GORZÓW - THE GATE
TO THE WEST

- As from the approaching date of Poland's accession to the European Union, both Gorzów itself and the entire Lubuskie Voivodeship will be on the point of direct contact. The town has been called "the gate to the West" for a long time now, but how well are you actually prepared for the reality?
- We all hope that Poland will soon become one of the full members of the European Union. All efforts are taken to ensure appropriate entry to the EU structures.
In fact, Gorzów has long been referred to as "the gate to the West" and not without a reason. Among the abundant arguments is its location at the junction of the European trade routes, with a well-developed network of rail and road connections and a large number of border crossings.
I must say that the city is already conducting intensive preparations for integration with Europe. The results of our work were noted in 1999 when we were awarded with the European Commission Diploma in the contest "The City and the European Union Requirements", and the European Council Diploma awarded for our efforts in favor of European integration.
What is more, Gorzów's local government realizes many investments with the PHARE help funds at the level of EUR 3-4m p.a. The investments are run under supervision of the European Union and accounted for in line with EU instructions and regulations.

- For several years now, Gorzów has been a center of Pro Europa Viadrina Euroregion, acting as a connective tissue with Berlin and Brandenburg. How do the Euroregion's activities translate into business developments in the city and stimulation of science and culture contacts, etc.?
- Euroregions are functioning all over Europe. Also in our area, we have "Pro Europa Viadrina" which energetically pursues its statutory objectives.
The vicinity of the German border and our part in the Euroregion facilitate contact with partners.
For seven years now, we have been cooperating with the Germans under the "Pro Europa Viadrina" Euroregion while realizing joint, trans-border projects and taking advantage of Union subsidies. Numerous projects stimulate growth of the transport, technical and muni-cipal infrastructure, as well as improvement of the natural environment.
As part of the Euroregion activities, working groups - project management - have been established for tourism and economy, where the local government representatives actively pursue the objective of better life for the residents of our city and the region. We realize over 100 projects per annum as part of "Pro Europa Viadrina" Euroregion.
- What dowry does Gorzów land bring into the European integration? After all, nothing comes free in geopolitics, so how do you evaluate our chances for real partner-level cooperation?
- Gorzów Wlkp. has a very interesting offer for its future partners upon entry into an integrated Europe. We offer attractive land for investment and preferential investment terms. Our region attracts investment, which may be proved by the large number of companies with foreign capital that have opened their offices here. Investors in Gorzów may take advantage of the help offered by many organizations uniting foreign entrepreneurs and investors, numerous banks.
Natural resources such as petroleum, natural gas and timber probably increase the economic attractiveness of Gorzów land.
The network of vocational education is well developed; hence we may count on young and well-trained staff.
We are completing the reorganization of Gorzów's city transport system, including the city's western ring road. We have great facilities for tourism development and another asset is the modern Sports and Rehabilitation Center "Słowianka" with a complex of swimming pools, a skating rink and bowling alleys.
- And what can we expect in exchange from this integration? What role should these processes play in the region's development plans? What areas of the city's communal life should they stimulate in a direct way?
- Following Poland's accession to the European Union, the possibility of cooperation between all towns and their foreign partners will be greater. The authorities of Gorzów Wlkp. count on further and expanded regular contact with their partners, easier access to funding from the European Union and in terms of economic development, on quicker acquisition of foreign capital. Many residents work in the EU even now, Gorzów based companies operate in Germany. Thanks to entry into the EU, all of the above will be easier.
Gorzów schools certainly hope for contacts to intensify youth exchange. Realization of many tasks is bound to become more efficient.
Opening the borders will stimulate growth in the number of tourists visiting our country and our city.