EFNI Bays of Dialogue – informally about the challenges faced by

Press release
Sopot, 2 October 2015
EFNI Bays of Dialogue – informally about the challenges faced by Poland
It was the fifth time that the Curative Square hosted the Bays of Dialogue. The event
gave the residents and visitors of Sopot the opportunity to meet EFNI panellists.
In the course of two days anyone who wished to do so could take part in an open
discussion with leading politicians and businesspeople. The meetings were an
opportunity to establish close contact and have a face-to-face discussion on the
subjects discussed at the Forum.
Can Poland afford solidarity towards refugees?
Danuta Hübner pointed out that Poland is perceived as a major member of the EU. That is why it
must participate in solving the issue of refugees. 'We have benefited from the EU’s help and
financial support on numerous occasions, so we know well what solidarity and mutual respect
mean. At this point it is crucial for Europe to stick together. No one could solve this problem on
their own,' said the Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs at the European Parliament.
The participants of the meeting emphasized that the talks concerning refugees ought to be moved
from the Europe-wide level to the local level, in particular that of municipalities and local
governments. The event was moderated by Piotr Kraśko.
Why are we afraid of change?
The residents of Sopot had the opportunity to meet Jerzy Buzek, as well. The Chair of the EFNI
Programme Council argued that reforms and a positive attitude to change are indispensable.
'Looking at Poland from the outside, we can see what a giant step forward the country has made.
We have numerous weaknesses which should be dealt with, but thanks to the current actions we
are on the right track to achieve our goal,' Buzek said. In addition, the guests discussed current
European problems and the challenges faced by Poland. 'People dislike change, but at this juncture
that is what they expect. However, we have to keep in mind that change is good and serious only
when considered in a long-term perspective,' Jerzy Buzek added. The moderator of the meeting
was Piotr Kraśko.
Which values should be promoted by public media?
The questions of Dorota Warakomska and the guests were answered by Beata Jakoniuk-Wojcieszak
who attempted to evaluate modern media. Among other things, the discussion concerned the lack
of diversity and the ever greater pursuit for information among journalists. 'Journalism is a nature,
not a profession. A true journalist is inquisitive and uncompromising, but above all follows ethical
principles. These values should never be subject to any control,' said the Programme Secretary at
TVP Info.
On happiness and the meaning of life
Philosopher and ethicist Magdalena Środa presented five concepts of happiness, the majority of
which are derived from the advice of ancient philosophers. 'Happiness cannot be incidental. It is
definitely something we have to develop, something based on a strong character and consistent
actions,' emphasized the University of Warsaw professor. In the course of the discussion the
participants unanimously declared that life makes sense only when it is ordered, that is it has a
specific goal.
Media partners of the Bays of Dialogue were Dziennik Bałtycki, TVP Gdańsk, Radio Gdańsk, and the
trójmiasto.pl portal.
***
THE EUROPEAN FORUM FOR NEW IDEAS is an international business congress attended by prominent representatives
of politics, culture, science, and media. It has been organized since 2011 by the Polish Confederation Lewiatan in
cooperation with BUSINESSEUROPE, the city of Sopot, and Polish and foreign companies and organizations. The Forum is
aimed at creating ideas for a strong Europe and a competitive economy, a Europe open to trends of social growth and
technology. This year's EFNI will be held on 30 September – 2 October 2015 in Sopot, and its theme is: Europe and the
World in the Face of Growing Inequality, Radicalism, and Geopolitical Threats
More information: www.efni.pl
Honorary patronage
Institutional partners
Strategic partners
Opening Gala partner
Main partners
Supporting partners
Knowledge partners
Logistics partner
Official carrier
Executive Producer
President of the Republic of Poland, European Parliament
Polish Industrial Development Agency S.A., European Commission, National Centre
for Research and Development
MetLife, PKN ORLEN, PZU, Totalizator Sportowy, Dziennik Gazeta Prawna, Grupa
Onet.pl, TVP SA
Bank Pekao S.A.
Biznes.pl, BMW, Citi Handlowy, Discovery NETWORKS CEEMEA, Forbes, France 24,
Intel, Microsoft, Newsweek, Orange Polska, Parkiet, PKP S.A., Silvermedia
AMS, Bloomberg Businessweek Polska, Gazeta Wyborcza, Havas Worldwide,
Liberté!, McCANN Worldgroup, PAP Polish Press Agency, PGNiG SA, Polish
Association of Employers in Mining Industry, Pomeranian Special Economic Zone,
Puls Biznesu, Starcom MediaVest Group, Polish Association of Employers in
Transport and Logistics, Warsaw Business Journal Observer, Association of Private
Employers in Energy Industry, Digital Technology Employers Lewiatan
Ashoka, Aspen Institute Prague, Centre for International Relations, demosEUROPA
– Centre for European Strategy, ECFR, Institute of Public Affairs, POLITYKA
INSIGHT, Res Publica Nowa, THINKTANK, Global Compact in Poland – an Initiative
of the UN Secretary General, World Academy of Art and Science
Lech Wałęsa Airport in Gdańsk
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Zbigniew Maciąg, [email protected], phone number: +48 604 589 080