The Interreg South Baltic Programme successfully concluded its annual event, held in the historical city of Stralsund, Germany on 24-25 September. Bringing together nearly 120 participants from across the region, the event served as a platform for dialogue, reflection, and forward thinking, focusing on the theme “Evolving Priorities: Navigating Challenges and Trends in the Interreg South Baltic Programme.”
Day 1 began with a warm welcome and opening remarks by Prof. Burkard Baschek, Director of the Ozeaneum, followed by a welcoming speech from Dr. Sonja Gelinek, Senator and 2nd Deputy Mayor of the city of Stralsund, who emphasized the city’s commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in the South Baltic region.
The event then progressed with a presentation by Małgorzata Skolmowska, Head of the Joint Secretariat, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of play of the Interreg South Baltic Programme. This was followed by a keynote speech by Mrs. Egija Stapkevica, Deputy Head of the VASAB Secretariat, who discussed “Navigating transformation: embracing changes, trends, and challenges for the Baltic sea region based on the State of Territorial Development of the Baltic Sea Region.”
The vibrant atmosphere of the event was enhanced by the presence of nine ongoing Interreg South Baltic projects, each with their own stand showcasing their activities. The stands buzzed with activity, as participants engaged in lively conversations with project representatives, exploring potential collaborations and exchanging knowledge and ideas.
The day continued with insightful workshops focusing on key themes such as:
Shaping the future of the Interreg South Baltic Programme: This session explored key findings from a survey conducted in May and July 2024 on the future of the programme, considering stakeholder-defined areas of interest, survey results, changes in the South Baltic region, and challenges faced.
Best practices for project implementation: The workshop shared practical insights and collaborative strategies for project implementation, offering guidance on best practices, suggestions for collaboration, and synergies between projects.
Boosting project communication with Artificial Intelligence (AI): This workshop explored how AI tools can enhance project communication and productivity, offering participants an opportunity to learn how to use AI to improve their daily work, boost efficiency, and enhance communication.
Each workshop attracted more than 30 participants and turned out to be a highly sought-after area to explore.
After workshops participants had the opportunity to choose from two side attractions: a guided tour of the Oceanarium or a guided sightseeing tour of Stralsund, allowing them to explore the beauty and history of the host city.
The evening ended with a festive dinner at the Ozeaneum, in a unique hall featuring sea giants. There was live music and DJ beats, providing participants with an opportunity to network and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Day 2 began with networking opportunities and a session for project idea pitching, allowing participants to share their project ideas and collaborate on potential partnerships. An interactive game which was the next point of agenda, not only served as a celebration of Interreg Cooperation Day but also as a recap of the previous day’s workshops, an opportunity for participants to become better acquainted with the host region of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and new to the Programme area region of Olsztyński in Poland. The event concluded with a farewell ceremony and lunch, leaving participants inspired to continue their collaborative work towards a prosperous and resilient future for the South Baltic region.
The Interreg South Baltic Programme is committed to supporting its partners and projects as they work together to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future, charting a course towards a prosperous and resilient future for the South Baltic region. The next annual event will take place in Denmark in 2025, promising another insightful and engaging gathering for participants from across the South Baltic region.
The JS team works constantly on improving future events, and we kindly ask participants to share their feedback through our post-event survey. Your insights are invaluable in helping us create even more impactful experiences.
Please click the link below to access the survey or use the QR code:
