Speech for the final meeting as President of Euroregion Baltic

My friends,

It is with pride and gratitude that I stand here today before you, my colleagues and friends from Euroregion Baltic.

I remember my first speech as president, when I talked about the importance of being visible, being present, and marking our place in Europe. And here we are, with a stronger cooperation ahead for the future.

Over the past year, we have worked together to take Euroregion Baltic to new heights. We have strengthened our youth organization, we have made our voice heard at the European level, and we have taken concrete steps to become relevant in the rapidly changing world we live in.

We have also prepared for the next step—through our work with EGTC (European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation), which will provide us with new opportunities to build concrete projects and collaborations.

But what has been most inspiring to me this year is not just the results we have achieved, but the people I have met. I have traveled to every member of Euroregion Baltic, and I have been deeply impressed by the strengths we all possess, despite the challenges we face.   

Our challenges are shared, but also our opportunities. And in these times, when the world often seems divided by conflict and polarization,   our cooperation is more important than ever.

It’s all about looking beyond the obstacles and instead embracing the opportunities we have. We must stand united to face global challenges: the climate threat, migration, and economic changes. We must be brave enough to think differently and to act together. When we work together, when we focus on the common good, we create something greater than ourselves.

Europe has a responsibility—we must be strong, determined, and understand that we build our future together.

We cannot accept being seen by others as just a vast museum or a tourist attraction. Europe is where the most fundamental principles of democracy and human rights are rooted.

When dictators, autocrats, or oligarchs seek to take control, we who believe in democracy must stand strong—strong today and strong tomorrow. For Europe and for a better world!

This is what Euroregion Baltic is all about — not just handling today’s challenges but creating hope and a better future for our citizens and for future generations. When we cooperate, we are not only building stronger regions, but we are also building a stronger Europe.

So, my friends, even though my term as president is ending, I know that our collective work will continue. I look with optimism at what we can accomplish together. Under the leadership of our new president, Mr. Ledsze Bonna, we will take Euroregion Baltic into the next chapter. We have laid a strong foundation, and now we will continue building.

Thank you for the trust to lead you this year.   

Thank you for your commitment, for your insightful conversations, and for your friendship. 

I am confident that the best is yet to come.

Together, for a stronger and more united Europe.

Thank you!

Rene Jaramillo, President Euroregion Baltic 2024