The Danish and German partners of the Fehmarn Belt Committee are stepping up their efforts to create a stronger and more integrated Fehmarn Belt Region ahead of the opening of the fixed Fehmarn Belt link.
With a focus on the economy, labour market, healthcare, tourism, schools, culture and education, the Committee plans to establish a number of working groups consisting of Danish and German representatives from politics, business and educational institutions.
The first of these groups, “Culture – Education – Schools”, has already begun its work.
Building an Integrated Danish-German Region
The Fehmarn Belt Committee was established in 2009 and today consists of 32 members. In addition to politicians, its members include representatives from business, the labour market, culture and tourism.
The chairmanship alternates between Denmark and Germany and is held this year by District Administrator (Landrat) Timo Gaarz of Ostholstein District.
“With these working groups, we are taking the next step in developing a shared Danish-German growth and cooperation area. The goal is to create projects and activities that strengthen integration and ensure that we achieve the greatest possible benefits from the future fixed Fehmarn Belt link,” says Timo Gaarz.
He also welcomes the strong support from experts and institutions on both sides of the border.
“It is essential that people with practical experience and professional expertise become actively involved in this work. This provides the best possible foundation for achieving results that make a real difference for the region’s citizens and businesses,” says Timo Gaarz.
First Working Group Underway
Twelve representatives from primary schools, upper secondary schools, vocational colleges, language schools and music schools in Denmark and Germany make up the working group “Culture – Education – Schools”.
The group’s objective is to ensure Danish-German cooperation from primary education through vocational and higher education to adult learning.
“Cross-border cooperation does not happen by itself. It requires committed people who establish contacts, develop projects and see activities through to completion. Teachers, lecturers and staff at educational institutions therefore play a crucial role in the success of this cooperation,” says Dorothee Schönfeldt, Project Coordinator at Femern Belt Development and Danish Secretary of the Fehmarn Belt Committee. On the German side, this role is carried out by Ostholstein District.
In the longer term, the aim is to make it possible for young people and adults in the region to study, work and cooperate across the border.
“When more people gain experience of the neighbouring country, use the language in practice and get to know one another better, it strengthens educational opportunities, the labour market and a shared regional identity,” says Dorothee Schönfeldt.