|
For six years, Warsaw has been a member of the organization Eurocities, an association of 117 largest cities on the continent. Established in 1986, the goal of Eurocities is to increase the role of cities in shaping the image and economy of a united Europe. The organization exerts enormous influence on guidelines for the European Union's structural policy and the policy concerning cohesion funds.
Until Poland's accession to the EU, Warsaw will only be a supporting member of Eurocities. That, however, does not diminish the role that Warsaw plays in the organization's structures. The city has organized seminars and conferences on cooperation with EU agencies and has been actively participating in the development of Eurocities' own programs and programs related to the use of structural funds. "Thanks to the organization, we are in the mainstream of events," said Jerzy Walewski, director of the Development Strategy and European Integration Department of the City Administration. "We take part in numerous conferences, so you can clearly hear the voice of Warsaw there."
Catherine Parmetier (pictured above), chief executive officer in Eurocities, said during her visit to Warsaw in November: "For two years, Warsaw has been a particularly active member of Eurocities, its work is as intensive as that of cities in the EU. It is especially active in the group which, compared to EU institutions, presents a strong position concerning support for the development of urban areas.
Eurocities supports and defends development agendas for cities and we have been doing our best to persuade the governments of member countries to support our urban initiatives. This is not always easy. Governments frequently fail to realize the crucial role that cities play in generating development in poorer areas. Therefore our advice for Warsaw is to talk with representatives of governments and regions as much as possible, to persuade them of the important role of cities and to defend their positions. After all, it is governments and regions that are party to the process of obtaining EU funds."
 |
 |
|
|
| send
to a friend |
print
article |
|
|
|
|
Latest News
