new members, the Network counts a total of 22 regions from 6 countries from Central and Eastern Europe. This merger will allow the implementation of joint projects in various fields: economy, infrastructure, environmental protection, digitalisation and education and science. Ukrainian regions join the Network as associated partners. More about the Network: www.3seasnetwork.lubelskie.pl .







The development of the health care sector, combined with its impact on the regional development of the Three Seas area, should be one of the current priorities for investment and pro-development priorities. This requires overcoming several economic and geopolitical barriers and the development of proposals for solutions.

The discussion was moderated by Andrzej Jaworski - President of the Management Board of PZU Zdrowie SA, Member of the Management Board PZU Życie SA. The panel featured Dr. Piotr Kuszewski - President of the Management Board of PTE PZU S.A., Dr. Ernest Podgórski - Vice President of the Board of Directors of PZU Zdrowie S.A, Michał Moskal- Head of the Political bureau of the leader of PIS Jarosław Kaczyński, Norbert Komar - Director of Górnośląskie Centrum Rehabilitacji im. gen. Jerzego Ziętka, Ph.D. Hab. Marcin Szewczak- President of the Institute for Local Government Development of the Lubelskie Voivodeship, and Hubert Grzegorczyk - Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Food Market.





The discussion focused on the Network’s prospects for development through the implementation of projects and deepening cooperation in five areas: infrastructure, environmental protection, science and education, digitization, and economic cooperation. The discussion also involved topics related to the development of individual regions through their active participation in the Network, as well as the benefits of such participation.

The discussion was moderated by Ph.D. Hab. Marcin Szewczak – President of IRST. The panel featured Jarosław Stawiarski – Marshal of the Lubelskie Voivodeship, Violeta Labazyuk – Head of Khmelnytskyi Regional Council from Ukraine, Volodymyr Chubirko – Head of Zakarpattia Regional Council from Ukraine, and Doru Lazar – Vice President of Maramureș County Council from Romania.



The purpose of the panel was to identify the challenges and threats faced by border regions in the face of war – to create a platform for cooperation in order to find solutions to common problems through the implementation of new ventures and projects to support Ukraine on its way to EU integration.

In view of the ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine, as well as in the context of granting Ukraine the status of candidate country for accession to the European Union on June 23, 2022, at the European Council summit in Brussels, it is particularly important to strengthen the range of cross-boarder cooperation and its qualitative development with Ukraine.

Interreg programs implemented on this boarder not only face new challenges in building cooperation, but are also the most important instrument for supporting Ukrainian border regions. The discussion was moderated by Prof. Tomasz Komornicki – Chairman of the Committee for Spatial Economy and Regional Planning, Polish Academy of Sciences. The panel featured Zbigniew Wojciechowski – Deputy Marshal of the Lubelskie Voivodeship, Sławomir Tokarski – Director for European Territorial Cooperation, Macroregions, Interreg and Program Implementation, DG Regio, European Commission, Rafał Baliński – Director of Department of Territorial Cooperation, Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy, Fabián Novotný – Director of the Office of the Prešov Self-Governing Region in Slovakia, and Cezar Grozavu – Director of the Joint Technical Secretariat of the Interreg Next Romania-Ukraine 2021-2027 Program, Executive Director of the CBC Regional Office in Suceava from Romania.



Parallelly was held the scientific session “Network of the Three Seas universities towards current challenges of science and the region with the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin as the content partner. During the scientific session the following panels were held:

The Three Seas as a security and development concept

The geopolitical significance of the Three Seas Initiative

The potential of cooperation between the Three Seas countries and European institutions

Development of public administration personnel for the Three Seas Initiative area

The Three Seas Initiative towards the idea of a “superstate”

Rudowski – Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University

Soft power of the Three Seas Initiative – how to build the position of Central Europe?

The Three Seas Initiative as a subject of research. Research on regional cooperation from the perspective of different scientific disciplines.



The Economic Forum addressed issues of technological sovereignty, the development of the regional hydrogen market and the challenges posed by the green transformation. During the Forum, an agreement was also signed on the establishment of the Lublin Hydrogen Cluster and Lublin Cluster of Closed Circuit Economy, which was attended by the Marshal of the Lubelskie Voivodeship Jarosław Stawiarski and the CEOs of the Companies: Grupa Azoty Zakłady Azotowe “Puławy” S.A., Lubelskie Węgiel “Bogdanka” S.A., PGE Dystrybucja S.A. and Lubelski Park Naukowo-Technologiczny S.A.

The Programme Committee of the Congress decided to award two recognition awards of the Three Seas Local Government Congress, which were presented by Marshal Jarosław Stawiarski.

The award for supporting activities to ensure Poland’s energy security, promoting the regional component of the 3Seas Initiative, went to Polska Grupa Energetyczna S.A.

The award for many years of implementing the principle of corporate social responsibility in Lublin Voivodeship and for supporting activities promoting the regional component of the Three Seas Initiative went to Grupa Azoty Zakłady Azotowe “Puławy” S.A.



The Eastern Congress of Young Leaders is an accompanying event of the Three Seas Local Government Congress, organized by the European Meeting Centre – Nowy Staw Foundation. The Congress was an excellent place to discuss, exchange opinions, views and strengthen cooperation among young people from Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Georgia. The Eastern Congress Young Leaders included panels on such topics as artificial intelligence, employers' expectation towards employees, and the background of the city of Lublin receiving the European Youth Capital.

The event was inspired by the implementation of seventeen editions of the Young Leaders Economic Forum (FEML), the largest socio – economic conferences in Central and Eastern Europe.

On the second day of the event, participants were able to learn about what European information networks may offer to them, what challenges international meeting houses are currently facing, and were able to meet young leaders who have been bringing aid to refugees from Ukraine since the first days of the war. The final highlight of the event was an intercultural evening, attended by Martyna Goszczyńska, athlete of AZS UMCS Lublin, as well as her coach. The Congress also held a meeting with a special guest – the Minister of Climate and Environment Anna Moskwa. At the meeting, the Minister talked about the situation related to renewable energy sources, as well as the challenges facing the Ministry in connection with this issue. The young people had the opportunity to ask the Minister a number of questions about such issues as geothermal energy, as well as the problems of disposing of electric car batteries.

The event was attended by more than 180 participants from 5 countries and featured 8 panel discussions and debates featuring 54 panelists and moderators.

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.

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.

The Congress organised in Lublin is a platform for working out solutions for the development of regions located between the Baltic, Adriatic and Black Seas. The Forum responds to current activities that are taking place in the socio-economic area of the countries. The assembled guests were welcomed by Jarosław Stawiarski, Marshal of the Lubelskie Voivodeship.

Europe and world are experiencing rapid transformations – geopolitical, economic, societal and technological. We will discuss some of these new challenges that are important for the regions of Central and Eastern Europe during panels and meetings planned as part of the Congress. After all, good relations and a friendly climate are built not only by pursuing common goals in the economic sphere but also at the level of the universal message conveyed by the richness of the culture of the countries and regions of the 3Seas area. I am convinced that the harmonious combination of these elements can most fully enhance the integration and genuine partnership of the peoples living in our part of Europe, said Jarosław Stawiarski, Marshal of the Lubelskie Voivodeship.

The ceremonial speech was delivered by Sławomir Skwarek, Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Poland, Chairman of the Three Seas Committee, and Yuriy Kamelczuk, Member of the Parliament of Ukraine, Chairman of the Inter-Fractional group of deputies “Three Seas Initiative – Ukraine" of the Parliament of Ukraine.

Opening session: Artificial Intelligence as an engine of innovation. How to support the development of artificial intelligence in the Three Seas Region?

The panel discussion aimed to share experiences and good practices of representatives of public administration and companies in the framework of national programmes for the implementation and development of artificial intelligence. The guests presented the importance of AI and discussed the impact of the technology on the development processes of the economies in the 3SI region. An important element of the debate was also the identification of key challenges and methods of building long-term cooperation between representatives of the public sector and businesses from the regions to fully exploit the potential of artificial intelligence. When will the first local leader of this technology of the future emerge? Are we in a position to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence within the 3SI countries and attract foreign investment? These are just some of the topics discussed during the panel.

Those attending the opening session were: Her Excellency Margarita Ganeva - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria; Michał Kanownik - President of the Management Board of the Digital Poland Association; Dr Bartosz Przysucha - Vice-Dean for Education at the Faculty of Management, Head of the Department of Quantitative Methods in Management and Member of the GRAI Working Group for the Development Strategy of Artificial Intelligence in Poland, Lublin University of Technology; dr Jakub Koper - Member of the Polish Digital Society, research project manager at the Academy of Zamość. The Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers was the content partner of this panel.

Congress participants then had a choice of panels in three parallel sessions: international, scientific and the Economic Forum.

INTERNATIONAL SESSION

Four panels were held as a part of the international session: • Energy security in times of transition and threats posed by the geopolitical situation in the Region • Lublin Digital Union - artificial intelligence and digital solutions in practice • The Three Seas Initiative: an original cooperation project in Central Europe • Culture debate: Culture, or building bridges between nations

Panel: Energy security in times of transition and threats posed by the geopolitical situation in the Region

During the discussion, the strategic objectives of the “Three Seas Initiative” concerning Poland's energy security were discussed. The issue of EU climate policy and the priorities of Poland's Energy Policy in the area of energy security was also raised. The foundations of the strategy to ensure the country's energy security were discussed: local fuels, renewable sources, nuclear energy, and energy efficiency. The discussion also covered the importance of energy security on the Eastern Wall and technologies ensuring Poland's energy independence. The role of local governments in ensuring Poland's energy independence and security was also discussed, and diversified energy sources were discussed as a method of reducing the risk of external interference in the NPS.

Panel: Lublin Digital Union - artificial intelligence and digital solutions in practice

Panelists exchanged experiences and good practices in the use of AI in health sciences, nutrition and engineering sciences with a focus on solutions for improving the fitness and health of the population. The guests presented the importance of AI and its impact on the development of health sciences. They also presented the benefits of applying them to patients in the diagnosis and treatment process. An important part of the debate was also the discussion of key trends related to the application of artificial intelligence and digital solutions and the identification of challenges arising from its increasing use.

Panel: The Three Seas Initiative: an original cooperation project in Central Europe. What is the primary motive of the intra-EU concept of strengthening infrastructure from Estonia to Greece?

The Three Seas Initiative is an ambitious project of strategic importance and has become a developmental impulse for Central Europe. Currently, this cooperation is developing mainly on the political and economic level. The development of international cooperation between research and socio-economic actors in the Three Seas Europe region is being promoted. As part of the panel discussion, the panellists talked about where the Three Seas Initiative is heading, given the dynamic geopolitical situation.

Panel: Culture debate: Culture, or building bridges between nations

During the panel, culture as a space for international cooperation was discussed, regardless of national, linguistic, religious or ideological differences. The participants looked at culture as a tool for regional and economic development, paying particular attention to tourism and business cooperation. Finally, they talked about culture as an instrument for promoting national traditions among other communities.

SCIENTIFIC SESSION

The session was officially opened by the Rector of KUL, Prof. Mirosław Kalinowski. Then, 3 new members were admitted to the Three Seas University Network: • Pazmany Peter Catholic University • Georgian American University • University of Presov.

Five panels were held as a part of the scientific session: • Digitization of science - opportunity or threat? • Security in the era of society 5.0 • Artificial intelligence and its importance in improving human life • Digitization in the service of institutions, organizations and universities in Central Europe • Networking and virtualization of relationships - towards a post network society

ECONOMIC FORUM

An important part of the Congress was meetings of entrepreneurs within the Economic Forum. The Forum included 3 seminars: - opening panel: Feminine Lubelskie - seminar II: high quality food - seminar III: green economy.

Opening session: Feminine Lubelskie

During the panel, we had the opportunity to listen to women who achieved professional victories. The Lubelskie Voivodeship is a region with great economic potential, which offers enormous development opportunities for entrepreneurial women. Women of the region are the pillar of success and development and ambassadors of broadly understood entrepreneurship. The following women responded to the invitation to participate in the panel: Elżbieta Fijołek – President of the Board of the Responsible Business Club; Kamila Lendzion – Director of the Lublin Opera; Agnieszka Tokasz–Iwanek – Owner of Tokarz Design Polska Brand; Juliana Farbotka – Owner of Farbotka Sp. z o.o.; Monika Matysik - Specialist of Promotion and Marketing, Motor Lublin S.A.

Seminar II: High quality food

The panel was devoted to innovations in shaping and assessing the quality of food of animal origin, plant origin or organic food. Panellists discussed trends in the area of sustainable energy use and the management of production and logistics processes. Participants learned in which areas to expect legislative changes that will have an impact on business, and which new technological and scientific solutions will enable industry-specific performance indicators to be achieved.

Seminar III: Green Economy

The panellists focused on the topic: Clean energy from local RES sources as a guarantee for the development of the Lubelskie Voivodeship - the role of local governments, expectations of business, and public acceptance.

The Congress also features interesting side events for young leaders, concerts and exhibitions. The Lublin Philharmonic Hall was the venue for the 'International Success in the Three Seas Area' awards gala. International, and regional companies and individuals who have contributed to the development of the Three Seas Initiative were honoured. A gala concert with Greek music also welcomed Greece, newly admitted to the Initiative.

This is a unique opportunity to meet representatives of local governments, entrepreneurs and experts from the Three Seas region. Together we will discuss the most important economic, social and infrastructure issues.



- Agenda I day (12 June 2024)

- Agenda II day (13 June 2024)

The Three Seas Congress is an international event addressed to government and local government administration, science and business sectors from 13 member states of the Three Seas Initiative (Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Hungary), strategic partners: the European Union, the United States, Japan and partner regions from Ukraine and Moldova. It is held under the Patronage of the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda.

The three previous editions of the Congress and the Economic Forum made Lublin the centre of an important debate serving the integration and cooperation of the regions of Central and Eastern Europe. Between 2021 and 2023, a total of almost 3,500 people from 25 countries around the world attended.

In this year's edition of the event, international panelists will focus on issues including: energy security, artificial intelligence, 3D hydrogen economy, infrastructure, among others the Via Carpatia route, as well as the digitalisation of society and health. The program will include a Regions Debate, project meetings and a scientific part as part of the Three Seas Universities Network. Additionally, young leaders and innovators will present their achievements during accompanying events.

The Congress is accompanied by an Economic Forum, which will include seminars in the areas of digitalisation, green economy, material technology or innovation and a special panel on the role of women in business, as well as exhibition stands, B2B meetings and a start-up zone.