Press release
Hungary organised for the 5th time the annual meeting of the Approval Authorities of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC), this time jointly with the István Pálfi award granting ceremony in remembrance of the late Hungarian Member of the European Parliament. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary on 22-23 September 2016.
In the frame of the conference decision-makers and experts looked at how the connectivity and accessibility of the cross-border areas and regions can be enhanced. Deputy State Secretary for Transport dr. László Mosóczi, representing the Ministry of National Development introduced the Hungarian transport development strategy from a cross-border perspective. Mag. Peter Zinggl gave a review of the already accomplished as well as the jointly planned cross-border infrastructure developments between Burgenland and Hungary. These developments are significant examples of best practices in the field of cross-border cooperation. The next agenda item was to introduce EGTCs as tools of enhancing mobility, accessibility and connectivity. Representatives of EGTCs – Mr. Krzysztof Żarna (Central Europe Transport Corridor EGTC), Ms. Julianna Orbán Máté (Via Carpatia EGTC) and Mr. Péter Sárkány (Arrabona EGTC) presented their best practices. A workshop provided the framework for the representatives of the EGTCs and the approval authorities operating in the member states of the European Union to exchange their experiences on practical questions.
The second day of the meeting was devoted to the István Pálfi awards ceremony. István Pálfi - member of the European Parliament, passed away at an early age– has left a legacy serving as an example for all experts working on the reinforcement of cross-border cooperation. To cherish his legacy since 2010 the Hungarian Government has awarded those who contributed significantly to the development of the European regional and cross-border cooperation. From 2013 there have been two awardees – a Hungarian and a foreign expert.
This year the award has been presented on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade by Mr. Levente Magyar State Secretary for Economic Development to Mag. Peter Zinggl, Head of Department for Sate Planning, Regional Government of Land Burgenland and to Ms. Nikoletta Horváth, Deputy Head of Department; Prime Minister’s Office, Executive Department for Co-operation Programs
In his welcome address Ministerial Commissioner Mr. Antal Kiss and Deputy Secretary of State Mr. Péter Kiss-Parciu have both emphasised in the recognition of the awardees their dedicated activity over years in the field of enhancing territorial cohesion and cross-border cooperation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has recognised persistent work of the two experts who continue István Pálfi’s professional and intellectual legacy.
Budapest, 26 September 2016
Link to the photo gallery: