During the 5th Bydgoszcz Amber Route Forum, a memorandum was signed to take action aimed at ensuring that the Bydgoszcz-Emilianowo Terminal is completed no later than 2030. The signatories include local members of parliament, an employers’ organization, and social organizations. During the forum discussions, several comments gave hope for a positive outcome of the project — for example, the possibility of obtaining funds from NextGen Europe next year. “We are moving in the right direction in this area,” said Voivode Michał Sztybel, who mentioned that the military is also supportive of the Emilianowo project. Referring to talks with General Jacek Sankowski from the Ministry of National Defense, he noted the potential participation of the armed forces in the terminal’s construction. Dariusz Kiedrowicz, a member of the Polish Security Pact task force who was present at the conference, also highlighted the potential strategic importance of Emilianowo for national defense.

“This is the first time I see such a perspective — that this area is being treated seriously,” emphasized Voivode Michał Sztybel. In his opinion, it may be possible to obtain funding for the terminal from the National Recovery Plan (KPO), but it will be crucial to finalize the formal concept and other matters within the next six months. Another positive development, according to the voivode, is an agreement between PKP SA (Polish State Railways) and the State Forests to exchange land, which would allow the terminal to be built on forested plots as well.

Are military investments a threat to Emilianowo?

The area of the Bydgoszcz Forest near the planned terminal is being considered by Dezamet for the construction of a new ammunition factory that could closely cooperate with Nitro-Chem. This has led to speculation that Dezamet’s plans might hinder the construction of the terminal. I asked the voivode about this directly during the Forum. Voivode Sztybel firmly denied such concerns, stating that this should not pose a threat to the terminal project itself.

The Memorandum

During the Forum, a cross-party Memorandum was signed in support of building the terminal no later than 2030 — the year when the TEN-T core network is expected to come into force. The memorandum was signed by MPs Agnieszka Kłopotek, Iwona Kozłowska, Włodzisław Giziński, and Norbert Pietrykowski, with Bartosz Kownacki and Senator Andrzej Kobiak also expressing their support. Other signatories include the Nadwiślański Employers’ Association “Lewiatan,” the Bydgoszcz Metropolitan Association, and the New Amber Route organization. Additional parliamentarians are expected to join the memorandum during the upcoming session of the Sejm later this week.