IT-TLETTAX-IL LEĠIŻLATURA

P.L. 2000

Dokument imqiegħed fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra tad-Deputati fis-Seduta Numru 138 tal-1 ta’ Ottubru 2018 mill-Ispeaker, l-Onor. Anġlu Farrugia.

______Raymond Scicluna Skrivan tal-Kamra

International Conference 'Europea of the Carpathians' organised by the Polish Parliament within the framework of the 28th Economic Forum

4 - 6 September 2018 Krynica Zdroj, Poland

Hon Anglu Farrugia, Speaker

Parliamentary Delegation Report to the House of Representatives.

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4-G'h September 2018 f' Date: !

Venue: Warsaw, Poland

Maltese delegation: Honourable Anglu Farrugia, President of the House of Representatives, Mr Ancel Farrugia Migneco, Personal Assistant to the Speaker of the House of Representatives

Programme: At the invitation of the Marshall of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland, H.E. Marek Kuchcinski, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Parliament of Malta, Honourable Anglu Farrugia, was invited to participate at the 28th Economic Forum held in Krynica- Zdroj, Poland

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I L ~ 5th september 2018

Participation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Parliament of Malta at the Conference of the Carpathians.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Honourable Anglu Farrugia participated in the conference held on the 5th of September, at Nowy Dom Zdrojowy, Krynica-Zdroj.

The conference was opened by the Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland Hon. Marek Kuchcinski. In his brief opening speech, Marshal Kuchcinski said that when talking of or referring to Europe, one cannot just stop & refer to the present and the future without referring to foundations of our past fathers' and their experience.

The conference kicked off with the first theme for discussion being: "Europe's neighbours or the neighbours in Europe". The session was moderated by the Deputy Speaker of the Sejm Hon.Ryszard Terlecki. Migration was on top of the agenda. The southern and eastern dimensions of Europe's neighbourhood policy was also discussed. The President of the Romanian Senate, Hon. Claim Popescu, and the Marshal of the Polish Senate Hon.Stanislaw Karczewski also addressed those present with the latter asking whether Brexit will it act as a disease that will infect other countries within the EU and whether the same EU is prepared or not for this eventuality.

The conference continued with the intervention of Hon Vladimir Marinkovic, Deputy Speaker of the Republic of Serbia, and Hon Janos Lactorcai, Deputy Speaker of Hungary, who stated that the effects of the Arab Spring are not over and the EU is to be prepared in case of a large influx of Africans as this will be EU's largest challenge ever.

The Secretary of State & Chief of Cabinet of the Republic of Poland Mr Krzysztof Szczerski, Hon. Andrija Nikolic, Chair of the Montegrin Parliamentary Committee on International Relations and Hon Micaela Navarro Garzon, Vice-President of the Spanish Congress of Deputies, addressed those present. Hon. Navarro Garzon said that no European Country or European Institution should impose policies with regard to migration but all parties within Europe should cooperate together and set a migration policy. She said that last June, 30,000 migrants reached their shores, 19,700 more than in June 2017, but Spain is an accepting country she concluded whilst quoting another statistics stating that 1 of every 5 citizens is not Spanish.

The second conference that Speaker Farrugia participated in was with regard to the Carpathian Strategy-macro-regional development strategy. The conference was moderated by the Polish Minister of Investment and Economic Development Hon. Jerzy Kwiecinski. The conference was addressed by Hon. Mihaly Varga, Hungarian Finance Minister, Mr Dan Octav Paxino, Secretary of State within the EU Funds Ministry of Romania, Wladystaw Ortyl, Marshal of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, who is a Member of Polish European Committee of Regions, Hon. Oleksandr Hanushchyn, Chair of Lviv Regional Council of Ukraine, Ms Denisa Zilakova, Director General of the Central Coordinating Body within the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic and Mr Jean Pierre Halkin, Head of the Macro-Region Unit, Transnational/International Cooperation, IPA, Enlargement at the DG REGIO of the European Commission, who clearly stated that this opportunity one has not just to work about but develop a vision for the benefit of the EU citizens and it's neighbouring countries.

The third conference bearing the title "Infrastructure of Central Europe under reconstruction" with reference to major infrastructure projects in the region of East Central Europe, was moderated by Hon. Bogdan Rzonca, Chairman of the Polish Sejm Committee on Infrastructure. The conference was addressed by Polish Infrastructure Minister Hon. Andzrej Adamczyk, Hon Dan Tok, Czech Republic Transport Minister, Lithuanian Transport and Communications Minister Hon. Rojas Masiulis, Slovak Transport and Construction Minister Hon. Arpad Ersek, Hon. Volodymyr Omelyan, Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister and Hon. Peter Szijjarto, Hungary's Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister, all of whom had a common delivery on the importance of the High-speed rail that connects Warsaw, Krakow, Brno, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade.

After the conference Andrzej Adamczyk invited all parties for the signing of the Joint Statement of Ministers with regard to major infrastructure projects in the East Central Europe region.

Mr Speaker also participated in the conference organised by the Economic Forum. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland the Hon. Mateusz Morawiecki delivered the opening speech. The conference's theme for discussion was:" Investments in Health and Health Economy - Health Challenges of the State in the Context of Economic Development."

i ! Spea er House of Representative•

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! I '. 61h September 2018

Working breakfast between the Marshal of the Sejm and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Parliament of Malta i 1 In the morning of the 6th of September, the Marshal of the Sejm Marek Kuchinski and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Angelo Farrugia, held a working breakfast.

Marshal Kuchinski greeted Mr Speaker and eeting asked his opinion with regard to the conference that took place on the previous day. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Angelo Farrugia said that one cannot take for granted what is taking place in Europe and this is also with regard to the neighbourhood policy.

Speaker Angelo Farrugia said that in these circumstances, we cannot act with white gloves, and all this made him reflect more with regard to the Keynote Address he was to deliver later this afternoon, at the Conference "Europe in search of Values". The question is: Quo Vadis- where are we going? asked Speaker Anglu Farrugia. He also stated that the principles of the French motto "Liberte', Egalite', Fraternite'" have to be actually in place.

Speaker Farrugia continued by saying that although we are 28 member states with the possibility of being 27 if Brexit takes place, it is a question of revisiting and how to reshape the values of Europe for the benefit of all of us, not for the benefit of some of us. He added that as parliamentarians we have an obligation to organise ourselves so as to be effective with regard to the.EU institutions.

He continued by referring to the concept of having Regional Assemblies, adding that, Malta is very active in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean. The PAM includes members from the EU and non EU countries, it discusses topics and decides on such, which decisions may influence other EU States. He informed that the PAM consists of the Assembly, the Bureau, 3 Standing committees and a number of working groups.

Speaker Farrugia said that many mistakes took place throughout the years, and the only remedy is proper dialogue, but definitely not talk shops as a talk shop can take place anywhere but no decisions are taken in such a moment, thus is important

Speaker Farrugia also referred to the 1975 CSCE Conference, and informed that USA and Russia, which together were much stronger than the EU as a whole, had refused Malta's request to include the Mediterranean Chapter in the Final Declaration adding that, at that time, Malta had to vito the Conference for nine whole months. Finally, the members of the CSCE accepted Malta's request to include a reference to the Mediterranean. Thus, this means that you have to dialogue and follow by action, not stop just on dialogue.

Hence, the idea of having a Parliamentary Assembly for the Eastern Central Europe, would be a superb idea based on the model of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, or even better. Our experience since 2005, can lead a helping hand for such setup, concluded Speaker Farrugia.

The Marshal of the Sejm, Marek Kuchinski, thanked Honourable Speaker Farrugia for the eye opening idea and assured that he will follow it up. He looks forward for the experience that Malta gained from PAM and was eager to see the mechanism which PAM works with.

Honourable Marek Kuchinski said that he concurred with what Honourable Speaker Angelo Farrugia had told him which was the ideal way and perfect model that they should work upon. He noted that it was time for the central & Eastern European countries to come together and act together, since they were still absorbing democracy which has existed for a long time within the Western European Countries.

Both Speakers exchanged views on migration issues, the situation in Libya, ISIS, money laundering, human trafficking, amongst other issues. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Parliament of Malta addresses the Conference of the Carpathians- "lntermarium? Three Seas? The idea of Parliamentary Assembly of the East-Central Europe"

The Honourable Anglu Farrugia, Speaker of the House of Representatives, delivered his keynote speech during the High Level Segment panel, which was chaired by Prof Wiodzimierz Bernacki, Professor at Jagiellonian University of the Republic of Poland.

The following issues had been raised during the said panel:

• lntermarium, Three Seas- national or transnational projects? • Conditions for effective implementation of large plans of small states • Main pillars and the most important disadvantages of cooperation between Central & Eastern European countries in the 21~ century • The importance of a permanent mechanism for coordination of legislation for sub-regional associations of states- the example of Benelux & the Nordic Council

The Deputy Speaker of the Senate of Poland, Han. Bogdan Borusewicz, the Deputy Speaker of the Servbian National Assembly, Han Gordana Comic, Han. Mykola Kniazhytskyi, Member of the Supreme Council of Ukraine, Lithuania's Former Prime Minister H.E. Andrius Kubilius and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia & Herzegovina Han Ognen Tadic, also addressed the same conference.

Keynote address by the Han. Speaker Anglu Farrugia, follows. DIPARTIMENT TAL-INFORMAZZJONI DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION MALTA r . r I Press Release

PR181881 06.09.2018

PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER

Speaker Anglu Farrugia delivers his keynote speech at the 'Europe ofthe Carpathians' conference organised by the Sejm ofthe Republic ofPoland in Krynica, Poland

Your Excellency Marek Kuchcinski, Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland, Your Excellency Stanislaw Karczewski, Marshal of the Senate of the Republic of Poland, Excellencies, Distinguished guests,

It is indeed a great honour for me to be here today and to participate in this conference. I wish to wholeheartedly thank the Marshal of the Sejm and the Marshal of the Senate for the very warm welcome and their hospitality. They should also be praised for taking the lead to further promote relations between national parliaments.

As a Mediterranean nation, Malta follows closely maritime issues, that encompass energy, the environment, climate change, disaster management and trade, although its main function of enabling dialogue can be easily applied to other areas of interest. Dialogue is vital in dealing with economic, political, environmental and social challenges. The three seas that are the subject oftoday's session and the Mediterranean are rich in history and culture and these form and shape our behaviour nowadays. Our respective regions need to adapt to new challenges, from climate change and its increasingly severe consequences on our weather to changes in our economy as IT and artificial intelligence are changing our work and social patterns at an increasingly fast rate.

Malta has always historically encouraged dialogue between different countries and civilisations and has worked relentlessly to stabilise relations in the region. It is more than 40 years ago that upon Malta's insistence a chapter on the Mediterranean was included in the final declaration of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. In my address here today, I would like to reflect on the structure and the work of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean - known more commonly by its acronym PAM - which has its Secretariat in Malta since 2009. Over the past years the PAM has been instrumental in bringing to the fore particular areas for dialogue through parliamentary representatives from its Member States.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean is structured in such a way as to comprise a number of committees discussing a number of different themes. The main organs of the PAM consist of the Assembly, the Bureau, three Standing Committees, ad hoc committees, Special Task Forces and the Secretariat. The three Standing Committees are very important interparliamentary tools as they draw up opinions and recommendations on political, economic, environmental, cultural and social issues. Although these opinions and recommendations are not binding on the parliaments of

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3, CASTILLE PLACE, VALLETIA VLT 2000 Tel +(356) 22001700 Fax +(356) 2200 1775 [email protected] www.doi.gov.mt

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the PAM, they signal a political will to act and push for action. The three Standing Committees are the following:

• The First Standing Committee on Political and Security-Related Cooperation • The Second Standing Committee on Economic, Social and Environmental Cooperation • The Third Standing Committee on Dialogue among Civilisations and Human Rights.

The setting up of these committees was followed by the setting up of a number of working groups under the form of ad hoc Committees and Special Task Forces, which include:

• A Working Group on Terrorism and Organized crime; • A Panel on Trade and Investment in the Mediterranean; • A Working Group on Human Rights and; • Working group on the Environment

A regional parliamentary assembly benefits from the setting up of specialised committees as it is an effective means of bringing together Members of Parliament with an interest to focus on the specific issues that the region is facing. It is pertinent to focus on specific economic challenges and particular situations that some of the countries present here are facing with regard to their territory. As mentioned earlier, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean has also set up an ad hoc committee on energy and related issues. I am sure that through first-hand experience all of us not only recognise the importance of a secure energy supply to our economies, but we are increasingly understanding how closely it is related to climate change and the environment. The impact of the environment on the citizens' well-being is well-documented, and therefore it is essential for parliamentary assemblies to discuss these areas if Members of Parliament aim to make their mandate meaningful for their electors.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean has also set up a task force on small and medium sized enterprises and maritime trade. The role of small and medium enterprises in our economies cannot be underestimated. These enterprises are at the forefront of innovation and creativity that help to propel our economies forward and to boost both employment as well as research and innovation. This area is also particularly relevant to ensure innovation and development in the energy sector. This is essential for both the Mediterranean and for Central and Eastern Europe which face their own energy challenges. Through innovation and the right legislative framework, the private sector should be encouraged to take positive actions to transform these challenges into economic opportunities. In the Mediterranean area our approach to renewable energy, thanks to the abundant sun which shines brightly almost all year round, solar energy is of particular importance.

Unfortunately, organized crime and terrorism have become an everyday threat in our countries and we cannot afford not to recognise that this has to be contended with. These delicate and sensitive subjects are also discussed in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and fall within the remit of a Working Group on Terrorism and organised crime. Esteemed colleagues,

With the benefit of having served in Parliament for a number of years, both as a Member ofParliament and as Speaker, I view the role of a regional assembly as an essential forum for the discussion and exchange of ideas and a meeting of cultures that is so essential in our times. However, our work should not stop at the dialogue as otherwise we will be relegated to 'another talking shop'. These

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DIPARTIMENTTAL·INFORMAZZJONI· DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION MALTA inter-parliamentary exchanges should translate into investment in our infrastructure, particularly in our energy infrastructure. Some of our economies are enjoying a good period of economic growth, however this necessitates long-term investment to be sustained.

Of course, our membership of the EU or its close proximity, means that our actions require further coordination within or with the bloc. Regional assemblies facilitate this coordination when they can speak with one voice. The ParHamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean has helped increase contacts between the European Union and the Mediterranean and this is important to also increase economic contacts and to deepen economic ties. In the EU there has been growing realisation of the economic potential of neighbouring countries to help improve economic ties. Malta has always historically encouraged dialogue between different countries and civilisations. Esteemed colleagues,

To conclude, as Speaker of the Maltese House of Representatives I am very pleased to see that Central and Eastern European Parliaments are working to establish an inter-parliamentary Assembly. It is my strong belief that such assemblies help our respective national assemblies to participate in a stronger dialogue on the major issues that concern our countries. Let us take forward this dialogue in our common pursuit of peace and prosperity for all.

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DIPARTIMENT TAL·INFORMAZZJONI- DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION MALTA

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Parliament of Malta addresses the zgth Economic Forum.

In the evening hours of the 6'h of September, Mr Speaker participated and addressed the conference "Europe in Search of Values".

The conference, which was moderated by Jacek Karnowski, Editor in-Chief of Sieci Weekly, Fratria, discussed what values should be the foundations of Europe of the future. Contemporary Europe is more and more divided and troubled by issues such as Brexit, migration crisis. Is it facing the threat of losing a common identity and the cultural heritage of many centuries? What are the chances to find common values for Europe?

The panel was composed of Metropolitan Archbishop of Riga, Zbigniew Stankiewicz, the Metropolitan Bishop of Cracow, Marek Jedrasewski, Hon. Janos Latorcai, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary,Hon. Marek Kuchcinski, Speaker of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland and Hon. Angelo Farrugia, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Parliament of Malta.

Keynote address by the Hon. Speaker Anglu Farrugia, follows. DIPARTIMENT TAL-INFORMAZZJONI DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION MALTA Press Release

PR 181891 06.09.2018

PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER

Keynote speech by Speaker Anglu Farrugia at the 28th Economic Forum held in Kyrnica, Poland­ "Unfortunately, there are a number of difficult and complex challenges ahead of us which are proving too difficult to resolve. This is therefore the time for Europe to search for its values, for what unites it as a union, for its origin and for its own identity."

Your Excellency Marek Kuchinski, Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland Your Excellency Janos Latorcai, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary Most Reverend Marek Jydraszewski, Archbishop of Krakow Mr Jacek Kamowski, Editor-in-Chief of Sieci Weekly, Fratria, Poland

Every European, indeed every person in the world, should have the right to enjoy basic rights and freedoms, from birth until death. Rights and freedoms should apply regardless of who you are, where you live, what you believe in and how you choose to live your life. They are inalienable and can be restricted only in specific cases. Rights and freedoms are based on values such as dignity, fairness, equality, respect and independence. At the European level, these are defined and protected by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU which contains all personal, civil, political, economic and social rights enjoyed by people within the EU.

The motto of the French Revolution - liberte, egalite, fratemite - remains relevant to this day. Three powerful words which summarise all that is familiar to us, our very essence and our own identity: openness; tolerance; equal opportunity; a strong defence of the public good, such as fair income distribution and social protection; separation of powers; respect for the rule of law and cultural unity. Contrary to other parts of the world, Europe attaches huge importance to the social democratic model, as opposed to the USA and emerging economies which are mostly emulating the USA's capitalist model. In the European Union, one can safely argue that there are relatively high degrees of social protection, affordable or free education and healthcare, which distinguishes us from other important global players. It is the values of liberte, egalite, fratemite, which lie at the heart of the European continent.

Alas, a number of recent events have put these values at stake which, in the absence of remedial and bold action, could jeopardise the European project which is based on them. Unfortunately, there are a number of difficult and complex challenges ahead of us which are proving too difficult to resolve. This is therefore the time for Europe to search for its values, for what unites it as a union, for its origin and for its own identity. This depends on us, on how we choose to react and respond to these challenges. These challenges can only be overcome in a unified and sustainable manner if the Member States show the political will to address problems in solidarity with one another. It is also a test for our continent's values and human rights standards because any solution should be built on a more human-

Attachments: photos Page: 1of3 It. 3, CASTILLE PLACE, VALLETTA VL T 2000 Tel +(356) 22001700 Fax +(356) 2200 1775 [email protected] www.doi.gov.mt centred approach. In addition to maintaining unity within the Union we must keep in mind that we are after all citizens of the world; we should not only work towards having good relations with our neighbours, but also with our neighbours' neighbours, and their neighbours too. After all, our European values are founded on Christian values. There should not be 'us' and 'them' -we are all human beings with the same needs. Showing kindness and compassion to those less fortunate than us is also part of our European identity. It is what our forefathers have passed to our fathers, who in turn passed to us, what we should be teaching our own children, and what we expect from others whenever we are overburdened. Practising what we preach is an act of courage and love. Love for our neighbour, irrespective of who he is, where he comes from, and his belief. We have all heard the parable of the Good Samaritan in the Bible who helped the injured Jew, his enemy. This is our responsibility as politicians; to make difficult decisions; to act differently, with compassion, courage and determination, and to set a positive example to the rest of the world, if we want our Union to be considered as a force for good.

Quo vadis our Europe? Where did we fail? I believe that we have failed to listen to the plight of our people, to their concerns, and to act upon their needs. Without delving into much detail, the recent economic and financial crisis, and the manner it was dealt with, are certainly to blame. Both the crisis and the response to it, exposed a widening gap between the rich and the poor, the privileged few and the rest of society.

Politicians who want to make a positive change need to shift the focus to values, not short-term results and interests. Brexit; tax avoidance and profit shifting by giant multi-nationals; climate action and respect for the environment; scientific and technological development; social integration and tolerance ... are valid examples. Not only we need to act swiftly to address these challenges, but the response that we opt for must be a reflection of our founding principles and values. This should be a priority for the EU in a world where money and ego-centred nationalist politics dictate. Choosing values is however the harder alternative. But they are indeed what sets us apart when compared to other superpowers. Values have always been high on the European agenda. Both in the EU's internal and external affairs. The EU' s soft power has many times delivered positive change without recurring to violent conflict. Enlargement and the EU's Neighbourhood Policy are good examples of this.

When talking about the EU projecting European values globally, the subject becomes more complicated. It is perhaps easier to defend interests than values, also when dealing with other non-EU super powers. Europeans possibly believe that defending interests is somehow immoral because it defines the EU's position against that of others in an egoistic way. Disregarding values is easier but it comes at a hefty price. A values-dominated approach is also difficult to accept for the EU's counterparts.

Adopting a values-based approach when dealing with non-EU superpowers or third countries does not come without challenges. First, the EU cannot spread its values by force. The best way to spread values is by adhering to them oneself. Second, the EU cannot easily ignore them in its dealings with the world, despite relativist temptations, without undermining itself. And finally, it needs a vibrant, rational, and cool-headed debate about its interests, so that it is never only its values that it brings to the table when it sits down with its counterparts from around the world. The same rationale should apply when dealing with challenges internally. There is nothing immoral about this. The important thing is not to only base one's decisions entirely on interests, completely forgetting European values. That wouldn't be European!

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DIPARTIMENT TAL·INFORMAZZJONI- DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION MALTA I ' I

EU membership is in itself evidence that the Member States within the EU are fully bound by the Charter of Fundamental Rights ofthe EU which must be reflected in practice. This is the responsibility of EU Governments towards the EU of which they are full members. EU membership is not about picking and choosing what one likes best or the easiest solutions; it is first and foremost about values. Furthermore, EU membership is about a way of life - also reflected in sport, arts, culture ... which also reflect and promote our values. On the other hand, we, as politicians, have a duty to promote values through our work. Presidents of Parliaments are at the helm of the highest political institution in the Member States and thus well-placed to lead by example.

I believe the way forward is to listen more to our people and their concerns and explore ways in which to address them in a way that safeguards our values. This requires political courage, maturity and responsibility to speak the truth to those we represent, not promising easy and short-sighted solutions that run counter to the common good of our societies.

Working with others, including those from very different political backgrounds, will require a huge effort to reach difficult compromises, which are only possible if we surmount our egoism and nationalist approaches which are not a solution in our deeply interconnected world.

In conclusion, I would like to add that ignoring our values would be ignoring who we are and where we come from. The benefits of prioritising an approach based on values are many - as I have said, they create predictability and stability which have an overall positive effect on society, on the economy, within the state and beyond. Let us not take for granted a project that has taken us years to build and which has brought us so much peace, stability and progress. Let us also have values in mind, not only interests, whenever we debate the EU and its future. Being European is part of our DNA and being European means to have European values and to implement them.

Thank you for your attention.

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DIPARTIMENTTAL·INFORMAZZJONI- DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION MALTA Annex to this report:

• Letter of invitation endorsed by H.E. Marek Kuchcinski, Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland to the Honourable Anglu Farrugia, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malta, to participate at the 28th Economic Forum held in Kyrnica Zdroj. • Programme

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I Marszalek S~imu Rzeczypospo li t~j Polsk.i~j Warszawa. 11/ipca 2018 roku

Szanm11ny Panie Przewodniczqcy,

Pragnrt serdecznie ::aprosic Pana Przewodniczqcego do udzialu ll' kvlejnej konferencji z cyklu ., Europa Karpat ". kt6rq Sejm Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej organi::l(je w ramach XXVIIJ Forum Ekonomic::nego ll' K1ynicy Zdroju \1' dniach 5-6 wl·:ze,i'nia 2018 r.

Podczas texoroc::nej konferencji chcielibys:my dokonai: przeglqdu dotyc:hczasowychform wsp6/prac~v w regionie Europy Srodkowej i Wschodniej. lakich jak Trojmorze (.':zy Collexium Carpathicum. B~dziemy ro\vniet kontynuo..,vai: dysku~ir: na temal Strategii Karpackiej. be::pieczeJ1stwa regionu. }ego i1~ji·mtruktwy. w\polnych warto.S: ci oraz przyszlo,ki Europy i wy:zwwi sfr~jqcych przed niq. m. in. w zwiqzku :: migracjq i 5yluacjq demogrqficznq.

Podobnie jak w latach ubieglych do ::abrania glosu w trakcie kmiferencji zostali zuproszeni Przewodniczqcy Parlamen/6\1' :: p01istw Europy Srodkowej i Wschodniej, parlamentarzy.S"ci z Parlamentu Europejskiego i parlamentow narodowych. uczeni. reprezentanci r::qd()w, samorzqd6w, uczelni wytszych ora:: organizacji po::ar::qdowych. Bylbym niezmiernie rad, gdyby Pan Przewodniczqcy zechcial wziq(: udzial w panelu ,Tr6jmorze - przyklady wsp6lpracy pa(lstw europejskich''.

Wierzf, :::e 1egoroczna kOI?{erencja br;dzie stanowila doskonalq motliwo.\'i: wypracowania odpowiedzi na prob/en1y i wyzwania. z jakimi mierzq si~ pw1stwa kwpackie oraz Europa. a takie przyczyni si(j do zacieinienia naszej wspr)/praC}' i wzmocnienia partnerskich wi~d mif!d::y '!>t'.cystkimi stronami dzialajqcymi na rzecz roZl1 '0ju Karpal i cctlej Europy ..~rodkowej i Wschodniej.

Zywi~ glfjbokq nadzie}ft. ie Pan Przewodniczqcy, ::achflcony bogatq i bardzo aktualnq fematykq konferencji w KJ)micy, zaszczyci jq sv.·ojq obecno.~ciq. a \t' pr::ypadku hraku mo:tliwo .~ ci osobistego uczestniclwa ::echce Pan wydeleguwai· swojego ZaslftpC?.

W oczekiH'aniu na nasze spotkanie, lqczfJ wyrazy szacunku.

Marek Kuchcil1ski

Pan Angelo Farrugia Pr=ewodniczqc~v lzby Reprezentan16w Republiki A;Ja/ty

Vale lla /courtesy translation/

Warsaw, 18 July 2018

Dear Mr. President

l am cordially inviting you to participate in another conference of the cycle "Europe of the Carpathians" which the Sejm of the Republic of Poland is organizing in the framework of the 28th Economic Forum in Krynica Zdr6j on 5-6 September this year.

During this year's conference, we would like to review the to-date forms of our collaboration in the Region of Central and Eastern Europe, such as the Three Seas Initiative and Collegium Carpathicum. We will also continue our discussions on the Carpathian Strategy, the Region's security, infrastructure, shared values as well as Europe's future and challenges in connection with, among other things, migration and the demographic situation.

As in the past years, we have invited the Speakers of Parliaments from Central and Eastern European States, Members of the European Parliament and national parliaments, scientists, government, local self-government, university and non­ governmental organization representatives to take the floor during the conference. The conference program moreover includes a panel entitled: "Three Seas - One Region - cooperation between European countries". l would be honoured if you would like to take part in it as one of the panelists.

I believe that this year's conference will be an excellent opportunity to work out the answers to the problems and challenges facing the Carpathian countries and Europe at large, and will also help to strengthen our collaboration and partnerships among all stakeholders working for the development of the Carpathians and entire Central and Eastern Europe. I cherish the hope that finding the rich and most topical agenda of the Krynica conference quite encouraging, you \\ill, Mr. President, honor it with your presence, or, in the absence of possibility of your participation in person, will kindly delegate your Deputy.

Looking forward to our meeting, I remain yours sincerely,

1-1 Marek Kuchciftski

,' - Europe of the Carpathians- Krynica 2018 l Proposals for panel titles and their progression

-Plenary session: Europe of tlte Carpatltians in 21st century Europe, r 1 Debate with Speakers of Carpathian Region's Parliaments

-Panel discussions

5-6 September 2018 (Wednesday-Thursday)

1. "Europe's Neighbors or the Neighbors in Europe?" the southern and eastern dimensions of Europe's neighborhood policy, - the migration policy- experiences and the future.

2. "Growth in the Carpathians- Growth Around the Carpathians" - The Carpathian Strategy - macro regional development strategy, -Strategies for the development ofEU's Carparthian neighborhood.

3."lnfrastructure of Europe of the Carpathians under Reconstruction" -Via Carpalia - "way of life" - Rail Baltica. -High-speed rail Warszawa-Krak6w-Brno-Bratislava-Budapest-Belgrade - Odra-Danube Canal.

4. "The Carpathians' Quiet Polonyny- how to assure political securitv in Europe of the Carpathians?" - Visegrad -how much together, how much "plus" ?, -restless neighborhood in the east, - migration.

5. "The Eastern Shield of the Atlantic Alliance". - military cooperation in the Region, -close and distant allies (US) - frozen conflicts.

6. "How to Support the Family? A new dimension of family policy in Europe of the Carpathians" - how to support the family- national strategies, - how to support the family - good practices, - demographic challenges in Central and Eastern Europe.

7. "In Paths of the Sages- Collegium Carpathicum" - a new project for academic cooperation in the Carpathian region.

8. "The Carpathian Oikoumene- how to save it for future generations?" - development of mountainous areas in European growth policies, - environmental policy, - how to best use the resources of the Carpathians to improve the standard of living of the contemporary people, while securing resources for the future generations?

1 9. "Europe of the Carpathians - the heritage of many cultures - Christian foundations" - intellectual profiles, I ' - symbols, myths, archetypes, identities, i - indomitable people, - symbolic places. -Christianity's role in shaping Europe's contemporary face.

10. "Quo Vadis, Europe? "·directions of Europe's development and the future of the European Union" -parliamentary diplomacy -international actions by the parliaments of Carpathian Europe and their impact on cooperation in the macro-region under the conditions of globalization, integration and blurring of the classical tripartite separation of powers -Is the division into the old and the new Member States fading out in retrospect -14 years on since the largest ever enlargement of the EU? -are we in a position to reconcile the postulates for greater integration in the EU with the vision of a Europe of solidary and sovereign states?

11. Parliamentarv Assembly of East-Central Europe- Three Seas? Intermarium?

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'l___ Europe In Search of Values

contemporary Europe, more and more divided issues such as Brexit or migration crisis, faces a common identity and cultural heritage of rn,,.,,..,,.• there a chance to find common values for Europe, ethnically and politically today? What values should ment for Europe of upcoming years?

Moderator: Jacek Karnowski, Editor-in-Chief of Sieci Weekly, Poland

Speakers: Angelo Farrugia, Speaker, House of Representatives, Marek Jedraszewski, Metropolitan Bishop of Cracow, Catholic Archdiocese of Kra k6w, Poland Marek Kuchcinski, Speaker, Sejm, Poland Janos Latorcai, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly, H Status as at 16.07.2018 "Europe of the Carpathians" Conference during the 28th Economic Forum Krynica-Zdroj, 5-6 September 2018

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

DATE AND PlACE OF THE MEETING The "Europe of the Carpathians" Conference shall take pla ce on 5-6 September 2018 as part of the 28th Economic Forum. The debates will be held in specially prepared conference facilities in the centre of Krynica-Zdr6j. "Europe of the Carpathians" Conference participants automatically receive an accreditation to participate in all events of the 28th Economic Forum taking place on 5-6 September 2018.

REGISTRATION OF PARTICIPANTS Registration of participants shall take place exclusively by electronic means via an on-line form available on the Economic Forum website. NOTICE: Modification- this year the registration consists of 2 stages. After submitting the first stage of the registration you will receive the access link to the second stage of the registration. Only after finalizing the second stage of the registration you will receive the final confirmation of your participation in the conference.

Polish version: https://www.forum-ekonomiczne .pl/rejestracja-forum­ ekonomiczne/ form/Karpaty?open=FEkarpaty2018to& lang=pl

English version: https://www.forum-ekonomiczne.pl/rejestracja-forum­ ekonomiczne/form/Karpaty?open=FEkarpaty2018to& lang=en

Final registration date: 14 August 2018

HOTEl BOOKING The Chancellery of the Sejm provides accommodation during the Conference at Hotel Wierchomla Ski & Spa Resort (Wierchomla Mala 42, 33-350 Piwniczna Zdr6j, Poland), located approx. 30 km from Krynica-Zdr6j. The Chancellery of the Sejm will only pay the accommodation costs of the panellists. All other participants cover their own accommodation costs. The accommodation cost is approx. PLN 260 (approx. 60€) per person per night. Participants are requested to make their accommodation reservations via e-mail addressed to: [email protected]. The number of places in the hotel is limited. Should there be no more rooms available at Wierchomla Ski & Spa Resort, participants are required to book their own accommodation.

PARTICIPANTS ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES We recommend arriving in Krynica-Zdr6j by car. In case of air travel and arrival in Krak6w-Balice airport, delegations may use the shuttle bus provided by the Economic Forum. Transport may be booked until14 Au gust 2018 at the INFOFO RUM platform.

1 The journey from Kra kow to Krynica Zdr6j by bus takes approx. 3 hours. The Cha nce llery of the Sejm arranges transport between Wierchomla Hotel and the conference ce ntre in Krynica-Zdr6j during t he "Europe of the Carpathians" Conference only.

ID BADGES Pa rticipan ts w ill receive ID badges in the main reception of the Forum in Krynica-Zd r6j (they may be collected at the following dates: 4-6 September 2018). Fo r security reasons, conference participants are asked to wea r their ID badges throughout the whole co nfe rence and at any other Forum sessions t hey may attend. Access to all Forum facilities and accompanying events will only be possible upon presenta tion of ID badges.

CONFERENCE MATERIALS Upda ted versions of the "Europe of the Carpathians" Co nference programme and other documents will be forwarded on an on-going basis via e-mail. Documents and conference materials will be ava ilable in Polish and English.

CONFERENCE lANGUAGES AND TRANSLATIONS The working languages of the Conference are Polish and English. There is a possibility of providing interpretation for other languages if there are more participants representing other countries.

ORGANISERS OF THE "EUROPE OF THE CARPATHIANS" CONFERENCE: Grzegorz Kowal, International Affairs Bureau of the Chancellery of the Sejm Tel. : +48 22 694 19 36 e-mail: [email protected]

Barbara Wroriska-Terlecka, International Affairs Bureau of the Chancellery of the Sejm Te l. : +48 22 694 18 10 e-mail: [email protected]

Aleksandra Wawdejuk, International Affairs Bureau of the Chancellery of the Sejm Tel.: +48 22 694 26 55 e-mail: [email protected]

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