SEMINAR ON LOCAL AUTHORITIES HELD IN ZAGREB

ZAGREB, Nov 28 (Hina) - Representatives of the Congress of local and regional authorities of the Council of Europe and the Croatian Federation of Cities and Municipalities on Wednesday organised a seminar on the work of local authorities in Croatia and the experience of European Union countries in promoting local self- government. The two-day meeting, chaired by the president of the Federation of Cities and Municipalities, Bozidar Kalmeta, is attended by expert lecturers from Italy and Germany, Croatian representatives at the European Congress, and mayors and municipal heads. The secretary-general of the Italian association of municipal councils and European regions, Fabio Pellegrini, said it was important to establish a network of towns and municipalities in line with the positive aspects of globalisation. The European Union provides conditions for decentralised cooperation with respect for the sovereignty of every state, he said. Making decisions not only on the state level would improve the management of public property and the quality of life of the citizens, he said. Croatian Deputy Justice Minister Teodor Antic said the new law on local (regional) administration and self-government widened the scope of activities of local authorities, and increased its funding. He added the country's territorial organisation would also undergo a reform. The secretary of the Federation of Cities and Municipalities, Irena Bakal, said the Federation believed Croatia had too many municipalities and suggested that a community should have at least 3,000 residents to be granted the status of municipality, to be accompanied by adequate economic potential. This way, there would be no more municipalities with an annual budget of 16,000 kuna, she said. The Federation of Cities and Municipalities will registered as a national association next year, she said. The seminar was organised within the Stability Pact for South-East Europe. (hina) sb rml