Bulgaria Participates in the "Three Seas Initiative" Congress in Lublin

Deputy Minister Mariela Modeva presented tourism as a tool for connectivity, regional development, and partnership

Bulgaria participated in the sixth edition of the Congress of Local Governments of the Three Seas Initiative and the Economic Forum, which took place in Lublin, Poland. The forum brought together representatives of countries, regions, institutions, the business community, academia, and international organizations, with the main topics being connectivity, security, digitalization, tourism, investment, and partnerships in Central and Eastern Europe.

Bulgaria was represented by Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Mariela Modeva and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria to Poland, H.E. Margarita Ganeva. Prof. Modeva participated in a discussion on “Tourism as a Tool for Regional Development and International Cooperation.” Also participating in the panel were Dr. Dominik Borek, Director of the Tourism Department at the Polish Ministry of Sport and Tourism; Małgorzata Wilk-Gżiwna, Vice President of the Polish Tourist Organization; and Artur Trukawinski, Director of the “Arke” Hotel in Naleczów.

Deputy Minister Modeva emphasized that tourism is one of the most natural ways for regions to build trust, economic ties, and a stronger sense of shared identity. In her words, Bulgaria and Poland have good opportunities to develop joint initiatives in tourism, cultural exchange, investment, and infrastructure connectivity, especially within the framework of the “Three Seas” initiative. She noted that tourism is not just about travel, but also serves as a platform for partnership, regional visibility, and sustainable development.

Ambassador Margarita Ganeva participated in the official opening session dedicated to the future of the “Three Seas” initiative and the challenges facing the Central and Eastern European region. During the event, Deputy Minister Modeva also held bilateral meetings with the Marshal of the Lublin Voivodeship, Jarosław Stawiarski, with Dr. Dominik Borek, and with representatives of the academic community. The discussions focused on deepening cooperation in tourism and exploring opportunities for future joint projects.

This year’s edition of the Congress brought together representatives from nearly 300 regions in 39 countries, as well as partner organizations from Europe, Canada, and the United States.