25 years of partnership: Brandenburg and Lubuskie celebrate success!

25 years of partnership: Brandenburg and Lubuskie celebrate success!

What's going on in the partnership between Brandenburg and Lubuskie? At a joint cabinet meeting, the two regions reaffirmed their long-standing cooperation. Prime Minister Dr. Dietmar Woidke and Marshal Marcin Jabłoński led the meeting, which was dedicated to the 25th anniversary of their partnership. On the occasion of this anniversary, a communiqué was signed that continues the declaration of 2000 and documents the colorful mosaic of cooperation cityreport reported.

The meeting was not only a novelty, but a strong sign of the solidarity between the two regions. Woidke emphasized the close partnership and friendship that has grown over the last 25 years. The social, economic and infrastructural connections are now so close that they practically represent a model for cross-border cooperation.

Cross-border cooperation as a motor of development

Brandenburg's European Minister Robert Crumbach made clear how important this partnership is at a conference on cross-border cooperation in Zielona Góra. The colorful range of projects and initiatives was celebrated under the motto “INTERREG BB-PL – joint activities, sustainable effects, 25 years of partnership”. Crumbach described the cooperation as a motor for integration as well as economic and cultural development. These initiatives show that the joint commitment was definitely worth it.

One of the highlights of the conference was the exchange about current cross-border projects, the diversity of which is considerable. From cross-border tourism along the Via Marchionis route to the protection of natural and cultural heritage in the UNESCO Muskauer Fold Arch Geopark – the list of joint projects could hardly be more extensive.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite the successes, there are still challenges. There is a need for improvement, particularly in local and long-distance passenger transport between Brandenburg and Lubuskie. Woidke argues that the burden of border controls should be minimized in order to avoid accidents and social disruption. The state government is also committed to an additional lane for border traffic.

Another important aspect is the funding through INTERREG A, a central instrument for European cooperation. From 2000 to 2006, over 460 successful projects were implemented with a funding volume of 348.5 million euros. This cooperation will continue in the current funding period from 2021 to 2027, in which an impressive 88.3 million euros in ERDF funds are available for INTERREG A, as shown on mdfe can be read.

Shaping the future

The connection between Brandenburg and Lubuskie is not only a success story, but also a sign of the possibilities that lie in cross-border cooperation. Woidke emphasized the need to expand the Eastern Railway and called for these projects to be included in the federal transport infrastructure plan. This would be a big step towards even better connectivity and further integration.

With a strong foundation and clear goals in mind, Brandenburg and Lubuskie continue to take joint steps into the future. The two partners have shown a good hand over the last 25 years and they also seem to be prepared for the challenges ahead. Because, although there is still a lot to do, history shows that this partnership is a success story that deserves further chapters.