Discussions on EU financing opportunities and EU 2020 priorities at Remetea

2013-07-06

Csaba Sógor met with local administration leaders and civil servants in Remetea. MP Moldován József and Tímea Veres-Nagy form the PONT group were also present at the event organised by the local administration on Friday.



The DAHR MEP pointed out that there are several European Union issues that Hungarians of Transylvania must be aware about. One of them is the 2014-2020 financial framework, which ensures EU funding to projects concerning priority issues such as job creation, research and innovation, energy saving, education, fighting poverty and social exclusion.

Tímea Veres-Nagy, expert of the PONT group talked about currently open EU funding opportunities. He advised the local administration to boost economic competitiveness by building business incubators and creating supply chains. The Regional Operational Programme provides for the development of touristic venues and natural heritage sites, while a German fund finances management trainings for local administrations. The expert also mentioned the Europe for Citizens Programme, intended for twin town projects.

Regarding the 2014-2020 financial frameworks DAHR MP József Moldován said that, although there would be fewer allocations for infrastructural projects, rural development and agricultural projects would still be accessible for local administrations. In the opinion of the MP, local administrations should focus on job creation projects in the near future. Csaba Sógor added that training the workforce is also necessary. The MEP thinks that supporting small and medium sized enterprises and young entrepreneurs is vital, especially knowing that in the past years 7 million Eastern and Central Europeans have relocated to Western Europe and now work and pay taxes there. “Solving this problem and fighting emigration will define our future” – said the MEP.

Csaba Sógor praised the local administration of Remetea for the many EU and State funded projects they have carried out. The speakers agreed that the civil society and the NGOs play a major role in the life of any community.  “Strong regions in Europe have strong civil societies” – concluded the DAHR MEP.