GRAZ, April 26 (Hina) - As part of the "EU Region of the Future" initiative, representatives of Croatia, Slovenia, and Austrian, Italian, and Hungarian regions signed a joint statement in Graz, Austria, on Friday, in view of
bolstering cooperation on the regional level.
GRAZ, April 26 (Hina) - As part of the "EU Region of the Future"
initiative, representatives of Croatia, Slovenia, and Austrian,
Italian, and Hungarian regions signed a joint statement in Graz,
Austria, on Friday, in view of bolstering cooperation on the
regional level. #L#
The initiative was launched in 1998 by the Austrian region of Styria
in light of the European Union enlargement process, with the aim to
promote all forms of cooperation among the regions.
The participants in the initiative call for the strengthening of
cooperation in regional development, the labour market, research,
economy, and culture, said the joint statement. It was signed on
Croatia's behalf by Assistant Foreign Minister Josko Paro.
Attending the Graz meeting, which was held under the motto "Old
Neighbours - New Partners", was the EU commissioner for regional
affairs, Michel Barnier, who said the initiative was a good example
of regional cooperation and ties in all fields.
The EU will earmark EUR212 billion for the advancement of regional
development in 2002-6, said Barnier. He added the EU supported this
form of cooperation, which he said was particularly necessary and
positive for Croatia due to its bigger chances of entering joint
projects with EU countries.
Paro thanked the participants in the initiative for the fact that
Croatia was accepted as a partner even though it is not, like
Hungary and Slovenia, in the first batch of candidates for
admission to the EU.
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