About us
REGIOS – SILESIA AS THE REGION OF THE FUTURE
We are a group of activists that have a special place in their hearts for Silesia. Some of us were born here, some were raised, and some came from different directions. We are however linked by a common factor – we want the best for our region.
– REGIOS Association
SILESIA FOR EVERYONE
Silesia is very important for us. Therefore we have prepared some key values, that when implemented will ensure that both citizens from Silesia or from elsewhere will be willing to stay here.
European
region
Silesia is located in the center of old continent, for hundreds of years it was a part of the western european culture and politics. Even today we cannot imagine Silesia outside of the European Union and the European Union without Silesia. We support democratic, federalised European Union with strong regions comprising it. We are aware that the only guarantee of security for current and future generations is to make Silesian interest European interests. That won’t happen as long as national institutions will be supporting nationalism that should have been bid farewell a long time ago.
Innovative
region
Silesian economy is constantly being pushed into peripherality in global context. From one of the most industrialized regions of western Europe we are heading towards a depopulated post-industrial and agricultural region of Eastern Europe. It is impossible to make up for the decades of neglect in a few years, relying on the populist slogans of the current mainstream. The long-term perspective of the development of Silesia must take into account the axis of mutual dependence covering education, science, the employment market,, research and development, technology transfer and digitalisation. We see the innovative economy based on knowledge as an opportunity for our region. As shown by examples of other countries, only high and wise expenditures on science, research and development can guarantee a stable GDP growth and a high living standard.
Multicultural
region
Our region has been a melting pot of cultures, languages and religions for centuries. It is similar to this day, for Poles, Silesians, Germans, Czechs and many others, Silesia has become a small, family homeland – Hajmat. We are facing the challenges of mass migrations that are changing the social landscape of Europe. Bearing in mind the nature of our region and future challenges, we want to guarantee the rights of national, ethnic, cultural and sexual minorities and create a wise and real migration policy with an inclusive model of multiculturalism, bearing in mind that the multitude of cultures is the genetic code of our region. Therefore, the protection of minority rights of all kinds should be legally and administratively guaranteed, and should be reflected in the electoral law restricting cementing of the political scene.
Decentralisation
and country strong by its regions
Most Western European states adopt a federal or regional model of administrative division, with a strong position of local governments at the same time. There is no strong democracy and stable states without strong regions and local governments. We recognize that political, administrative and economic decentralisation will strengthen the position of local governments, increase citizens’ participation in public life, secure democracy against authoritarian centralism, and will be the starting point for solving socio-economic problems related to population density and migration disorders.
Virtual
e-region
E-state is one of the unique ideas functioning in Estonia, with a population of 1.3 million. This state takes pride in its level of computerisation and future-oriented solutions in the virtual space, which is unique on a European scale. We often hear that they managed to achieve it precisely because of the relatively small population, which makes it impossible to introduce such solutions in Poland. Therefore, since the Polish state is too large, we propose that the e-region, the equivalent of the Estonian e-state, be introduced at a more agile regional level. In addition, the virtual space has no boundaries in the classic sense of the word, and its use would contribute to solving common problems on the Czech and Polish side of Silesia.
Rule of law and
democracy in practice
Contemporary Europe is facing a wave of crises of the rule of law, which has also affected our country. The mechanisms of liberal democracy were used to create quasi-authoritarian systems with a caricatured democracy based on the will of a minimal majority and discrimination of minorities. We are in favor of strong mechanisms of supervision over the rule of law within the European Union, the participation of local governments in the mechanisms of supervision and control of the justice system and limiting its centralism.