Every year we receive visitors from other municipalities and other regions abroad. We also participate in international conferences and different network organisations. Through new networks and increased participation in international forums, we have created a foundation for international activities that support and develop our municipality.

In October 2009 a group of 17 civil servants attending a leadership course participated in a 4 day EU course in Brussels. As tomorrow’s leaders enter our organisation they are well aware of the importance of international relations.

May 9th marks our annual celebration of Europe Day and each year Ulricehamn organizes activities during “European Week” which coincides with Europe Day.  In May of 2008, we organized a photo exhibit with the theme of “My Ulricehamn”.  The municipality provided disposable cameras for citizens of all ages and occupations with the request that they document what they believe to be “Ulricehamn”.   During this week, we also collected stories from community members who lived internationally before settling in Ulricehamn.  These citizens told stories of their previous lives in other countries and how their upbringing affected them.

In May of 2009, lectures were held at the local high school.  Attendees listened to lectures on the EU international work, volunteer service, human trafficking as well as EU elections. We also arranged an evening lecture for businesses in Ulricehamn interested in learning more about EU-funding possibilities for businesses.

Ulricehamn is a member of West Sweden. West Sweden, the West Sweden EU and Representation Office, is a co-operation between the regions and municipalities in Western Sweden.  The organisation has 71 members; 68 municipalities and three regions: the Region of Halland, the Region of Värmland and the Region of Västra Götaland. West Sweden was founded in 1992 and established its Brussels Office in 1993 as one of the first Swedish regional offices. www.westsweden.se

For more information on our international activities please contact Ulrika Geeraedts, International coordinator in Ulriceham.