Marshals from eastern Poland will work together. The country's security is at stake.

• The marshals of the voivodeships of Eastern Poland discussed the challenges related to the migration crisis and the war in Ukraine.
• The mismatch of EU funds to the specific needs of the region was discussed.
• The need for cooperation across political divides for the good of residents was emphasized.

The meeting, which took place on September 17, was attended by the marshals of the following voivodeships: Podlaskie - Łukasz Prokorym, Mazowieckie - Adam Struzik, Podkarpackie - Władysław Ortyl, as well as Jarosław Kwasek, member of the board of the Lublin voivodeship and Andrzej Bętkowski, chairman of the Lubuskie voivodeship assembly.

The Marshals agreed that border voivodeships bear particular responsibility for the security and development of eastern Poland . The migration crisis and the ongoing war in Ukraine force local governments not only to respond to current threats but also to create conditions for stable socio-economic development.

Our voivodeships are at the forefront of challenges and opportunities related to security and international cooperation. However, we need a coherent strategy and real support from the government and the European Union.

- emphasized Władysław Ortyl, Marshal of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship.

A key topic of the meeting was the discussion on the use of EU funds. According to the Marshals, current support programs do not fully address the specific needs of Eastern Poland . Issues with road and rail infrastructure, access to healthcare, and digitalization require additional financial resources and greater flexibility in funding programming.

Local government officials recalled that the "Eastern Poland" initiative, launched a dozen or so years ago, has brought many positive results, but today it requires a new opening.

If we want to keep young people in the region and attract investors, we need to think not only about basic infrastructure, but also about innovation and quality of life

- said Marcin Kuchciński, Marshal of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship.

The Commission for Eastern Poland is intended to be a forum that will allow local governments to speak with one voice on key issues. The Marshals agreed that the fragmented actions of individual voivodeships are not producing the desired results, and only a common position increases the chances of effectively seeking support.

During the debates it was also emphasised that regional policy cannot be held hostage by current political disputes.

- We will work beyond divisions, because the interests of the inhabitants of Eastern Poland require it - declared the Marshal of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, Władysław Ortyl, the new chairman of the commission, elected during the meeting.

The Marshals noted that the problems facing Eastern Poland are not only local, but also strategic for the entire country. The EU's external border is both a security frontier and an area where a country's credibility as a European partner is determined.

The discussion also demonstrated that local governments do not want to limit themselves solely to the role of beneficiaries of EU funds . They advocate for more active participation in shaping national and EU policy, particularly in the areas of cross-border cooperation and migration policy.

The meeting participants agreed that the situation requires a shift from a reactive crisis management model to a long-term regional development strategy.

The recommended actions include:

• greater flexibility in programming EU funds,
• strengthening transport and energy infrastructure,
• support for entrepreneurship and innovation in the region,
• development of cooperation with Ukraine and the Baltic states.

The Commission announced the development of a joint recommendation document, which will be presented to the government and European institutions. The next meeting will be devoted to a detailed action plan and mechanisms for monitoring their implementation.