The third Match Meeting of the South Baltic Programme took place in Palanga on 16-17 June 2010. More than 100 participants from different EU countries gathered together to discuss and develop projects, find project partners and receive practical information about the South Baltic Programme and the upcoming 6th Call for Proposals (sixth call: 21 October 2010 till 17 December 2010).

The third Match Meeting was officially opened by Mr Vytautas Stalmokas, Mayor of Palanga and Ms Deimante Jankunaite, Chairwoman of the Steering Committee of the South Baltic Programme.

The day continued with general presentation of the South Baltic Programme and with presentation on thematic measures of the Programme. There was introduction of the Capacity Building Project as the Programme tool to facilitate the project development especially for the newcomers and local actors.

A speed dating exercise was initiating and facilitating contacts between different groups of participants which were then further strengthened during “Get together” dinner on the beach. Further discussions on project ideas and new co-operations links were discussed and developed.

Discussions and new partnerships established during the first day of the event were strengthened during the second day in the Project Bazaar, where different projects ideas were presented and project owners could search for relevant partners from different regions. The prject Bazaar was facilitated by the Contact Points from each region of the Programme.

In parallel with the Bazaar, participants had possibilities to learn more about the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, how to fill an application form as well as take part the Specific Workshops on the field of labour market with the panel discussion of the experts from a labour offices from 5 countries (Germany, Sweden, Poland, Denmark, Lithuania). The workshop on tourism was also supported by the expert to give some ideas how the tourist project from different perspective.

The workshops lead by the Capacity Building Project: “How to generate a good cross-border project in the South Baltic Programme – success factors” and “Heated Debate” were presented.

For more information about the Capacity Building Project go here.

One of the attractions of the Match Meeting was excursion to The Lithuanian Sea Museum with the dolphins live show. It is one of the most impressive museums in Lithuania and in the South Baltic Programme area.

The JTS would like to thank to all beneficiaries that shown the interest to develop the project ideas, the Contact Points and the Regional Contact Points for the support and facilitating the beneficiaries from their regions, to the  experts for their contribution to the workshop and the event as such. 

We would also like to kindly ask all participants to provide their opinion and comments about the Match Meeting by filling in the evaluation form. Please send the filled-in form to southbaltic@southbaltic.eu by 02 July 2010.