The Information Office of the Wielkopolska Region in Brussels has existed since 2003. The following are its main tasks:

INFORMATION

The Information Office of the Wielkopolska Region deals with searching for information, significant for development of the region and with providing it to Wielkopolska. Staff members of the office learn about new legal regulations and concepts of the EU authorities regarding regional policy as well as other EU policies by participating in numerous meetings, conferences and by monitoring news which pours from EU institutions and advisory bodies. The most relevant information is sent directly to departments of the Marshal Office of the Wielkopolska Region, other self-governments, higher education institutions, enterprises, associations, non-governmental organisations and other interested partners. The Information Office of the Wielkopolska Region has the following Internet portal www.wielkopolska.eu with up-to-date information on EU events, EU programmes and projects as well as on activity of our region on the EU forum.

COOPERATION WITH EUROPEAN PARTNERS

The Wielkopolska Office in Brussels cooperates on daily basis with numerous regions of the EU which have their representations in Brussels. This cooperation mainly includes a constant exchange of information, organisation of meetings for working groups dealing with particular projects and common lobbing for the regional interests. In addition, the office cooperates with Polish diplomatic posts jointly organising thematic meetings, cultural events and study visits. The office is in constant contact with EU institutions and advisory bodies, which enables it to actively fulfil many multidisciplinary tasks.

PROMOTION OF THE REGION IN EUROPE

The Information Office of the Wielkopolska Region organises, independently or in partnership with EU institutions, other regions, networks and diplomatic posts, seminars and thematic conferences promoting Wielkopolska in Brussels and the rest of Europe. Our regional representation also participates in events promoting the region's tourism, its economic and investment potential, regional culture and cuisine. The Embassy of the Republic of Poland to the Kingdom of Belgium is an important partner in this field of activity. The Information Office of the Wielkopolska Region also organises St. Martin's Day in Brussels and the Wielkopolska Region Brussels Club meetings which gather many EU institutions' officials and Wielkopolska citizens who reside in Belgium.

LOBBING IN THE EU INSTITUTIONS

The Information Office of the Wielkopolska Region participates in events organised by the European Commission, is in contact with the Members of the European Parliament from Wielkopolska as well as actively operates on the forum of the European Committee of the Regions. The office takes part in open consultations organised by these institutions and in drafting the official positions of the region. The Permanent Representation of the Republic of Poland to the EU is an important partner in this field as it supports the Polish regional offices with its specialist knowledge, up-to-date information on the UE policies and programmes, as well as contacts with particular ministries of the Polish government.

ASSISTANCE TO THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE REGION AND ACTIVITY IN THE EUROPEAN COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

The Information Office of the Wielkopolska Region also supports activities performed by regional representatives in the EU institutions and advisory bodies, particularly in the European Committee of the Regions, where the Marshal of the Wielkopolska Region – Marek Woźniak holds the position of the Vice-President of the CoR, the President of the Polish delegation and the member of the Bureau of the political group: European People's Party. Furthermore, the Director of the office Izabela Gorczyca and Małgorzata Sylla hold the positions of coordinators of the Polish delegation to the Committee of the Regions. The office also assists in work of the Board of Region during the visits of its members to Brussels, as well as passing on information on topics related to their activities.

ASSISTANCE TO ENTREPRENEURS

The Information Office of the Wielkopolska Region also assists entrepreneurs in establishing contacts with EU institutions and provides local entrepreneurs with consulting services on current EU requirements, promotes the Wielkopolska's economic potential abroad and helps in establishing business contacts with foreign partners. These activities are carried out in close cooperation with the Wielkopolska and Belgian chambers of industry and commerce and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland to the Kingdom of Belgium.

Contact
Rue Montoyer 21
1000 Bruksela
Belgia
Phone No.: +48 61 278 53 79/95/97/96 (PL)
+32 (0)2 734 09 41, +32 (0)2732 96 88 (BE)
Fax No.: +48 61 669 05 46
e-mail: brussels.office@wielkopolska.eu

Director
Izabela Gorczyca

acting Director
Małgorzata Sylla