Panel descriptions
28 October 2025 | Białystok | Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic
Invited speakers:
Donald TUSK - Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland
Raffaele FITTO - European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms
Łukasz PROKORYM - Marshal of Podlaskie Voivodeship
Tadeusz TRUSKOLASKI - Mayor of the City of Białystok
Key issues:
Cohesion policy: a pillar of European resilience
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Strengthening the resilience of regions, especially eastern border areas, is key to the stability of the European Union.
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The reinforcement of democracy and European values promotes socio-economic integration and development.
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Cohesion policy is an effective tool for strengthening European security.
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The “Pact for the Eastern Border Regions” as a comprehensive initiative integrating security measures with development initiatives in the eastern border regions of the European Union.
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This is crucial for increasing the resilience of eastern regions against threats and ensuring their stability and development opportunities.
Synergy between defence and development policies
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A strategic approach to strengthening the territorial cohesion of the European Union's eastern regions.
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Building a coalition to grant a special legal status to eastern border areas.
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The role of the "Pact for eastern border regions" is to ensure synergy in actions and adapt business support instruments to the specific conditions of border areas.
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The combination of defence and development policies is particularly important for entrepreneurs.
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Defence initiatives can complement development goals by supporting local entrepreneurship.
Invited speakers:
Vladislav KONDRATOVIC -Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania
Łukasz PROKORYM - Marshal of Podlaskie Voivodeship
Aija KALNAJA - Deputy Executive Director for Capability, European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX)
Paivi LAINE - Ambassador of Finland in Poland
Maciej STADEJEK - Director for Security and Defence Policy at the European External Action Service (EEAS) (TBC)
Wojciech KONOŃCZUK - Director of the Centre for Eastern Studies (TBC)
Evelin KRÕLOV - Zastępca Szefa Misji, Ambasada Estonii
Daniel BOĆKOWSKI - University of Białystok
Key issues:
- Geopolitical context: A discussion on the current geopolitical situation and its impact on countries bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.
- Economic consequences: an analysis of how the war affects trade, investment, and economic stability in the regions.
- Economic, demographic, and social consequences: many eastern border regions are experiencing significant changes related to population ageing, declining birth rates, and emigration, which have deep implications for their economic development and social cohesion. The conference will present and discuss current trends and their specific impact on the labour force, public services, and overall regional vitality. Furthermore, in light of the current geopolitical context, the challenges and opportunities related to the integration of refugees and displaced persons in border regions must also be addressed. Speakers and panelists will reflect on potential policy responses and the role EU regional policy can play in mitigating the negative effects of demographic shifts through targeted investments and support for local initiatives.
- Examples and case studies: examples of the negative effects of the war and the parallel hybrid warfare on the EU’s eastern border regions, as well as their responses to these challenges.
- New challenges for cohesion policy in the near future (e.g., energy transition, the war in Ukraine, immigration, further EU enlargement).
- How the private sector can seize new opportunities arising from the EU’s security and defence priorities: the role of public-private partnerships and financing mechanisms that support innovation and investment in strategic sectors.
Invited speakers:
Piotr SERAFIN - European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration
Tadeusz TRUSKOLASKI – Mayor of Białystok City
Themis CHRISTOPHIDOU - Director-General, Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission
Mirosław CZEKAJ - President of the Management Board of Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego
Jacek KARNOWSKI - Secretary of State, Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy
Maciej PERKOWSKI - University of Białystok
Key issues:
- The dual-use dimension: How investments in infrastructure, innovation, and technology can serve both civilian and military purposes. Security-related spending can act as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation in the regions.
- Assessing the impact of the adverse geopolitical situation on the economies of the EU’s eastern border regions.
- A discussion of the economic, social, and political arguments for granting special status to the EU’s eastern border regions neighboring Russia and/or Belarus.
A review of consultations on the Pact for the Eastern Border Regions. - EU policies: a debate on current EU policies and potential amendments to specific EU regulations related to the implementation of cohesion policy that could provide a legal basis for supporting eastern border regions, e.g., the European Commission’s Talent Booster Mechanism.
- International cooperation: the role of international cooperation in securing support for the EU’s eastern border regions.
Invited speakers:
Andrzej DOMAŃSKI - Minister of Finance and Economy (TBC)
Marc LEMAITRE - Director-General, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD), European Commission (TBC)
Andrzej DYCHA - President of the Management Board, Polish Investment and Trade Agency
Cezary KAŹMIERCZAK - CEO, Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers
Tomasz STYPUŁKOWSKI - Institute of Innovation and Technology, Bialystok University of Technology Ltd.
Sebastian RYNKIEWICZ - CEO, Evoluma Cluster
Key issues:
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Technological transformation, smart specialisations, and cluster development as tools to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of border regions.
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Can Eastern Europe become a hub for attracting talent through innovation and digitalisation? Challenges related to the “brain drain” versus models for attracting and retaining specialists.
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Effectiveness of national and regional policies and of triple-helix cooperation (business, science, and local government) in building human and innovation potential in the regions.
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Effects of using EU funding for research and development: does the current model actually support the creation of new jobs in high-tech sectors and industries of the future?
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The role of green technologies (“Green Tech”) not only as a grant-driven trend but also as an opportunity for the energy, ecological, and economic transformation of border regions.
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Civil-military (dual-use) cooperation, the importance of technological innovation for security and the development of the defence sector – how the experience and solutions from this area can be applied in regional practice.
Invited speakers:
Dr. Justyna OLĘDZKA - University of Białystok
Dr. habil. Elżbieta KUZBORSKA-PACHA - Senior Legal Adviser to the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities in The Hague. University of Lodz
Dr. Barbara JUNDO-KALISZEWSKA - University of Lodz, TVP-Vilnius
Agnieszka LICHNEROWICZ - Journalist, reporter for Tok FM radio
Anna Maria DYNER - Polish Institute of International Affairs
Mjr Dr Anna GRABOWSKA-SIWIEC - University of Białystok
Wioleta ŁABAZIUK - Chairwoman of the Khmelnytskyi Oblast Council, Ukraine
Key issues:
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Main objectives and assumptions of such programs as the White Paper on European Defence, the National Deterrence and Defence Programme “Eastern Shield,” and the Security and Defence Fund.
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The importance of organizing and functioning civil defence systems, with examples of best practices from other EU countries.
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Challenges faced by local governments and communities in creating comprehensive and flexible crisis management plans.
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Integration of national programs and actions with EU policies for common security and strengthening regional resilience.
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Strengthening the role of local communities, technological innovation, and cross-border cooperation within a joint defence system.
Invited speakers:
Krzysztof GAWKOWSKI - Minister of Digital Affairs, Government Plenipotentiary for Cybersecurity (TBC)
Grzegorz ZAJĄCZKOWSKI - Leader for Research and Innovation Digitalization in the Chancellery of the Prime Minister (TBC)
Agnieszka JANOWSKA, PhD - Director of Research and Development Corporate and Public Affairs, T-Mobile
Łukasz BROMIRSKI - Technical Director, Cisco Systems Poland (TBC)
Mariusz MADEJCZYK - Deputy Director of NASK and Director of New Technologies for Public Policies at NASK
dr Kamil GORYŃ - University of Białystok
Paweł PRUS - Chairman of the Board of the Zamenhof Institute
Key issues:
New threat vectors and the specific nature of hybrid warfare on the eastern border of the EU
- The role of state-sponsored cyberattacks, fake news, disinformation, ransomware extortion, and data theft in cross-border threat scenarios.
- Examples of real incidents in recent years and their effects on the public sector, critical infrastructure, and business.
Building a security ecosystem
- The role of CERT (Computer Emergency Response Teams) and CSIRT in the incident response model in Eastern Europe.
- A systemic approach to the standardization of response procedures, real-time information exchange between services, as well as cooperation with NATO and ENISA.
Digital transformation as both an opportunity and a source of threats
- Challenges related to the implementation of smart solutions (Smart City, IoT, e-government) in border regions: new attack surfaces and the need for rapid adaptation to new technologies.
- The responsibility of business for the security of delivered solutions and the significance of cybersecurity in public procurement.
Business continuity and organizational resilience policies
- Developing cyber contingency plans and attack simulations (cyber range).
- Prevention, detection, rapid response, and organizational resilience to cutting-edge threats (e.g., AI-driven threats).
Human factor – building competences and regional cooperation
- Staff training and programs to attract and retain specialists in regions with lower migration attractiveness.
- The role of international hackathons, competitions, and educational projects in raising awareness and qualifications.
Physical border vs. digital border – cross-border infrastructure security
- Challenges for securing IT systems, logistics, transport, energy, and telecommunications in regions where national borders are also the EU’s cyber borders.
- Coordination between countries and the need to develop common security protocols,
Invited speakers:
Magdalena KOTLARCZYK - President of Google Poland
Michał DŻOGA - Intel Poland Country Manager
Marcin GAJDZIŃSKI - General Manager, IBM Consulting in Central and Eastern Europe
Dariusz PIOTROWSKI - Managing Director of Dell Technologies
Andrzej SZUMOWSKI - Polish Chamber of Commerce
Jarosław ANTYCHOWICZ - CEO of INFINITY GROUP, Podlaskie Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Key issues:
Practical innovations and resilience technologies:
- Discussion of concrete examples of technologies that enhance business resilience, such as cloud computing, process automation, data analytics, e-commerce platforms, and digital logistics systems.
- Technologies that increase supply chain flexibility and risk management.
What does digital transformation mean for SMEs, and how to start?
- Overview of pilot digitalization support programs specifically targeting SMEs in peripheral regions.
- Introduction to fundamental tools, training strategies, and IT investment budgeting.
- Addressing barriers to entry including financial constraints, lack of skills, and mindsets.
How can the eastern flank of the EU catch up on technological gaps?
- Examples of regional and national policy models promoting innovation, including grant systems, technology parks, and industry-academia collaborations.
- Role of international cooperation and access to global R&D networks.
Is international cooperation a real chance for growth?
- Practical examples of cross-border collaboration such as joint projects, knowledge exchange, and cluster initiatives.
- Importance of entrepreneurial networks, trade fairs, and digital platforms.
How can Big Tech support local business?
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- Mechanisms of support, including: training programmes; partnership initiatives; and access to advanced business and technology tools.
- Case studies of successful collaborations between local companies and major tech firms.
- Opportunities for SMEs, start-ups, and innovators, including participation in accelerator programs.
Invited speakers:
Olgierd GEBLEWICZ - Marszałek Województwa Zachodniopomorskiego
Dr hab. Iwona WROŃSKA - Konsul Honorowy Estonii w Białymstoku
Talvikki JORI - Przewodnicząca Komisji Morza Bałtyckiego Konferencja Peryferyjnych Regionów Nadmorskich Europy (CPMR), Region Południowo-Zachodniej Finlandii
Valdemaras SARAPINAS - Ambasador Republiki Litewskiej w Polsce
Martín GUILLERMO RAMIREZ - Sekretarz Generalny Stowarzyszenia Europejskich Regionów Granicznych (AEBR)
Mathias De CLERCQ - Prezydent EUROCITIES, Burmistrz Gandawy
Key issues:
Expansion of the role of lobbying
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Emphasizing the strategic role of lobbying as a tool for shaping the position of a region and influencing decisions related to funding, sectoral policies, and infrastructure development.
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Differences and complementarities of lobbying activities at the local, national, and European levels.
Case studies from various sectors and types of regions
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Analysis of successful lobbying campaigns in various thematic areas (infrastructure, innovation, security, social affairs).
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Consideration of differences between border regions, industrial-urban areas, and agricultural regions.
Modern communication and monitoring tools
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Use of Big Data and AI for legislative monitoring and optimization of lobbying activities.
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Practical discussion of social media campaigns and digital communication strategies.
Coalition building and interregional cooperation
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The importance of creating regional alliances in the EU (e.g., cooperation networks, strategic partnerships) for effective lobbying.
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Experiences from international cooperation platforms (European Committee of the Regions, Association of European Border Regions - AEBR, Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions - CPMR).
Preparation for future challenges
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Planning and adapting lobbying activities to legislative and budgetary changes after 2027.
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Engaging the younger generation of leaders and creating sustainable lobbying structures.
Invited speakers:
Dariusz KLIMCZAK - Minister of Infrastructure (TBC)
Filip CZERNICKI - President of the Management Board of the CPK (TBC)
Cezary CIEŚLUKOWSKI - President of the Suwałki Special Economic Zone
Tomasz SZUBA - President of the Management Board of TINES RAIL (TBC)
Paweł PUDŁOWSKI - Vice-President of the Management Board of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (TBC)
Andrzej STERCZYŃSKI - President of the Management Board of Unibep SA
Key issues:
- Strengthening the transport network as the foundation for free movement: how to integrate different transport modes (road, rail, air, and digital) to ensure the smooth flow of people, goods, and services, which is essential for the economic and social integration of the entire Union.
- Adapting infrastructure to security and climate challenges: discussion of infrastructure projects and strategies based on climate resilience and energy efficiency in the context of Podlasie and other border regions.
- The role of investments in Via Baltica, Via Carpatia, and Rail Baltica: a detailed discussion of the importance of these investments for spatial transformation and local development, including integration with TEN-T transport corridors and the impact on the development of local logistics and industrial clusters.
- Intelligent infrastructure solutions and digitalization: implementations of technologies such as intelligent transport systems (ITS), Smart City solutions, and investments in broadband infrastructure and digital hubs to increase the attractiveness of the regions.
- Public-private cooperation and cross-border partnerships: exchange of best practices and discussion of cooperation models between local governments, the national government, and business sectors jointly implementing large infrastructure projects, as well as the role of European institutions in their financing.
- Infrastructure as a factor attracting foreign investment: analysis of how infrastructure modernization increases the investment potential of regions, develops local economic ecosystems, stimulates innovation, and creates jobs.
- Selected implementation challenges: issues related to coordination between countries, administrative barriers, harmonization of standards, and ensuring the continuity of cross-border infrastructure operations.
Invited speakers:
Maciej ŻYWNO - Deputy Speaker of the Senate
Urszula ROMAŃSKA - Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, European Commission
Marek GÓRSKI – CEO, Lewiatan Confederation
Rafał BRZOSKA - Owner, InPost (TBC)
Robert CIBOROWSKI - President of the Association of Polish Economists
dr Mariusz CITKOWSKI - Uniwersytet w Białymstoku
Dr. Dariusz PERŁO - Vice-President of the Management Board of the Podlasie Regional Development Foundation
Key issues:
Impact of demographic changes on the labour market and local development
- Analysis of the effects of population ageing, population decline, emigration, and the influx of migrants (including refugees) on development potential, the labour market, and public service systems in border regions.
- The role of businesses in addressing labour shortages, strengthening local value chains, and sustaining social activity in the face of demographic change.
Adapting businesses and local governments to new social realities
- Good practices by entrepreneurs and local governments in attracting talent, integrating new residents, stimulating employment, and supporting social innovation.
- Business initiatives for social inclusion, professional activation of disadvantaged groups, seniors, and migrants.
Strengthening social resilience and local entrepreneurship
- How local communities and businesses can counter negative stereotypes about border regions and build a positive image of areas at risk of depopulation or perceived as “unsafe.”
- Examples of initiatives aimed at preventing marginalisation, poverty, and social exclusion, as well as strengthening social capital and trust.
New skills and education in the context of social change
- The need to develop future skills: digital, language, adaptive, and entrepreneurial - the role of formal and non-formal education and curricula adapted to labour market conditions.
- Cooperation between universities, businesses, and local governments in addressing educational challenges and training workforce for the local economy.
Strategic intervention directions and support tools
- Development instruments beyond European Social Fund Plus (EFS+), national and regional programmes, support for social investments, public-private partnerships, and cluster initiatives.
- Examples of flexible responses to social change and testing innovative local solutions.
Invited speakers:
Andrzej Parafiniuk - President of the Management Board of the Podlaskie Fund Ecosystem Agricultural Valley 4.0 - 4Podlaskie
Wojciech DĄBROWSKI - President of the Management Board of Edpol Food & Innovation Sp. z o.o.
Maciej BASIŃSKI - Maslove owner
Maciej DARDZIŃSKI - Director of the Loan Fund, Podlaska Foundation for Regional Development
Key issues:
Financing Innovation and digitalization:
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Special programs for financing innovation and digitalization of enterprises, including the development of products and processes with high growth potential.
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Funds and instruments supporting technological and ecological transformation (e.g., financing green technologies).
Access to venture capital and private equity:
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Models of cooperation with venture capital and private equity funds, including conditions, strategies, and best practices.
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How to build relationships with institutional investors and business angels.
Role of European and national financial instruments:
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Overview of available EU programs (e.g., Horizon Europe, InvestEU, COSME) and national initiatives supporting financing.
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Adjustment of tools to the specifics of border regions and preferred forms of cooperation.
Financial literacy and advisory services:
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Importance of financial education for entrepreneurs and access to professional advisory services.
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Role of information points and support programs for start-ups and developing companies.
Cross-border financial cooperation mechanisms:
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Specifics of financial cooperation in cross-border regions.
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Examples of joint funds, projects, and interregional initiatives.
Impact investment and social finance:
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Modern trends in investments focused on positive social and environmental impact.
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Opportunities to support companies implementing sustainable development goals.
Registration
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