On 20 October, Marshal of Lubelskie Region Jarosław Stawiarski took part in a workshop held in Brussels as part of EU Green Week and the European Week of Regions and Cities 2020.

The event was also attended by high-profile representatives of the European rail sector.

The ECR Member underlined the role of rail and its contribution to the socio-economic development of Europe's regions. He also drew attention to the challenges facing the rail sector in Europe and presented the European Committee of the Regions' recommendations, for which he is rapporteur.

​"Rail is one of the safest, most sustainable and most energy-efficient transport modes. If we really want to achieve climate neutrality, we must promote rail and invest more in its development. ... The Year of European Rail 2021 and active engagement of all stakeholders, including national and regional authorities, provide an opportunity to effect a significant change in the European Union's rail system."

During the meeting the question arose of investment in the Central Transport Hub as a major Polish infrastructure project, and of its significance for the rail sector.

In Marshal Stawiarski's view, expanding the rail network is an attractive alternative to domestic short-haul flights in Poland.

The European Week of Regions and Cities (#EURegionsWeek) is the biggest annual Brussels-based event dedicated to regional policy.