Today, a significant public hearing on the Three Seas Initiative (3SI), titled “Connectivity in Central Europe,” took place at the European Union headquarters. The event brought together a panel of high-profile figures, including ambassadors, members of the European Parliament (MEPs), and experts from 3SI member countries. The discussions focused on the development and future direction of the 3SI, a crucial initiative aimed at addressing the infrastructural and economic imbalances between Central and Western Europe.
Opening Remarks: Addressing Europe’s Investment Imbalance
Arkadiusz Mularczyk, a prominent Polish politician and advocate for the 3SI, opened the session with a speech highlighting the initiative’s core mission. He emphasized that the 3SI was created to tackle the disparity in investment between the European Union’s member states, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. According to Mularczyk, these regions have suffered from chronic underinvestment compared to their Western European counterparts, creating a significant divide in development opportunities and infrastructure.
This assertion was supported by key data presented by Professor Orzelska-Stączek, the head of The Three Seas Initiative Research Center, and Ambassador Beata Daszyńska-Muzyczka, the Special Representative of the President of Poland for the 3SI. Their insights shed light on the economic gap between the regions. Central and Eastern European countries, which make up the 3SI, account for 32% of the EU’s territory and 27% of its population, but only 16% of its gross domestic product (GDP). These figures underscore the economic imbalance the 3SI aims to rectify.
140 Priority Projects: Focusing on Infrastructure Development
One of the key takeaways from the hearing was the sheer scale of the work required to address the imbalance. Mularczyk and other speakers referenced the 140 priority projects currently being pursued by the 3SI. These projects focus on improving transport, energy, and digital infrastructure in the region, with the goal of enhancing the North-South axis in Central Europe. The aim is to bridge the gap between Central and Western Europe in terms of infrastructure and development potential, creating parity that benefits the entire EU.
Global Interest and Expanding Partnerships
The hearing also explored the growing international interest in the Three Seas Initiative. Lithuanian Ambassador Gediminas Varvuolis spoke about the notable successes of the 3SI, particularly the most recent summit held in Vilnius. He proudly noted that 31 countries were represented at the event, with over 1,000 business entities registering to participate. He emphasized that the 3SI has garnered attention from global partners, with Japan officially joining as a strategic partner this year.
Varvuolis was quick to point out that the 3SI remains a uniquely European initiative, differentiating it from other global investment efforts such as China’s 16+1 project. He stressed that the 3SI is not a top-down investment scheme imposed on its member states, but rather an indigenous initiative that allows countries in Central and Eastern Europe to drive their own development.
Obligation to Assist Neighboring Countries
While the growth and success of the 3SI are apparent, Mularczyk highlighted the responsibility that now lies with its member states. He urged the countries involved to extend their support to neighboring nations, particularly Ukraine and Moldova, which are not yet 3SI members but face similar challenges in terms of development and investment. Mularczyk emphasized the importance of fostering greater connectivity and collaboration with these countries, which are still emerging from the shadow of Soviet influence.
“We cannot leave other states behind,” Mularczyk stated, stressing the need for resilience and unity in supporting the broader region. “We must help them connect with Europe and the world, just as the 3SI has helped other nations in Central Europe.”
Looking Forward: A Decade of 3SI and Beyond
As the 3SI approaches its 10th anniversary in 2025, the upcoming summit in Poland will serve as a key moment to celebrate the initiative’s achievements and chart its future course. Mularczyk and other speakers emphasized that the 3SI’s ultimate goal remains to lobby the European Union to correct the long-standing investment imbalance. By establishing an intergroup within the EU, the 3SI hopes to ensure that Central European countries enjoy the same opportunities for growth and prosperity as those in the West.
The hearing underscored both the progress made by the Three Seas Initiative and the challenges that remain. As the initiative expands and attracts more global attention, its member states are increasingly aware of the need to support not only their own development but also that of their neighbors. The 3SI’s mission to create greater connectivity, economic parity, and opportunity across the EU remains a critical task for the years ahead.