Due to its geographical location, Lublin has been a place that has brought together different nations, civilisations and diverse cultures. Last year we celebrated the 450th anniversary of the signing of the Union of Lublin, which established one of the biggest countries in Europe at the time – the Commonwealth of Two Nations. The signing of that document represents one of the key events not only for our region, but for Europe as a whole.

The structural, economic and social solutions adopted at the time still provide an excellent model for cooperation between nations. It is based on freedom of choice, cooperation in areas of mutual interest and respect for the partner. The tradition we grew up with is still alive in us today and forms an important and valid reference point for the people living in our region. We want our EU membership to be part of this model for the development of the Lubelskie region.

Poland has been a member of the European Union since 1 May 2004. Throughout these years, much has changed in our region. The most well known and expensive project carried out under the Regional Operational Programme for the Lubelskie region (ROP WL) is the construction of Lublin Airport. Road-building projects are also worth mentioning, with a total value exceeding PLN 978 million. And we should not forget the Centre for the Meeting of Cultures (CSK) in Lublin. It cost more than PLN 170 million to build (including EUR 126 million in EU support). CSK and the neighbouring Lublin Conference Centre in Lublin are intrinsic symbols of the transformations that have taken place in our region thanks to our membership of the European Union.

Other major projects carried out under the ROP WL include: investments in the health service, measures to adapt waste management facilities in the region, funding for digital surveying resources in the Lubelskie region, boosting the capital of Lublin Development Foundation's loan fund and the building of the city stadium in Lublin.

Many of the investments are funded under national programmes, i.e. those paid for by central bodies (such as ministries). These include the Lublin bypass, the No 747 provincial road with a new bridge over the Vistula in Kamień, the Frampol bypass, and the construction of a broadband network for the Lubelskie region. There is no doubt that the Eastern Poland Operational Programme (in addition to the above-mentioned ROP WL) has also been crucial for our region, and five regions are seeking to have it extended (Lubelskie, Świętokrzyskie, Podkarpackie, Podlaskie and Warmińsko-Mazurskie).

Our membership of the European Union undoubtedly serves the development of our region. We are a region that needs to make the most of EU support. That is why we appreciate every euro and we try to invest it in the best way possible. Recently, the spending of European funds under the Regional Operational Programme for the Lubelskie region has been significantly stepped up. This is a good sign for the future, and ahead of us we have the next programming period, where will seek to secure the best possible funding for the Lubelskie region.