The region of Skåne, Sweden, demonstrates the importance of infrastructure and connectivity are for local and regional communities. Skåne, located a few kilometers from the coast of Denmark and serving as a critical gateway to the Baltic Sea, represents a crucial juncture in cross-border relationships. With Denmark holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union as from 1 July, this EU Local Dialogue aims to hold timely discussions and debate on connectivity, investments in critical infrastructure and defence, as well as preparedness of local territories and communities vis-à-vis security threats.

The event is set to take place the day before the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) Bureau meeting in Copenhagen, symbolising the importance of investing in connectivity and preparedness in regions like Skåne.

Local experts, elected politicians and members of the public administration will debate these important topics divided in two panels. The event is hosted and organised by Michael Rosenberg, ECR-CoR Bureau Member and Municipal Councilor in Helsingborg, and will feature international guest speakers and CoR members.

Programme

18:00 - Opening remarks by Michael Rosenberg, ECR-CoR Bureau Member and Municipal Councilor in Helsingborg

Welcome remarks by Jacopo Piccinetti, Secretary General, ECR Group in the CoR

18:20 - Panel debate I 

Infrastructure and connectivity: Swedish regions and EU funds

• Nicklas Nilsson, Regional Councilor
• Christian Orsing, Chairman of the Municipal Executive in Helsingborg 
• Matilda Hjelm-Aspelund, Councillor Helsingborgs stad
• Peter Lindberg, Chairman of the Municipal Executive, Åstorp
• Alexander Svensson, Chairman of the standard building committee in Helsingborg

18:50 - Coffee break

19:10 - Panel debate II

Civil preparedness and security: unlocking the potential of northwestern Skåne 

• Christian Orsing, Chairman of the Municipal Executive in Helsingborg
• Mikael Henrysson, Chairman of the Municipal Executive in Bjuv
• Hanna Nilsson, Municipal councilor, Hässleholm 
• Teddy Nilsson, Chairman of the Municipal Executive in Svalöv 
• Daniel Engström, Group leader in Landskrona
• Petri Kaldjärv, Chairman of the Sweden Democrats in Helsingborg

19:40 - Closing remarks by Michael Rosenberg, ECR-CoR Bureau Member and Municipal Councilor in Helsingborg