European Commission

The international conference VIII Self-Government Forum 2012 will be held under the title of: 'The institutional and economic partnership as a chance for the sustainable development of the European regions'.

Honorary Patronage: Johannes Hahn - European Union Commissioner for Regional Policy.

This two-day conference, taking place in Szczecin since 2004, provides the opportunity for direct exchange of ideas and experiences related to functioning, cooperating and financing of self-governments. Each year, the conference gathers representatives of all tiers of the public administration, scientific and economic circles. Our invitation is extended to the Baltic EU member countries and East Europe representatives.

The conference will touch upon the following issues: A new regional development strategy - smart specialisation. The role of the Baltic regions in implementing the Europe 2020 strategy; Economic integration within the Eastern Partnership. Financial instruments of the Eastern Partnership; Territorial consolidation of self-governments in Europe - problems and advantages; Direct foreign investments as the development factor on the local and regional levels; Financial performance of territorial self-government units.