Lublin is a sustainable city

Out of 50 Polish cities which were classified in the report, Lublin took a very high, fifth place in the general classification – after Warsaw, Toruń, Wrocław and Poznań. Also, our city was second in the society and fourth in the environment categories. An excellent result of the capital of the region with one of the lowest GDP per capita in the country is – according to the authors of the ranking – a proof that a coherent and balanced vision of development and the courage to implement it can ensure the success of the city.

Lublin is an open and friendly city, which was confirmed by the ‘Ranking of Polish Sustainable Cities’. The participatory governance model adopted is giving results that are already visible in the studies of independent experts. Lublin is a pleasant and comfortable place to live. We plan further development of the city following our strategy for the future, focusing on innovative economic sectors – says Krzysztof Żuk, PhD, Mayor of Lublin.

The authors of the ranking emphasise that Lublin perfectly utilises its socio-economic, academic, tourist and cultural potential, maintaining its leading position in Eastern Poland. The strong point of Lublin is the high activity of its inhabitants in creating the city. Examples of this are the ‘Green Civic Budgeting’, which involves residents in the creation of green areas in Lublin, and the ‘City for People’ project, which aims to improve pedestrian traffic conditions. Lublin can be a city set as a model in creating civil society and social participation, as evidenced by a large number of registered foundations, associations and community organisations.

A significant share of green areas, including forests, in the city’s area was pointed out among the strengths of Lublin. The effectiveness of applying for funds from the European Union was also appreciated, as a result of which investments of over PLN 3 billion were made. Moreover, the authors also acknowledged activities aimed at transforming the traditional economy into an innovative economy focused on searching for new technological solutions. Lublin is one of the Polish ‘green cities’ – it has a large, lively space for residents to relax, and invests in sustainable urban transport, buying electric buses and trolleybuses.

The economic development of Lublin was strengthened by the Special Economic Zone Euro-Park Mielec Lublin Subzone. Ten years after its opening, 51 investors have been operating within its area, providing employment to over 4 thousand employees, which translates into the relatively lowest level of unemployment in the city in the 21st century (6.2%). Also, the share of beneficiaries of social assistance in the city remains at a low level. Lublin has also become a popular city for tourists from Poland and abroad. The city’s participation in the competition for the title of the European Capital of Culture 2016 contributed to an increase in recognition of Lublin as an important cultural centre in Poland and an attractive place for tourism. Cultural events, international festivals and artistic projects organised by the city have become a fixed part of the calendar of the most important events in Poland and abroad.