Euroregion Baltic Strengthens Its Voice in Brussels: High-Level Discussions on Disinformation and Regional Security
On 20–21 May 2025, representatives from Denmark, Sweden, and Poland gathered in Brussels at the invitation of Leszek Bonna, President of ERB, for a two-day meeting held under the presidency of the Pomorskie Region. The event took place in the symbolic and politically significant setting of the European Committee of the Regions, where local and regional leaders from across the EU come together to address pressing challenges.
Photo: Leszek Bonna, President of Euroregion Baltic and Deputy Marshal of the Pomorskie Region, Poland
Formalizing the Future: ERB Moves Towards EGTC
The first day was dedicated to the ERB Executive Board meeting, chaired by Leszek Bonna. Discussions focused on finalizing the steps necessary to transform Euroregion Baltic from an informal cooperation network into a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC). This transformation marks a major institutional milestone, aimed at enhancing ERB’s ability to implement cross-border projects, secure EU funding, and speak with a stronger, unified voice at the European level.
Photo: ERB Family Photo at the Committee of the Regions, Brussels
Tackling Disinformation and Hybrid Threats: A Seminar Under the Polish Presidency
The second day centered on a top priority of the Pomorskie presidency — combating disinformation and foreign interference, particularly in vulnerable border regions.
A high-level seminar on this subject was held at the Permanent Representation of Poland to the European Union. The event was officially opened by Adam Szłapka, Minister for European Union Affairs of the Republic of Poland, who emphasized the importance of safeguarding democratic processes and building resilience at both national and regional levels.
Two thematic panels followed:
The first panel featured Marie-Hélène Boulanger (European Commission), Martyna Bildziukiewicz (Head of the EUvsDisinfo campaign), and MEP Tomáš Zdechovský. They discussed the EU’s tools and policies for countering hybrid threats, including coordinated strategies for detecting and responding to disinformation campaigns.
Photo: From the left : Martyna Bildziukiewicz, Marie-Hélène Boulanger, Tomáš Zdechovský, moderator : Anna Slojewska
The second panel shifted focus to the role of local authorities and EU support for border regions. Mr. Marcin Kuchciński, the Marshal of the Warminsko-Mazurskie Region, delivered the opening speech. Euroregion Baltic was strongly represented by Mikael Benzon, who offered insights from the South Baltic area, alongside Thorsten Kohlisch from the Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform. The discussion highlighted the unique challenges faced by cross-border communities and the importance of regional cooperation in defending democratic values.
Photo: Marcin Kuchciński, Marshal of the Warminsko-Mazurskie Region in Poland.
Photo: From the left – Mikael Benzon, Adrien Licha, Thorsten Kohlisch
Strong Regional Voices, Stronger European Democracy
The event underscored that regional actors like Euroregion Baltic are not just stakeholders, but active partners in shaping the EU’s response to complex transnational challenges. As hybrid threats evolve, the perspectives and experiences of local communities—especially in border areas—are vital to developing effective, grassroots strategies.
Photo : From the left : Gabriela Zarebska-Jende, Ewa Jagodzinska, Agata Birecka, Adam Krzeminski – Baltic Sea Unit, Pomorskie Region/Poland
Acknowledgements
We extend our sincere thanks to the Association “Pomorskie in the EU” for their outstanding organizational support during the ERB Executive Board meeting, and to the team from Warmia and Mazury for their excellent coordination of the seminar on disinformation.
Euroregion Baltic is proud to have taken part in this important dialogue and will continue to advocate for stronger regional cooperation, information integrity, and democratic resilience across the South Baltic region.