This year, the European Week of Regions and Cities in Brussels has gathered more than 6,000 people from all around the continent to focus on the European Cohesion Policy and regional development.
But, why is the EWRC important? Why is it so significant that thousands of decision-makers, journalists and the general public have decided to participate?
“It’s a meeting place for all the EU regions and cities. It’s a meeting place among colleagues and politicians working in Brussels’ institutions. It’s also a point where regional policy meets the politicians,” said Ian Barber, EU Communication Director.
For the next few days, politicians and journalists will have the opportunity to cross paths and discuss anything from the future of Europe and the progression of diverse projects to cohesion. One of the EU priorities which have been addressed during the conference is to focus on communication between each other, in order to achieve a united whole.
Another opinion by Gary McDonald, an Irish journalist, is that “it almost brings European macropolitics to a local level.” Thus, the conference helps people understand the scope of work that the EU is delivering on daily basis, as well as the way it benefits the whole community. It also spreads the word around the European citizens and makes politics comprehensible for everyone.
“Passionate event” is another way of describing the European Week of Regions and Cities, as some participants said. The conference demonstrates how much effort it takes to demonstrate work of the European Union. It’s about being passionate when uniting people, working with them and for them.
As mentioned, there are more than 6,000 attendees this year and at least that amount of opinions as to why the European Week of Regions and Cities is important.
One thing is for sure, the word “cohesion” stood out in President Jean-Claud Juncker speech at the Opening Session of this year’s EWRC. The act of forming a united whole. The importance of uniting ideas, uniting efforts for future progress and most importantly – uniting people. If we combine the motto of the European Union – united in diversity, with the motto of the Bulgarian Presidency of the European Commission – united in diversity we stand strong, thus this year’s conference will certainly leave a mark.
Written by: Iskra Tsankova (Bulgaria)
Edited by: Bruna Tomsic (Croatia)
