Cooperation of Border Regions – The Key to Success

The moderator started by welcoming and introducing the speakers.

The mayor of the Lubicz municipality supports refugees from Ukraine. Due to their proximity to the border, they had to react very quickly. Border cooperation has always been there, but since the start of the conflict cooperation has become even more active. There is the idea of opening another border crossing with Ukraine. After the end of military operations, tourism can be an important part of the economy of the border regions.

Mr Krutul said that he represents the Podlasie region. He noted that due to the closure of border crossings with Belarus, the situation is difficult for entrepreneurs. He expressed hope that one day the situation would return to normal, but at present there was no possibility of that. On the positive side, there are good relations between ordinary residents and immigrants from Belarus.

Mr Protas believes that the Warminsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship is a model peripheral region of the European Union. Cooperation with the Kaliningrad region has been suspended and this will be an element holding back development. Local border traffic was a good solution for both sides, but since the outbreak of war there is no question of resuming it.

Adam Lamberd said that Poland, as a regional leader, is a new model for Ukraine and the Caucasian countries. Poland can support these societies and do business at the same time. In this way, Russia’s influence will be weakened. Despite Austria’s declared neutrality, Vienna is actively supporting Ukraine. Austrian companies will be involved in rebuilding the country after the war.

Moderator: Marek Pędziwol, Deutsche Welle

Speakers:

Marek Luszczynski, Mayor, Lubycza Krolewska Commune Council, Poland

Jacek Protas, Deputy, Sejm, Poland
Ewa Draus, Deputy Marshal, Podkarpackie Region Marshal Office, Poland

Adam Lamberd, President, Austrian Institute for Caucasus Studies, Austria

Pawel Krutul, Deputy, Sejm, Poland