55th Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of the Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic - Experience, the Future and New Forms of Cooperation

Nursecoast II, the future of local government cooperation, preparations for the Association’s 30th anniversary, and new approaches to youth engagement – these were the key topics of the 55th Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of the Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic, held on 22 September 2026 in Mierki near Olsztynek.

The meeting was designed not only as a formal event of the Association, but above all as a space for discussing what has already been achieved and how the experience gained in recent years can contribute to future joint initiatives. The two-day agenda therefore combined project and organisational matters with the exchange of experience, planning of future activities, and exploration of new methods of cooperation.

Nursecoast II – from experience to future projects

One of the first and most important parts of the meeting was the presentation of the results of the Nursecoast II project, which addressed a specific challenge: the seasonal pressure of tourism on wastewater treatment systems. In tourist destinations, the number of people can increase several times during the high season, while the infrastructure is primarily designed to serve the permanent population.

The project responded to this challenge through six pilot investments in Denmark, Poland, Latvia and Finland, testing different ways of adapting technologies to changing seasonal conditions. These included, among others, constructed wetland solutions, nanobubble aeration, monitoring and remote management, as well as the reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation.

A common conclusion from the pilots is also highly relevant from the perspective of local authorities: there is no single universal solution for wastewater treatment systems operating under seasonal conditions. The technological response should depend on the timing, scale and duration of peak loads. Outside the high season, energy efficiency, stability and automation may be more important, while during peak periods the focus may shift towards process intensification, buffering and monitoring. As highlighted in the presentation of the project results, system resilience to seasonal fluctuations depends just as much on appropriate control and design as on the resources available.

The results and recommendations presented were therefore intended to demonstrate not only what had been developed within the project, but above all how this knowledge could be taken forward. Nursecoast II delivered not only pilot results and good practices, but also valuable experience in assessing and transferring solutions and exploring their potential application in other locations. This knowledge became a starting point for discussions on future initiatives within Euroregion Baltic – particularly those related to the green transition and the search for solutions addressing real local challenges.

30 years of the Association – an anniversary as the beginning of a new chapter

Another important item on the agenda was the preparation for the 30th anniversary of the Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic, which will be celebrated in 2027.

However, the aim is not simply to organise anniversary events. Participants were invited to jointly develop the concept for the celebrations and, above all, to consider how the anniversary could serve as an impulse for defining new directions of cooperation.

For this reason, co-creation was at the heart of this part of the meeting – jointly designing future activities. Discussions focused on what events should be included in the anniversary programme, how to involve the Association’s members and partners, and which initiatives should become particularly important in 2027.

The 30th anniversary is therefore intended to be more than a summary of the Association’s history to date. It is also an opportunity to look ahead and consider what kind of local government cooperation Euroregion Baltic will need in the years to come.

D-effect and YDF – democracy through participation and joint action

The final major element of the first day was an introduction to the YDF – Youth Democracy Festival methodology, implemented within the D-effect project.

Participants were introduced to an approach based on co-creation, dialogue and active participation. One of its key principles is moving away from a model in which young people are merely recipients of activities prepared for them. Instead, they become part of the process – taking part in discussions, co-creating events, and contributing their own ideas and perspectives.

This approach fits well within the broader discussion about the future of local cooperation. Local governments do not operate in isolation from their communities. Involving different groups, listening to their needs and creating opportunities for joint action can help build more active and engaged local communities.

For this reason, the presentation of the YDF methodology was not merely a theoretical part of the programme. The very next day, on 23 September, participants had an opportunity to see the approach in practice during a study visit to Olsztynek.

YDF in practice – study visit to Olsztynek

On the second day, participants moved from the meeting room into spaces where they could see the practical effects of the YDF approach.

The study visit began with participation in the International Democracy Festival in Olsztynek, whose official opening was combined with a panel discussion on youth participation in local governance.

Participants then explored local initiatives and good practices connected with the D-effect project. The programme included workshops organised around several thematic tracks, including activities related to 3D printing, handicrafts and the work of local Rural Women’s Associations.

The subsequent parts of the visit demonstrated that discussions about democracy and civic engagement can extend far beyond traditional meetings or debates. The programme also included a visit to the Municipal Social Welfare Centre and a free psychological counselling service for young people, as well as a walk through Olsztynek and joint herbal workshops at the Museum of Folk Architecture.

In this way, the second day became a natural continuation of the first: on 22 September, participants were introduced to the principles of the YDF methodology, while on 23 September they could see how the ideas of dialogue, co-creation and active participation translate into concrete local activities.

From experience to the future

The two-day meeting in Mierki and Olsztynek brought together several perspectives – experience gained through project implementation, planning of future initiatives, preparations for the Association’s 30th anniversary, and the search for new ways of engaging residents and young people.

The common denominator across all these topics was cooperation – cooperation based on experience gained through project implementation, cooperation needed to develop future initiatives, and cooperation that requires openness to new ideas and new groups of participants.

The 55th Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of the Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic was therefore more than a meeting devoted to current matters. It also provided an opportunity to look ahead – from future projects and the green transition, through the Association’s 30th anniversary, to cooperation with the younger generation and new ways of building active local communities.

SCONE Project – From Gaining Knowledge to Developing Solutions. Final Day of the Sustainability Camp “Water is Life: Shape What’s Next”

From exploring practical examples of sustainable development to developing their own solutions – this was the focus of the final day of the international Sustainability Camp “Water is Life: Shape What’s Next” in Denmark. Young people from Poland, Denmark, Lithuania and Germany used the knowledge and experience gained during previous workshops, field activities and study visits to work on challenges related to water quality, hemp-based housing and fish production. The final day also provided an opportunity to present the ideas developed by the participants and reflect on the entire three-day event.

From Gaining Knowledge to Developing Solutions

The final day of the international youth camp, organised as part of the SCONE – Sustainability Cooperation Network in the South Baltic project, had a different focus from the previous stages of the event. After days dedicated to exploring practical examples of environmental action, taking part in study visits and working in the field, it was time for participants to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice.

The programme focused on cooperation, creative thinking and independently searching for answers to specific sustainability challenges. Participants worked in international groups, allowing them to combine different experiences, perspectives and ideas.

In this way, the final day was a natural continuation of the previous Sustainability Camp activities – moving from observation and learning towards developing the participants’ own solutions.

Learning Through Cooperation and Problem-Solving

One of the activities was a digital escape room, introducing participants to a form of learning based on teamwork and collaborative problem-solving. The interactive format required cooperation, information sharing and finding answers together.

The next part of the programme focused directly on specific sustainability-related challenges. The young participants worked on three topics: water quality, hemp-based housing and fish production. Each of these issues offered a different perspective on sustainable development and encouraged participants to consider possible solutions.

Their task was not simply to discuss the challenges. The groups analysed the selected issues, developed their own proposals and then presented the results of their work to the other participants.

From Ideas to the Final Presentation

Presenting the solutions developed by the groups was an important part of the programme. Participants shared the results of their teamwork, explained their approaches and discussed their ideas with the other groups.

The best solutions were selected and presented during the final Sustainability Camp presentation. As a result, the last stage of the camp went beyond simply summarising what participants had learned – it gave them an opportunity to use their knowledge to address specific challenges themselves.

It was also a practical example of how teamwork and bringing together different perspectives can contribute to developing new ideas related to the environment and the responsible use of resources.

Three Days of Different Experiences

The final day also provided an opportunity to evaluate the entire Sustainability Camp and reflect on the experiences gained during the three-day event.

The camp programme combined different forms of learning, including workshops, field activities, study visits, environmental observations and problem-solving exercises. Participants explored topics such as water resource protection, biodiversity, climate change adaptation, the circular economy and waste management.

Activities and visits organised in Denmark enabled the young participants to see how issues discussed during workshops are addressed in real-life settings. On the final day, this perspective was reversed: instead of learning about existing solutions, the participants were challenged to develop possible solutions of their own.

International Youth Cooperation

The international dimension was an important part of the Sustainability Camp. The event brought together young people from Poland, Denmark, Lithuania and Germany, with a significant part of the programme based on cooperation and the exchange of experiences.

Working in international teams enabled participants to explore different perspectives and approaches to similar challenges. It also provided an opportunity to develop skills in cooperation, communication and joint decision-making.

The Sustainability Camp “Water is Life: Shape What’s Next” therefore concluded not only with a summary of three days of learning, but above all with an opportunity to put that knowledge into practice. From the first workshops and study visits, through environmental observations, to the final work on their own solutions, participants gradually moved from exploring sustainability issues to actively seeking ways to address related challenges.

The Polish group included students from the Technical School Complex in Elbląg, Kazimierz Jagiellończyk Bilingual Secondary School No. 2 in Elbląg, and Secondary School No. 6 in Gdańsk.

SCONE Project - from Water Resource Protection to the Circular Economy. Day Two of the Sustainability Camp in Roskilde

Water resource protection, the circular economy and climate change adaptation were the main themes of the second day of the international Sustainability Camp “Water is Life – Shape What’s Next!” in Denmark. In Roskilde, young people from Poland, Lithuania, Germany and Denmark took part in field activities and study visits, exploring practical solutions for managing natural resources and waste while carrying out environmental observations.

Sustainability in Practice

The second day of the international youth camp, organised as part of the SCONE – Sustainability Cooperation Network in the South Baltic project, took place in Roskilde. The programme was based on work in thematic groups, allowing participants to explore different aspects of sustainable development – from water resource and environmental protection to the circular economy and climate change adaptation.

The activities gave young people an opportunity to learn about practical approaches to natural resource and waste management, conduct their own observations and analyse the relationship between human activity and the environment.

From Waste to Energy

One group explored the natural springs and water resources of Roskilde and visited ARGO and the Energy Tower, where participants learned how a waste-to-energy facility operates.

Waste that cannot be recycled is used to generate electricity and district heating. The visit provided an opportunity to see practical solutions for municipal waste management, energy recovery and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.

Environmental Research in Roskilde Fjord

Another group carried out environmental research in Roskilde Fjord, combining observations of the natural environment with field activities. Participants were able to examine the local aquatic environment directly and apply their knowledge in practice.

The activities provided an opportunity to better understand the importance of aquatic ecosystems and the impact of human activity on their functioning.

People and Climate – Looking into the Past

Another group visited the Land of Legends in Lejre, where the young participants explored life during the Iron Age and learned about historical ways in which people adapted to environmental and climatic conditions.

This part of the programme offered a different perspective on adaptation, showing how people throughout history used available resources and adjusted their way of life to the surrounding environment.

Shared Experiences and International Integration

The second day of the Sustainability Camp concluded with a joint reflection on the experiences gained throughout the day. Participants exchanged observations from the different group activities and considered sustainable development from several perspectives.

The day ended with a campfire gathering, providing an informal setting for conversations, exchange of experiences and building relationships among young people from the South Baltic region.

First Day of the Sustainability Camp in Denmark - Young People Explore Sustainability in Practice

Young people from Poland, Lithuania, Germany and Denmark have started the international Sustainability Camp “Water is Life” in Nykøbing Falster, organised as part of the SCONE project. The first day of the camp focused on environmental protection, biodiversity and climate change adaptation, with study visits showcasing Danish investments and practical approaches to sustainable development forming an important part of the programme.

An International Youth Meeting in Denmark

From 21 to 23 September 2026, Denmark is hosting the international Sustainability Camp “Water is Life”, organised as part of the SCONE – Sustainability Cooperation Network in the South Baltic project. The event brings together young people from 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇱🇹 Lithuania, 🇩🇪 Germany and 🇩🇰 Denmark.

The first day of the camp combined educational activities with opportunities to explore practical examples of initiatives and investments implemented in the region. Participants addressed issues related to environmental protection, biodiversity and climate change adaptation.

Sustainability in Practice

The programme allowed participants to look at environmental issues not only from a theoretical perspective. The young people had an opportunity to learn about local initiatives and solutions and to see how sustainability-related challenges are connected with real changes taking place in the region.

One of the activities also included exploring Nykøbing Falster accompanied by local guides, providing an opportunity to learn more about the town and its surroundings.

Study Visits and Local Investments

Study visits were an important part of the first day. Participants visited an exhibition dedicated to the construction of the Fehmarnbelt tunnel, learned about “The Arrow” project and explored the new areas created in Rødby.

The visits gave the young participants an opportunity to learn more about local investments and changes taking place in the region, while considering them from the perspective of sustainable development and their impact on the surrounding environment.

Cooperation Between Young People from Four Countries

The Sustainability Camp also provides a space for international integration and the exchange of experiences. Joint activities and study visits enable young people from four countries to explore different perspectives and work together on issues related to the environment and sustainable development.

The Polish group includes students from the Technical School Complex in Elbląg, Kazimierz Jagiellończyk Bilingual Secondary School No. 2 in Elbląg, and Secondary School No. 6 in Gdańsk.

The Next Days of the Sustainability Camp

The participants will continue with workshops, field activities and joint work on topics related to water, the environment and solutions supporting more sustainable development.

NURSECOAST-II Final Conference - Project Results and Key Outcomes

The NURSECOAST-II project summarised its activities, results and experience in developing sustainable wastewater management solutions for small communities and tourist areas across the Baltic Sea Region. The Final Conference provided an opportunity to present the outcomes of the pilot activities, exchange experience and discuss how the solutions developed within the project can be further applied and replicated.

On 10 September, the NURSECOAST-II Final Conference, entitled “Innovative and Sustainable Wastewater Management Solutions for Small Treatment Plants and Areas Under Seasonal Tourism Pressure in the Baltic Sea Region”, was held at the Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

The event brought together project partners, representatives of the scientific community, local authorities and the water and wastewater sector. The programme focused on the results of NURSECOAST-II, experience gained through the implementation of the pilot activities and opportunities to use the solutions developed within the project beyond its completion.

From pilot activities to solutions for wider application

The conference presented the project’s key results, tools and experience. Discussions focused on solutions for small-scale wastewater treatment systems, technologies tested at different locations across the Baltic Sea Region, their assessment and their potential for wider application.

Particular attention was given to wastewater management in tourist areas, where seasonal fluctuations in the number of users lead to significant variations in wastewater volumes and place additional demands on local infrastructure. The discussions covered both technological solutions and good practices and models supporting more flexible and sustainable wastewater management.

The presentations and discussions were complemented by materials developed within NURSECOAST-II, including posters presenting the project’s pilot activities and brochures summarising its main activities, solutions and results.

Different perspectives, shared challenges

An important part of the conference was the exchange of experience between local authorities, the water and wastewater sector, the scientific community and project partners. This made it possible to examine wastewater management challenges from both a technological perspective and the practical perspective of communities facing significant seasonal tourism pressure.

The programme included experiences from Krynica Morska and Nowa Karczma, as well as examples from Norwegian coastal communities. The cases demonstrated the diversity of local conditions and challenges faced by small municipalities and wastewater system operators.

What determines whether a solution can be implemented?

An important part of the conference was a co-creation workshop dedicated to future activities and development directions in water and wastewater management, facilitated by Prof. Magdalena Gajewska and Marcin Żuchowski, Director of the Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic (STG ERB).

Participants analysed the practical conditions for implementing sustainable solutions and the barriers that may affect their application. Key issues included investment time and costs, permitting procedures, changing regulatory requirements and access to financing.

The discussion also addressed the use of local and regional resources, the development of local cooperation and value chains, and solutions aimed at reducing water demand. The workshop provided a space to compare different perspectives and identify both barriers and opportunities for the further implementation of the solutions developed.

NURSECOAST-II results remain available for further use

The Final Conference marked the completion of an important stage of cooperation within NURSECOAST-II, while the knowledge, tools, pilot solutions and recommendations developed by the project remain available for further use.

The experience gained during the project can support the development of more flexible and sustainable wastewater management systems that are better adapted to the needs of small communities and tourist areas across the Baltic Sea Region.

Youth Democracy Festival in Denmark - Young People for Democracy Across Borders

On 10–11 September 2026, we participated in the Youth Democracy Festival in Odsherred, which brought together young people engaged in discussions about democracy, civil rights and freedom of expression.

Together with young people from Denmark and Sweden, we co-created workshops dedicated to freedom of expression, which were part of the YDF – Youth Democracy Festival events held on 11 September. It was an opportunity not only to exchange views, but above all to work together, listen to different perspectives and seek answers to questions that matter to the younger generation.

Democracy in Action

Participation in the festival showed that democracy is not only about voting and taking part in elections. It is also about the opportunity to express one’s views, engage in dialogue, cooperate, take responsibility and have a real influence on issues that affect us and our communities.

Thanks to the D-Effekt project and the Youth Democracy Festival method, young people can not only participate in events, but above all co-create them from the very beginning – choosing topics that matter to them, preparing workshops, engaging others and speaking out on issues concerning their local communities, Europe and the future of democracy.

Cooperation Across Borders

The meeting in Odsherred was also an important experience of international youth cooperation. The joint preparation of workshops by young people from Poland, Denmark and Sweden showed that, despite linguistic and cultural differences, we can work together to create a space for dialogue and action.

D-Effekt connects young people across borders and provides them with tools for active participation in civic life. The festival in Odsherred was another example of how, when young people are given space, trust and the opportunity to take action, democracy becomes something we not only learn about, but something we experience and co-create.

The D-Effekt Project

D-Effekt supports the development of young people’s civic engagement, their participation in democratic life and international cooperation. Through Youth Democracy Festivals, young people from different countries can jointly create engaging events and discuss issues that genuinely matter to them – both locally and internationally.

Circular MuSe - From Presentation to Solutions in Practice

The Circular MuSe pilot focusing on the reuse of sand collected during winter street cleaning was one of the practical solutions presented to COEE 2026 participants during a study visit to Wejherowo. The visit to Ekofabryka Wejherowo demonstrated how circular economy principles can be put into practice and contribute to more efficient use of resources in municipal services.

The final day of the 5th International Conference of Ecological and Environmental Engineering – COEE 2026 was dedicated to study visits, giving participants an opportunity to relate the topics presented and discussed during the conference to concrete solutions implemented at the local level.

One of the sites included in the programme was Ekofabryka Wejherowo, where participants learned about circular economy solutions and practical experience related to their implementation in an urban context.

Circular MuSe pilot in Wejherowo

An important part of the visit was the presentation of the Circular MuSe pilot focusing on the reuse of sand collected during winter street cleaning in Wejherowo. The activity contributes to one of the project’s key objectives – increasing the circularity of municipal services through resource recovery and reuse, as well as developing new approaches to material management.

The visit provided participants with an opportunity to explore the practical dimension of the solution and learn about local experience with its implementation. It also demonstrated how a material previously treated as waste can be considered a potential resource and brought back into circulation.

The experience gained in Wejherowo is also relevant in terms of the potential transfer and adaptation of similar solutions by other cities and municipalities. Combining knowledge exchange, demonstration of solutions and practical implementation experience is an important element of Circular MuSe and supports the development of more circular models for municipal service delivery.

COEE 2026 – the 5th International Conference of Ecological and Environmental Engineering – was organised by Gdańsk University of Technology and its Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

CONE Project Partners Met in Wejherowo

On 9 September 2026, CONE project partners met in Wejherowo, combining a working meeting with a study visit to sites connected with local project activities. The programme provided an opportunity to discuss the progress of the project and the next stages of CONE implementation, while also taking a closer look at the practical application of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in urban areas.

An important part of the programme was a visit to sites connected with CONE pilot activities implemented in Wejherowo. The partners visited the courtyard at 8 Śmiechowska Street, where a rain garden has been created, as well as the site of the former mill pond on the Cedron River, whose restoration is intended to restore its water retention capacity. The field visit provided an opportunity to learn about local conditions and exchange experience on the practical application of Nature-Based Solutions in water management and urban space.

The programme also included a visit to Ekofabryka Wejherowo, where participants learned about local solutions and experience related to municipal management.

Partners’ meeting at Wejherowo Town Hall

Another part of the programme took place at Wejherowo Town Hall. The Mayor of Wejherowo, Krzysztof Hildebrandt, introduced the participants to the city, its history and development priorities. A visit to the Museum of the Wejherowo Region provided an opportunity to gain further insight into the local context and history of the city.

The Town Hall also hosted the working session of the CONE partners’ meeting, focusing on the ongoing implementation of the project, progress to date and planned activities. Direct exchange between the partners, combined with visits to the pilot sites, made it possible to relate project discussions to the specific conditions and challenges associated with implementing Nature-Based Solutions in cities.

The meeting in Wejherowo thus combined work on the further implementation of the project with a practical perspective on local CONE activities and the potential of Nature-Based Solutions to contribute to more climate-resilient urban areas.