2nd Forum of Local and Regional Authorities in Zakopane: What Will We Discuss?
During the 2nd Forum of Local and Regional Authorities in Zakopane (7–8 December 2026), more than 1,000 representatives of local and regional authorities, academia, business, public administration, politics, the media and non-governmental organisations will seek answers to questions about the future of local communities. The programme will feature approximately 100 events – including panel discussions, meetings with authors, conversations and plenary sessions – organised into seven thematic tracks.
Economy and Finance
Participants will consider whether Poland can afford major social and infrastructure projects and how changes to corporate income tax (CIT) will affect municipal revenues. Key topics will include development policy beyond 2027 and the new EU budget, as well as support for local businesses entering international markets and the role of family-owned enterprises. A separate discussion will focus on agriculture in the wake of the technological revolution.
Investment and Management
Local government representatives and experts will discuss the practical challenges of managing cities and regions, including the redevelopment of post-industrial areas, regional railways, transport exclusion, housing availability and aligning education with labour market needs. They will also consider what decisions need to be made today to ensure that local government remains close to the people it serves.
Politics and Security
Against the backdrop of geopolitical instability, security will be one of the key topics. Discussions will address the protection of critical infrastructure, the continuity of municipal services during crises, civil defence and the information resilience of local communities. Participants will also examine Poland’s place in the European Union.
Local Government for All
This track will focus on culture as a tool for regional development and promotion, culture-led regeneration and accessibility of cultural institutions. Speakers will consider how to finance these institutions effectively and whether historic monuments represent an opportunity or a burden for local authorities. Discussions will also cover legal issues, the role of referendums and women’s participation in local government.
Regional Development
Participants will explore energy and the future of local communities, including geothermal energy, energy cooperatives and ways to protect local authorities from rising electricity prices. Discussions will also address relations between metropolitan areas and peripheral regions, as well as the future direction of EU policy.
Tourism Industry Forum
Given the Forum’s location, tourism will feature particularly prominently in the programme. Representatives of local authorities and the tourism industry will discuss what attracts visitors today, how to build a destination brand and how to balance development with environmental protection. Topics will also include the risks of overtourism, business tourism, the revitalisation of spa towns and tourism opportunities for seniors.
Society and Health
This track will address issues that directly affect residents’ everyday lives, including depopulation in rural areas and small towns, active ageing, sport and local democracy in the age of social media. Healthcare will also be a major focus, with discussions on the role of local authorities in healthcare provision, the situation of hospitals and preventive healthcare.
Meetings with Authors and Discussions
In addition to the debates, the programme will feature a series of meetings with authors, historians, commentators and academics. Topics will range from Polish history, contemporary politics and artificial intelligence to Zakopane and the Podhale region, exploring their history, myths and the evolving identity of the Highlander community.
The conference is organised by the Foundation Institute for Eastern Studies, which also organises the 12th European Congress of Local Governments in Mikołajki (14–16 March 2027) and the 36th Economic Forum in Karpacz (7–9 September 2027).
The Forum’s Main Partner is the Małopolska Region, while Zakopane serves as the Host City.
Explore the highlights of the 1st Forum of Local and Regional Authorities: Forum of Local and Regional Authorities 2025 – Photo Chronicle | Flickr
More information and registration: Forum of Local and Regional Authorities