Many times in history our sea was the arena of big wars. Today it is viewed as home and a uniting factor to many nations. With national politics as changing and unstable as it is today, cities, including cities of the Baltic Sea region, play ever more important role in international diplomacy. Did you know that nine countries have shorelines along the Baltic Sea? Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, and Sweden all surround it. All of them except Russia are members of the EU. The city of Gdansk, lying in the centre of the south coast, with its almost half million population, is one of the biggest cities in the region. And, with such a diversity of countries neighbouring with us along the coast, we feel obliged to play a leading role in building relations, starting cooperation and creating peaceful atmosphere in the Baltic Rim.
In winter it is quite a cold sea, but there is a plenty of people happy to swim in the Baltic Sea!. Photo: J. Pinkas
It is more natural for local governments to strike agreements and create new opportunities for business, educational programs and sectoral exchange. That's why Gdansk is the headquarters of the Union of the Baltic Cities (UBC). It is a voluntary, proactive organization mobilising the shared potential of its member cities for a safe, sustainable and smart Baltic Sea Region. Today it is the leading network of cities in the Baltic Sea Region with members from all nine Baltic Sea countries. Founded in 1991 in Gdansk, the UBC has been doing a great job to make the Baltic Sea once again the unifying factor. The UBC has created a friendly forum that inspires and enhances the cooperation and cities' development. Our experiences vary in different fields, e.g. energy, environment, smart transportation, business, etc. The UBC's intention is to spread good solutions across the whole region and Europe.
Business cooperation is very strong in the Baltic Sea rim. On the picture - Gdansk Deepwater Container Terminal, one of the most important terminals on the sea. Photo: J. Pinkas
For the exchange of knowledgeThe UBC Commissions are good example of such knowledge exchange and cooperation platform. Based on the cities experiences, the Commissions meetings, held in the form of seminars or practical workshops, provide consultations and ready-to-apply solutions and ideas free of charge. The level of expertise is very high, as the city specialists and experts participate in such meetings. Quite frequently, the meetings are accompanied by visits of young talent from member cities, providing special artistic flavour in addition to bringing the artists together.
There are now seven new Commissions: Cultural Cities, Inclusive and Healthy Cities, Planning Cities, Safe Cities, Smart and Prospering Cities, Sustainable Cities and Youthful Cities. Also, the Working Group on Gender Equality has been set up.
The UBC is also a link to the EU. Our members are leaders or partners in the international projects funded from EU. The Union assists in partner search, distribute the information about projects and other undertakings.
The UBC also promotes the cities' activities and events. It maintains the website, Facebook profile and issues the Baltic Cities Bulletin bringing up the most important topics.
Most important, however, are meetings in person within the working framework of our "small fatherland" - the Baltic Rim.
When the mayor of neighbouring Kaliningrad came to visit, we talked about pros and cons of building new streetcar lines in more distant city districts, and where to buy good, slightly used streetcar equipment. We did not feel we needed to discuss politics. We both have cities with similar conditions; we might as well share advice. We are looking for common ground, where we can meet and learn from each other.
Gdansk gets beautiful cultural gifts from our neighbours: annual festivals of Lithuanian and Swedish culture, and a great opportunity to host international events in our new venues. Our sports events in a new, beautiful stadium, as well as grand musical concerts in Ergo Arena bring us ever-growing streams of close neighbours. May they grow.
Celebrating Saint Lucy's Day in Gdansk together with our friends from Kalmar, Sweden. Photo: J. Pinkas
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.