Joint management of Kras region discussed with minority reps
Štanjel, 10 May - Senior government officials met representatives of Slovenians in Italy on Wednesday to express support for the speedy establishment of the European Grouping for Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) Kras/Carso for the joint management of the Kras region by Slovenia and Italy, noting the role of the minority in the project.
Meeting the minority representatives in Slovenia's Štanjel, Cohesion and Regional Development Minister Aleksander Jevšek and Minister for Slovenians Abroad Matej Arčon pointed to the importance of inclusion of the minority cross-border programmes.
The ministers called for the speedy establishment of the EGTC Kras/Carso, which would be the joint management body of the core region of Kras and of the Kras Geopark.
Jevšek and Arčon believe that it is of strategic importance that this body is seated in Slovenia, as it is expected to play a key role in cooperation in areas of common cross-border interest, such as civil protection, mobility and healthcare.
The ministers also noted the need to include the Slovenian ethnic community in Italy cross-border programmes, the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad and the Cohesion and Regional Development Ministry said in a joint press release.
Arčon said that the government office had provided financial resources precisely for that purpose, establishing a project office which helps local institutions of the Slovenian minority in Italy in applying for calls.
On the occasion, the minority representatives presented the work of the project office, which operates under the auspices of the Slovenian Regional Business Association from Trieste.
Minister Jevšek also noted the importance of the Interreg Slovenia-Italy cross-border programme, which he said offered many opportunities to Slovenians in Italy.
"More than EUR 35 million from the European Development Fund has been made available for calls for applications as part of this programme," he said, adding that a EUR 24 million call for applications was also planned to be published this month.