INFORMATION PORTAL OF THE MARSHAL'S OFFICE OF THE KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE Region IN TORUŃ

A conversation with members of the European Councilors’ Corps: Marzena Piekarska (representing the Dragacz Municipality Council), Maja Masłowska (Aleksandrów County Council), Andrzej Hłond (Żnin County Council), and Mariusz Krzemiński (Chełmno County Council).

 

What are your plans and intentions as you begin your work in the European Councilors’ Corps?

 

Mariusz Krzemiński: – (…) I hope to gain a closer understanding of the structures and functioning of the European Union. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to meet many councilors from across our region. This will allow us to exchange experiences and benefit from mutual cooperation.

 

Marzena Piekarska: – My plans for joining the European Councilors’ Corps focus on gaining knowledge about programs and funds that support local development. I already have some experience in this field, so I am particularly interested in further developing skills related to local development facilitation. I believe I will be able to inspire my local community to take action, encouraging residents of my municipality to engage in various activities.

Dragacz is a rural municipality, which means relationships between people here differ from those in larger cities—they are more personal and direct. Residents know each other well, are aware of their strengths, but also recognize areas where they can improve and do more.

 

 

Maja Masłowska: – I see my participation in the Corps as a challenge and an opportunity to gain new experience that I can use to benefit the local community. I believe it is an excellent chance to exchange knowledge and experiences among local governments representatives.

 

Andrzej Hłond: – For me, being a member of the European Councilors’ Corps is both a great honor and a responsibility to act on behalf of the residents of Żnin County. I consider the Corps a platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences not only with councilors from Poland but also from other European countries. The goal is to learn from each other about how to effectively address local and regional issues. I joined the Corps because I appreciate Marshal Piotr Całbecki’s idea of making us intermediaries between the regional self-government and local communities.

 

What initiatives do you plan to undertake in this term?

 

 

Mariusz Krzemiński: – I am actively involved in a non-governmental organization and have always been connected with sports. These are the areas that interest me most in the context of EU policies. (…) The European Union supports initiatives that promote physical activity and sports across Europe. A dedicated budget line was established under the Erasmus+ program for the years 2014–2020 to fund sports-related projects and networks. (…)

 

Marzena Piekarska: – I have great hopes for the potential of people who are already organizing and actively working in various groups—senior clubs, women’s associations, sports organizations, and volunteer fire brigades. We have cultural life animators in village councils and strong support from the well-functioning Municipal Center for Culture, Sports, and Recreation. We also have very promising youth, who—guided by their teachers—are doing an excellent job of preserving local Kociewie traditions. Soon, we will also have a Youth Council in our municipality. There are many people to work with and develop local initiatives. Sometimes, what’s missing is just ideas or financial resources for more advanced projects. This is precisely what I plan to focus on during my term in the European Councilors’ Corps.

 

Maja Masłowska: – There are numerous initiatives that can be undertaken in this term. One key aspect is obtaining and effectively utilizing EU funds in the region, fostering local community development, and improving quality of life. This includes initiatives to enhance public transport, build new bike paths, improve accessibility, develop green spaces, and enhance air quality in the region.

 

 

Andrzej Hłond: – Since the members of the Corps are meant to serve as a bridge between the regional government and local communities, I will focus on providing information about funding opportunities for social initiatives. My goal is to ensure that village leaders, associations, women’s groups, volunteer fire brigades, and informal community groups have broad access to financial resources that can help them achieve their goals.

I also plan to create a contact database for these organizations to improve the efficiency of communication. Through social media and other channels, I will share information on EU and national funding opportunities, as well as interesting webinars, training sessions, and conferences. Additionally, I intend to exchange knowledge and experiences with fellow councilors, learning from them how to effectively address local and regional issues.

 

How will your membership in the Corps help solve specific problems in your local communities?

 

Mariusz Krzemiński: – I find it troubling and surprising when people complain about the European Union, especially considering that in every town—no matter how small—you can see the tangible impact of EU support. Thanks to these funds, our residents enjoy a better and more comfortable quality of life.

However, I firmly believe that Polish people are deeply pro-European, which is why I will work to strengthen trust in the EU, improve perceptions of its direction, and promote a positive vision for Europe’s future. (…) Locally, I will be observing, learning, and evaluating so that I can share the best practices with my fellow councilors in my hometown.

 

 

Marzena Piekarska: – To ensure that my membership in the European Councilors’ Corps translates into concrete programs, I first plan to diagnose and define the key issues faced by local communities at the village level. I have already scheduled individual meetings with councilors, some village leaders, and residents to understand how they operate, what they do, and what their needs are.

I will strive to provide them with relevant information about structural programs, tailoring the details to address the identified challenges—so that residents can actively participate in their implementation. Additionally, I plan to share all acquired knowledge that can be practically applied to foster local development. Time will tell how useful my efforts will be for the community, but I am committed to fulfilling my role to the best of my ability.

 

Maja Masłowska: – I hope that through active participation in the European Councilors’ Corps, I will not only be able to secure funding for ecological projects but also introduce new, proven European solutions that enhance the quality of life for residents.

The Corps provides an opportunity to initiate initiatives that contribute to the development of regional tourism, promote local attractions, historical sites, and traditions, and support local products. This can also be combined with assistance for regional producers and artisans, strengthening the local economy.

 

Andrzej Hłond: – At the start of this term, it is difficult to predict the exact impact of the European Councilors’ Corps. However, I am primarily counting on the implementation of local initiatives in cooperation with and funded by the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region.

Potential projects may include playgrounds, outdoor gyms, community centers, as well as educational, cultural, and sports activities for various social groups—from children to seniors. I also hope to introduce residents to best practices and experiences from other local governments, helping to implement interesting and effective projects in our region.

 

March 7, 2025