Csaba Sógor: There is a need for an efficient lobby in the EP for the title of European Capital of Culture
MEP Csaba Sógor ensured the mayor of Sfântu-Gheorghe of his support in the selection process for the title of European Capital of Culture. ”There is a need for an efficient lobby in the European Parliament as well” – said the MEP Thursday, at the meeting with mayor Árpád Antal.
Mayor Árpád Antal announced at a press conference, at the beginning of March, that Sfântu-Gheorghe (Covasna Conty, Romania) will run for the designation for 2021. That year a Romanian and a Greek city will have the opportunity to show themselves. The city represents the whole region with this endeavor, promoting the culture and values of all Szeklerland to the wider European public. “It is a fundamental requirement for the city to possess a significant architectural heritage, an effervescent cultural life and to promote multiculturalism. Sfântu-Gheorghe meets these criteria” – said Csaba Sógor. The MEP, who had already organized many events meant to promote Transylvania, expressed his wish to also support the promotion of this city in the European parliament. DAHR politicians have agreed to promote the city and its cultural, traditional and architectural values on a European scale.
The mayor of Sfântu-Gheorghe said there is a real chance for the city to earn the title as it is applying as a region, and regions can successfully compete with big cities. Antal highlighted the city’s wish to show how Hungarians, Romanians and Roma people can live together in Szeklerland. He also stressed that this is not a political initiative, and that NGO’s will have a key role in the project.
“We would like to bring Szeklerland to Europe and show what an interesting and unique region it is. The question is not whether this region exists or not and whether it is a self standing entity or not, it’s rather whether or not this region can win the title of European Capital of Culture. This project is also an opportunity for us, the people who live here, to learn to better cooperate for a common goal and to step up for such large-scale projects, that are beneficial for the whole region”, said Mayor Antal.
“I believe that my Romanian fellow MEPs will also support this project. A Romanian city with an important Hungarian cultural heritage winning the title would serve to prove that ours is a multicultural country, and would positively affect Romania’s image in Europe” – summed up MEP Sógor.
