March was an opportunity for us to practice the Round Table method as part of the D-Effect project—Lessons in Democracy and Civil Society: Bringing a Youth Perspective to EU Policy-Making.
Over 60 students from elementary and secondary schools in Elbląg actively participated in a meeting regarding the upcoming Youth Democratic Festival (YDF), which is a continuation of the 2025 edition. First and foremost, the participants—with the support of Association staff and the meeting moderator—discussed:
interesting event formats in which young residents would like to participate
key themes that might interest their peers
the Festival’s format and central theme
Next step? Summarizing the conclusions and recommendations from the school community and inviting representatives from the local government, cultural institutions, NGOs, and informal groups to further discussions.
The goal? Joint dialogue and co-creation of an event that addresses residents’ needs while engaging diverse groups—that is precisely what the YDF method is all about.
The activities of the D-Effect project enable young people to learn intergenerational and intersectoral dialogue, develop social skills, and actively engage in the life of the local community through collaboration with schools, participation in workshops, and the formulation of practical recommendations.
Think Smart.AI - An Experience That Lasts a Lifetime
From April 14–22, our volunteers participated in the international training program “Think Smart.AI – An Experience That Lasts a Lifetime” as part of the Erasmus+ program, which took place in Murzasichle, near Zakopane.
The event was organized by Asociatia Tineret pentru Dezvoltare Durabila.
Young people from 9 countries participated in the training: Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Spain, Serbia, Italy, Romania, and Greece. It was an intensive week of work, learning, and exchanging experiences. Participants explored the topic of artificial intelligence, from the basics, through its practical applications, to the challenges it presents. A great deal of attention was also devoted to recognizing disinformation and so-called deepfakes, which is an almost indispensable skill in today’s world. There was no shortage of practical activities; the young people worked in international teams, created their own video content, and developed digital projects as part of the Think Smart.AI Digital Incubator.
Integration was also a key element of the project, both during joint activities and cultural evenings, which allowed participants to better understand the traditions and customs of their peers from different countries.
The trip to Murzasichle was not just a training session, but above all an inspiring experience that highlights the importance of education in the field of new technologies and their responsible use.
The trip to Murzasichle is not just a training session, but above all an inspiring experience that demonstrates the importance of education in the field of new technologies and their responsible use.
The trip to Murzasichle is not just a training session, but above all an inspiring experience that demonstrates the importance of education in the field of new technologies and their responsible use. Participation in the project yielded tangible results. Participants developed digital competencies and knowledge of AI, increased their awareness of online risks, strengthened their teamwork skills, and gained valuable experience in international cooperation.
Photo: collective archive of event participants.
Project co-financed by the European Union.
Cooperation with regional offices in Brussels
Cooperation and experience-these are the cornerstones of the Regional Offices’ effective work in Brussels. Regional offices play a key role in representing their regions’ interests on the European stage, building international relationships, and supporting educational and networking initiatives Excellent examples are the Regional Office of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship and the Regional Office of the Pomeranian Voivodeship, which not only operate actively in Brussels but are also able to effectively join forces .
Organizing a visit for over 60 participants from 5 countries is a major logistical and substantive challenge. In such situations, cooperation takes on particular importance—and it was precisely thanks to the joint commitment of both Offices that it was possible to professionally host the guests at the East Poland House in Brussels. It was the experience and expertise of the teams from both Offices that ensured the program’s high substantive quality, meeting the participants’ needs and fostering a valuable exchange of knowledge and experiences. We extend special thanks to Ms. Małgorzata Wasilenko and Anna Drążek for their dedication from the planning stage through to the actual meeting in Brussels. Their support was invaluable to the trip’s organizers and significantly contributed to the success of the entire event. Thank you for your cooperation and professionalism! “Pomerania in the European Union” Association Regional Office of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship in Brussels
STG ERB Management Board Meeting
The second meeting of the Board of the Association of Polish Municipalities Euroregion Baltic in 2026 has taken place.
On April 20, 2026, the next meeting of the Board of the Association of Polish Municipalities Euroregion Baltic took place in Bartoszyce. The meeting focused on current activities, international cooperation, and the further development of initiatives implemented by the Association.
During the meeting, key issues related to the functioning of the EGTC Euroregion Baltic and cooperation within international networks and partnerships were discussed. The Board also reviewed the current financial and organizational situation of the Association, including the activities of the Secretariat. Projects, both completed and ongoing, as well as new initiatives planned for the coming months, were a significant element of the meeting. The development of cooperation with scientific institutions and the possibility of obtaining new sources of funding were also discussed.
During the meeting, decisions were made and resolutions adopted that were important for the continued operation of the Association. The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss upcoming events and determine the next steps for the Board.
Participation of the APC ERB in the international conference inaugurating the “Culture” programme
Yesterday in Warsaw, representatives of the Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic took part in an international conference inaugurating the “Culture” programme.
The new edition of the programme, funded by the Norwegian and EEA Grants, offers a real opportunity for member municipalities and local cultural institutions to access funding for the development of cultural projects, heritage protection, and international cooperation activities.
An important element of the meeting is also building relationships with foreign partners, particularly from Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, which constitutes a significant step in preparing joint project initiatives.
For municipalities and counties associated within the Association, this means access to new support instruments and an opportunity to strengthen local activities through transnational cooperation.
The Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic will continuously support its members in identifying opportunities and preparing projects, ensuring that the available funds are effectively utilized in the region.
LV General Meeting of Members of the APC ERB
On April 20, 2026, the 55th General Meeting of Members of the Association of Polish Municipalities of the Baltic Euroregion was held in Bartoszyce.
The meeting was of significant importance for the Association’s continued operation and for setting its future development directions, both nationally and internationally.
The session was opened by Tomasz Sielicki, Mayor of Braniewo and First Vice-Chairman of the STG ERB Board. Elżbieta Zabłocka, Bartoszyce County Administrator, also welcomed the guests.
The introductory segment featured a series of thematic presentations focusing on, among other things:
current challenges and areas of focus for the Association and its members,
strategic planning and future operational frameworks,
opportunities for securing external funding.
Among the invited speakers were:
Aleksandra Kowalska, European Commission Representation in Poland
Wojciech Szpakowski, Technical Director of Wody Polskie (Gdańsk)
Michał Braun, Director of the National Institute of Freedom – Center for the Development of Civil Society
Later in the meeting, the Association’s members:
approved the activity and financial reports for 2025,
reviewed the Audit Committee’s opinion and granted discharge to the Board,
adopted key resolutions concerning the Association’s activities,
welcomed a new member - the Municipality of Nowa Karczma,
discussed ongoing cooperation within external structures, including the Euroregion Baltic Sp. z o.o. EGTC and the National Association of Local Government Organizations.
Expanding the membership is an important step in further strengthening local government cooperation and building a strong network of partnerships in the Baltic Sea region. We are pleased that another municipality sees the value in joint efforts for development, international cooperation, and active participation in European initiatives.
The newly admitted municipality was represented by: Andrzej Pollak, Mayor of Nowa Karczma, and Joanna Krefta, Treasurer of Nowa Karczma.
During the meeting, current project activities were also presented, as well as new project proposals being prepared by the Association and its members.
A key element of the proceedings was a discussion on future support programs and the role of youth in the Association’s activities, including the involvement of volunteers and interns.
The 15th General Assembly of STG ERB Members reaffirmed the Association of Polish Municipalities of the Baltic Euroregion’s consistent development strategy, which is based on strengthening international cooperation, actively participating in European initiatives, and building lasting cross-border partnerships.
We thank all participants for their attendance and commitment to developing a shared space for cooperation in the Baltic Sea region.
Circular MUSE Study Visit to Chlewnica
Today, representatives of the CircularMuse consortium had the pleasure of visiting ELWOZ Eco—the Waste Management Facility in Chlewnica—where they gathered inspiration for the creation of the Circular Municipal Service HUB. It was an extremely valuable visit, demonstrating how circular economy solutions are implemented in practice at the local level. We were particularly interested in examples of activities such as:
the production of soil amendment,
the recovery of construction debris used for road subgrade,
the production of alternative fuel (RDF) supplied to cement plants,
and many other innovative solutions supporting sustainable waste management.
Such visits are a valuable source of knowledge and inspiration for us in building modern, circular municipal services.
The fifth webinar as part of the SCONE project
The fifth webinar as part of the SCONE – Sustainability Education project is now behind us! On April 13, 2026, another online meeting was held for teachers and educators, focusing on the topic: “How to effectively teach about sustainable development in schools and vocational education?”
During the webinar, participants had the opportunity to learn about practical approaches to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and share experiences regarding the implementation of these topics in their daily teaching practice.
The session was led by Niels Henrik Helms, a senior consultant at CELF and an expert with extensive experience in pedagogical development, digitalization, and learning technologies. His presentation provided plenty of inspiration and concrete guidance for teachers and those involved in education.
Thank you to all participants for attending, actively participating, and contributing to a valuable discussion!
On Democracy in the Heart of Democracy
On March 18–19, 2026, an international study visit titled “Democracy at the Heart of Democracy” took place in Brussels. The event was organized as part of the D‑EFFECT project—“Lessons in Civil Society Democracy”—funded by the Interreg South Baltic program. The event was attended by 61 people from five countries in the Baltic Sea region, including young people, chaperones, and representatives of project partners from Poland, Lithuania, Denmark, Sweden, and Germany. The trip served as a reward for participants in the project activities and the creators of films submitted to the international competition “Camera! Action! Democracy!”, which aimed to encourage young people to reflect on the role of democracy and their influence on public life.
The visit was organized by the Association of Polish Municipalities – Baltic Euroregion in cooperation with the “Światowid” European Meeting Center in Elbląg, with the aim of broadening participants’ knowledge of how European Union institutions function, strengthening the competencies of local government representatives, and fostering international and cross-sectoral cooperation. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the mechanisms of key EU bodies, as well as to take part in discussions on democratic values, the role of youth in public life, and the opportunities that European programs offer to young people and local communities.
The visit’s program included a series of meetings and activities that allowed participants to experience democracy in practice. The delegation was welcomed by Simona Constantin, a representative of Commissioner Michael McGrath’s office, who discussed the objectives of the European Democracy Shield. The young people then visited the European Parliament and the Parlamentarium, learning about its structure and how it operates. A meeting was also held with MEP Michał Wawrykiewicz, during which the young people could ask questions about parliamentary work and the challenges facing the EU. The next item on the agenda was a group lunch at Place Jourdan, followed by a tour of the Parlamentarium. In the evening, the participants attended a dinner for the entire consortium, preceded by a walk and a group photo.
On the second day, the delegation visited the House of Eastern Poland, where the film competition’s closing gala and a presentation of the winning entries took place, as well as a meeting with Piotr Adamiuk, the Polish Consul in Brussels. Next, the participants took part in a discussion with Minister Małgorzata Banat-Adamiuk on the functioning of the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Poland to the European Union. The program also included a lecture by Oana Maria Licu on the Erasmus+ program and the European Solidarity Corps, introducing young people to opportunities for mobility, volunteering, and skills development. Another key element of the day was an international workshop led by expert Kacper Chyła, focusing on a common evaluation framework and a system of cross-border engagement in the context of preparations for future Democracy Festivals. In the evening, participants attended a dinner for the entire consortium, preceded by a walk and a group photo.
The study visit to Brussels was a key stage in the implementation of the D-EFFECT project, one of whose main outcomes is the development of the concept of annual Democracy Festivals based on the YDF method. These events bring local communities together, strengthen civic dialogue, and increase residents’ engagement in public life. Young people’s direct contact with European institutions, diplomatic representatives, and experts created a unique space for experiential learning, the exchange of best practices, and the building of a shared identity based on democratic values. The visit to Brussels confirmed how important it is to involve young people in decision-making processes and to create real opportunities for them to participate in public life at the local, national, and European levels.
Baltic wrecks
An important phase of the fieldwork for the BALTWRECK project, carried out on board the research vessel RV ALKOR, has now been completed.
The collected data provided valuable information on the technical condition of the investigated wrecks and their potential impact on the Baltic Sea environment. The survey covered wrecks of significant environmental importance: Torpedoboat T34, Destroyer Z28, Minesweeper M14, Wreck 231123, Submarine W19, Submarine U-768, Stuttgart, Franken, Elbing IX, and Sizilien. During the expedition, a comprehensive research programme was carried out, including: - detailed mapping of the seabed and wreck structures - inspections using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) - oceanographic measurements (CTD) - collection of water, sediment, and marine organism samples - visual documentation and geophysical measurements
An important part of the voyage also included port visits in Klaipėda and Gdynia, which provided a valuable space for exchanging experiences and discussing the monitoring and management of environmental risks related to wrecks resting on the seabed.
The attached video features footage from selected wrecks examined during the expedition.
