The Information Office of the Wielkopolska Region in Brussels has existed since 2003. Its main tasks are the following:
INFORMATION
The Wielkopolska Region Information Office’s tasks include researching and transmitting information that is important for the development of the region. The employees of the office gather information on new regulations and concepts of the EU institutions on regional policy and other policies through participation in many meetings and conferences and monitoring information from the EU institutions.
Selected information is sent directly to the Marshal Office’s departments, as well as prepared, translated and sent to the appropriate local and regional administration bodies, universities, companies, associations, NGOs and other interested partners.
Wielkopolska Region Information Office has got a professional website www.wielkopolska.eu, where one can easily find current information concerning UE events, programs and projects, link with potential partners or enrich the knowledge on the Wielkopolska Region, as well as our region’s activity on the EU forum.
COOPERATION WITH THE EUROPEAN PARTNERS
The Wielkopolska Office cooperates on a daily basis with many EU regions, which have their representations in Brussels. This cooperation mainly involves a constant exchange of information, organisation of working groups’ meetings on specific projects and common lobbying for the regional interests.
The office also cooperates with the Polish diplomatic corps jointly organising thematic meetings, cultural events and study visits. It is also in constant contact with the EU institutions, which enables it to actively fulfil many multidisciplinary tasks.
PROMOTION OF THE REGION IN EUROPE
The Wielkopolska Region Brussels Office organises, independently or jointly with other regions, meetings and thematic conferences promoting Wielkopolska in Brussels and in Europe. Our regional representation participates in events promoting the region’s tourism, economic and investment potential, as well as its culture and regional cuisine. The Embassy of the Republic of Poland to the Kingdom of Belgium is an important partner in this field of activity.
Our office also organises the Wielkopolska Region Brussels Club meetings, which take place four times a year and gather many EU institutions’ officials and other Wielkopolska citizens who reside in Belgium.
LOBBYING IN THE EU INSTITUTIONS
The Wielkopolska Region Brussels Office represents the interests of the region in the EU and submits its positions to the European institutions supporting with the same the achievement of the aims set out in the Regional Development Strategy. Its staff participates in events, which are organised by the European Commission, maintains contacts with the Members of the European Parliament from Wielkopolska and is active on the forum of the Committee of the Regions. The office takes part in the open consultations organised by these institutions and in drafting the official positions of the region. The Permanent Representation of the Republic of Poland to the EU is an important partner in this field as it supports the Polish regional offices with its specialist knowledge, up-to-date information on the UE policies and programmes, as well as contacts with the ministries of the Polish government.
ASSISTANCE TO THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE REGION AND ACTIVITY IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS
The Wielkopolska Region Brussels Office assists the regional representatives in their work performed in the EU institutions, particularly in the Committee of the Regions, where the Marshal of the Wielkopolska Region – Marek Woźniak holds the position of the Vice-President of the CoR, the President of the Polish delegation and the Vice-President of the European People’s Party in the CoR. Moreover, since 2009 the director of Wielkopolska Region Brussels Office has held the position of the coordinator of the Polish delegation to the Committee of the Regions.
ASSISTANCE TO ENTREPRENEURS
The Office also assists the local entrepreneurs in establishing contacts with the EU institutions and provides consulting services on the current EU requirements, promotes the Wielkopolska's economic potential abroad and helps in establishing business contacts with foreign partners. These activities are carried out in close cooperation with the Wielkopolska and Belgian chambers of industry and commerce and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland to the Kingdom of Belgium.
Contact
Avenue de l'Yser 19
B-1040 Brussels
Belgium
Tel.: +48 (61) 278-53-79/95/97/96 (PL)
+32 (0)2 734 09 41, +32 (0)2732 96 88 (BE)
Faks: +48 (61) 669-05-46 (PL), +32 (0)2 734 09 44 (BE)
e-mail: brussels.office@wielkopolska.eu
Director
Monika Kapturska
e-mail: monika.kapturska@wielkopolska.eu