Today's conference in Vlora was conceived as a broad public debate and brainstorming session on the challenges, opportunities and development of the city of Vlora vis a vis its perspective for European development as well as the contribution that this city gives to the process of European integration of the country.
'The importance of local government involvement in the process of European integration of the country, water and green tourism, policies on education, freedom of media and professional journalism, youth policies, and public services are equally important issues for citizens, so as are the core of the European Union, 'said Mr. Orlando Fusco, Program Manager for Good Governance at the EU Delegation in Tirana. 'It is important for all citizens to be involved, to give their ideas/suggestions, to become aware and then to play their active role. We know from the previous experience of the countries that have joined the EU that the participation of the community goes beyond the capital, the process of integration becomes easier, perhaps even simpler and faster '- he added.
The conference was also welcomed by Mr. Alfred Leli, Mayor of Vlora, who during his speech thanked the European Union for amplified attention in public investments for the city of Vlora in recent years. During various conference panels, there were discussions by academics and professors in the field of European studies, high level officials of local and central institutions, representatives of business community, culture, art, sports, environment, citizens and students from Vlora city, who highlighted and discussed not only about the urban management practices of the city which should already have a clear European orientation, but also on the challenges that the city expects in its European future, such as tourism development, infrastructure in general, education, local media professionalism, sustainability of civil society interventions, etc ...
The meeting concluded with a short visit to the EU Corner in Vlora City, recently set up by the project 'Municipalities for Europe'
