Around 100 secondary school students took part in the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) Local Dialogue on the European dimension of regional security held in Starogard Gdański. During the debate, Mieczysław Struk (PL/EPP), President of the Pomorskie Region and Member of the European Committee of the Regions, outlined the key security challenges facing regions today, including energy security, the protection of critical infrastructure, health security, civil protection and preparedness for crises. He also presented projects supported by the Pomorskie Regional Government and highlighted the role of European Union funding in strengthening citizens’ safety.
“In Pomorskie, there is much critical infrastructure, such as ports, railways, industrial facilities, and pharmaceutical plants. We must ensure their security,” said Mieczysław Struk. Highlighting the region's contribution to Europe's resilience, he added: “In Pomorskie Region, projects aimed at ensuring energy security are underway, such as the construction of the first nuclear power plant and the first offshore wind farm.” Looking ahead to future economic and security developments, he stressed that “the defence industry will expand in Pomorskie Region, for example, through the manufacture of drones.”
The event focused on the European dimension of regional security in the current geopolitical context, including the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Iran, climate-related threats and increasing levels of armament. Building on the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU’s emphasis on external, internal, information, economic, energy, food and health security, the discussion explored how these challenges are addressed at regional and local level.
The debate concluded with an exchange between policymakers and young participants. Students had the opportunity to submit questions in advance and engage directly with speakers on issues related to security, resilience and the role of the European Union. The meeting aimed to strengthen young people’s understanding of how security is managed at regional and local levels, raise awareness of EU programmes supporting these efforts and encourage open dialogue between decision-makers and youth.