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Friday, September 9, 2011

Local and regional EU representatives are discussing with their eastern neighbors

Yesterday, the inaugural conference of regional and local authorities for the Eastern Partnership (CORLEAP) took place in the Polish city of Poznan. Bringing together 36 local and regional representatives of the EU invited to interact with representatives from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, this conference encourages more cross-border cooperation and materialize a little bit more the Eastern Partnership of the EU.Political developments in Europe's Eastern neighbourhood have an impact on the EU's prosperity and stability. This is why the European Union launched the 'Eastern Partnership' in December 2008. Proposed measures to deepen the EU's relationship with the six neighbouring countries range from the negotiation of comprehensive free trade agreements to gradual visa liberalisation.

To support these plans, the EU Committee of the Regions set up the Conference of regional and local authorities for the Eastern Partnership (CORLEAP). Speaking at today's opening session, Štefan Füle, European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood, welcomed the initiative. He is confident that the new platform will become a thriving centre of cooperation between regional and local authorities from the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries.

Committee of the Regions President Mercedes Bresso emphasised the local and regional dimension of the Eastern Partnership. Strengthening the relationship with Eastern neighbours is not just a matter for national governments and EU institutions. If the EU wants to support democratisation and the respect for its values, the EU has to work together with all levels of government, including local and regional authorities, as well as civil society.

In a declaration adopted today, CORLEAP members demanded that regional and local authorities be given more say in the Eastern Partnership and urged more funding for projects strengthening local democracy, human rights at local and regional level and citizens' participation. They also requested that the new bilateral agreements to be negotiated between the EU and the Eastern partner countries must contain specific sections on strengthening local and regional self-government. Committee President Bresso will present these requests to heads of state and government at the Eastern Partnership summit, which will take place in Warsaw on 29-30 September.

Marek Wozniak, Marshal of the Wielkopolska Region which hosted the inaugural conference, emphasised the benefits of cross-border cooperation for citizens. The city of Poznan; is one of the symbols of Poland’s struggle for European values, and has recently become known for its openness to international dialogue. In Wielkopolska, they have enthusiastically supported and implemented concepts of tightening cooperation and dialogue with local governments of Eastern European and South Caucasian countries. Marek Wozniak can already present a portfolio of joint projects, which were conducted mainly with Georgia and Ukraine.

CORLEAP will continue as a yearly event. By holding regular thematic meetings and facilitating the exchange of project proposals, best practices and know-how, CORLEAP intends to become the hub for direct cooperation between regions and cities from the EU and the Eastern partner countries.

Source  Press Room - European Commission

More information  Press Room - European Commission

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