Over 1,000 local government officials to attend the 11th European Self-Government Congress addressing global challenges in Mikołajki, March 2-3, 2026.
Global Challenges for Local Communities
Contemporary global challenges such as the war in Ukraine, climate change, energy transformation, and waste management are becoming daily realities for local communities. Effective and efficient resolution of these problems stems from sharing best practices, collaboration, and leveraging synergy effects between local governments.
Comprehensive Program Structure
The program of the 11th EKS encompasses over 250 events – plenary sessions, panels, debates, workshops, presentations, and author meetings – divided into eight thematic areas: Policy and Security, Sustainable Development, Regional Investments, Economy and Finance, Society, Health, Digital Self-Government, Culture, Recreation and Tourism. Special events are also planned, including over 20 author meetings.
Significant Participation Scale
The 10th Congress was attended by over 1,000 local government officials, including: 71 presidents, 186 mayors, 113 county leaders, and 176 village heads. The decade-long growth in scale and the prominence of its guests make the congress one of the most important meeting places for representatives of local government with leaders of political, economic, and scientific life.
Record Partner Involvement
Last year also saw a record number – over 160 partners, including companies, institutions, associations, and editorial offices. Such broad representation from all sectors enabled an exceptionally wide exchange of experiences and contacts among local government leaders, central administration, and business. EKS demonstrated that local governments are not only a foundation but also a key driver of development amid global challenges.
Organizing Foundation and Mission
The organizer of the 11th European Self-Government Congress at the Gołębiewski Hotel in Mikołajki is the Foundation of the East Studies Institute, the creator of the Economic Forum in Karpacz. The Foundation’s mission is to create a platform for dialogue and cooperation between key sectors from Poland and abroad, to strengthen Poland’s international position, increase the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and care for local communities. The main partner of the Congress is the Self-Government of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship.