TRANSNATIONAL CO-OPERATION AS A STRATEGIC INSTRUMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH EAST EUROPE 12 MAY 2011 SHERATON SOFIA HOTEL BALKAN • SOFIA • BULGARIA
Table of Contents
THE CONFERENCE Introduction 3 Agenda 4
PRACTICAL INFORMATION 5 Conference Venue 5 Travelling to Sofia 7 Accommodation 10
CONTACTS 17
About The SEE Programme 18
2
SEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE Transnational Co-operation as a strategic instrument for development in South East Europe
Introduction
The annual conference organized of the South East Europe Programme will take place on 12 May 2011 in Sofia, Bulgaria.. Under the title "A strategic approach towards cooperation in SEE area" , the conference aims to be the key territorial cooperation event in South Eastern Europe. This year’s specific objectives are: • To show the added value of the Programme and the achievements up to date. • To create an (efficient) dialogue on the topic of macroregions and other strategic issues in the SEE area. • To offer networking opportunities and a framework for the exchange of experience for the Programme stakeholders. • To rouse project development in view of the fourth call for project proposals. • To stimulate innovative proposals for future strategic co operation activities. The conference will bring together up to 350 participants, including representatives of the European Commission, government officials and experts from the SEE countries, representatives of international organizations and academia, potential project developers. This one day event will focus in its first part on the evolution of the Programme so far and its perspectives towards the fourth call for proposals, as well as on the strategic context in which the SEE Programme is active and the relevant issues such as the macro regional strategies and the new approaches towards the funding of the non EU countries. In the second part the projects funded within the first call will have the opportunity to actively promote and showcase their achievements within the space reserved for their presentations and for the projects fair.
Please note that all conference proceedings will be in English.
3
Agenda
12 May 2011
8.30 9.30 Registration 9.30 – 10.00 Opening ( welcome, introduction to the conference objectives, presentation of the Agenda; introductory speeches) - Lilyana Pavlova , Deputy Minister– Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, Bulgaria
- Balázs Simó , Head of National Development Agency , Hungary, Managing Authority of the SEE Programme,
Session one South East Europe Programme: evolution and perspectives 10.00 11.30 Moderator: Katerina Staneva, Interact Point Viborg EC Perspective: a Irina Cruceru , Directorate General for Regional general perspective, Policy, Desk Officer in Territorial Co operation Unit, to include the European Commission programme evolution, new developments that can influence the future Macroregional Mjellma Mehmeti , State Advisor for European strategies and their Integration, the Former Yugoslav Republic of integration in the SEE Macedonia Programme. (including impact on Rossella Rusca , Ministry of Economic Development, the Balkans region Department for Development and Economic and neighbouring Cohesion, Italy countries) Roland Arbter , Federal Chancellery Austria Coordination Spatial Planning and Regional Policy (member of the Monitoring Committee of the SEE Programme) Round table All participants 11.30 12.00 Coffee break
4
Session two Towards the fourth call 12.00 – 13.00 Results so far – Daniel Nigohosyan Ecorys South East Europe (SEE Programme evaluation results); evaluation SEE Programme JTS Program results so far: Imre Csalagovits towards the 4th Call Ivan Curzolo for proposals SEE Programme JTS 13.00 14.30 Lunch break 14.30 17.30 Cooperation achievements in the SEE area – case studies which exemplify Session three the concrete benefits of the SEE region from the SEE Programme 14.30 15.30 Testimonies and case - DANUBEPARKS studies from of running projects - DANUBE FLOODRISK
- FATE
15.30 16.00 Coffee break
16.00 17.00 Testimonies and case - ENER SUPPLY studies from of running projects - SARMA
- NATREG
Projects fair All participants; networking opportunities 20.00 22.00 Networking dinner
5 PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Conference Venue – Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan
Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan
5 Sveta Nedelya Square • Sofia 1000 • Bulgaria Web: www.sheratonsofia.com; www.luxurycollection.com/sofia Tel: 3592.937.8099 Fax: 3592.980.5311
Nestled beneath snow capped mountain peaks, Sofia is the political, economic and cultural center of Bulgaria. The streets of Roman Serdica, the relics of the medieval fortress of Sredetz, and the fourth century St. George Rotunda are among Sofia's many historic jewels. The Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan is a distinguished, luxury hotel in the heart of this lively city. Sumptuous guest rooms and suites, an extraordinary range of guest services, and all day dining at the Stardust Restaurant.
LOCATION Sheraton Sofia Balkan is found in the heart of Sofia, within walking distance from the business and commercial district and the Government Offices. It is recognized as the city's grand hotel and one of its architectural landmarks. The fourth century St. George Rotunda located in the interior court between the hotel and the Presidential Palace, the streets of Roman Serdica, the relics of the medieval fortress of Sredetz are among Sofia's many historic jewels.
TRANSPORTATION
FROM SOFIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE from Sofia Airport to Sheraton hotel. From Airport to Sheraton From Sheraton to Airport 09:30 hrs 08:50 hrs 10:40 hrs 10:10 hrs 12:50 hrs 11:30 hrs 14:30 hrs 13:30 hrs 16:30 hrs 15:15 hrs 18:30 hrs 17:30 hrs At Sofia Airport the minibus will be parked at the Sheraton parking lot in front of the Arrivals Hall.
6 By car: Take the Tzarigradsko Shausse Boulevard. Continue past the University of Sofia. Bear right until coming to Knyaz Dondoukov Boulevard. Continue straight towards Sveta Nedelya Square. The hotel is located on the left hand side of the square.
FROM THE CENTRAL RAILWAY STATION Take Maria Luisa Boulevard for approximately 1 mile. The hotel is located on the left.
CITY MAP
7
Travelling to Sofia
By air
Sofia International Airport is located southeast of the city, on the border of the Druzhba district. All major airlines fly to Sofia:
Destination Airline Destination Airline Amsterdam (AMS) Bulgaria Air Istanbul (SAW) Pegasus Bulgaria Air, Olympic Athens (ATH) Air Kiev (KBP) Aerosvit Bulgaria Air, Cyprus Barcelona (BCN) Bulgaria Air, Wizz Air Larnaca (LCA) Airways Beirut (BEY) Bulgaria Air London (LGW) Easyjet Airline British Airways, Bulgaria Berlin (TXL) Bulgaria Air London (LHR) Air Brussels (BRU) Bulgaria Air London (LTN) Wizz Air Brussels (CRL) Wizz Air Madrid (MAD) Bulgaria Air Bucharest (OTP) TAROM Malta (MLA) Air Malta MALEV Hungarian Budapest (BUD) Airlines Manchester (MAN) Easyjet Airline Burgas (BOJ) Bulgaria Air Milan (BGY) Wizz Air Cologne (CGN) Germanwings Milan (MXP) Bulgaria Air Copenhagen (CPH) Cimber Sterling Moscow (SVO) Aeroflot, Bulgaria Air Doha (DOH) Qatar Airways Munich (MUC) Lufthansa
Dortmund (DTM) Wizz Air Palma De Mallorca (PMI) Bulgaria Air Dusseldorf (DUS) Lufthansa Paphos (PFO) Bulgaria Air Eindhoven (EIN) Wizz Air Paris (BVA) Wizz Air
Forli (FRL) Wizz Air Paris (CDG) Air France, Bulgaria Air
Frankfurt (FRA) Bulgaria Air, Lufthansa Prague (PRG) CSA Czech Airlines AlItalia, Bulgaria Air, Hahn (HHN) Wizz Air Rome (FCO) Wizz Air Bulgaria Air, EL AL Israel Istanbul (IST) Turkish Airlines Tel Aviv (TLV) Airlines
For further information, please visit: http://www.sofia airport.bg/
By train
The Central Railway Station of Sofia is the city's main passenger rail station, and the largest one in the country. Its location 1 km north of the city centre and close to the Central Bus Station makes it convenient to get anywhere in Sofia from the Central Railway Station. There are direct services e.g from Vienna, Budapest, Bucharest, Athens, Thessaloniki and Zagrab. For more information and timetables you can check the Bulgarian National Railroad's website:http://www.bdz.bg/ .
8 By bus
Another way to get to Sofia is to travel by bus from several Western or Central European countries. Further information and schedules: http://www.centralnaavtogara.bg/index.php
Decision on Visas
Holders of valid ordinary passports from the following countries do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for up to 90 days within each period of six months:
Andorra, Lithuania, Australia, Luxembourg, Austria, Malaysia, Belgium, Mexico, Brazil, Monaco, Brunei Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand, Chile, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Norway, Croatia, Panama, Cyprus, Paraguay, Czech Republic, Poland, Denmark, Portugal, El Salvador, Republic of Korea, Estonia, Romania, Finland, San Marino, France, Singapore, Germany, Slovak Republic, Greece, Slovenia, Guatemala, Spain, Honduras, Sweden, Hungary, Switzerland, Iceland, UK (British Citizen Passport Holders and British Ireland, Nationals /Overseas/ only), Israel, USA, Italy, Uruguay, Japan, the Vatican, Latvia, Venezuela. Liechtenstein, SAR – China (Hong Kong, Makao) Malta,
Important Notice! 1. Family members of the EU citizen, who do not have the nationality of EU Member State, enjoy the same rights of the EU citizens for their travel to Bulgaria. This is only in case they have a status of permanent residence in an EU country (ILR)and are travelling together or are going to Bulgaria to join (with the relevant documents) their family member(s) who is(are) already in the country. 2. The holders of the following types of the British Passports need visas for travel toBulgaria: British Overseas Territories Citizen without Right to Abode British Overseas Citizens British Subjects without Right to Abode British Protected Persons
All holders of passports from countries not mentioned in the List above, need visas to enter Bulgaria.
9 Accommodation
Participants have to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements. However, we are happy to provide you information for finding suitable accommodation during your stay in Sofia. We have selected for you several good value hotels within walking distance from the venue of the Conference, and you can easily and conveniently make your booking online, directly from this website. Please find the online booking system below.
We suggest that you make your hotel reservations as soon as possible, since Sofia hotels tend to be crowded in May.
SELECTION OF RECOMMENDED HOTELS
Grand Hotel Sofia*****
1 Gurko str. 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria tel: (+359 2) 811 0800/808 fax: (+359 2) 811 0801 e-mail: [email protected] www.grandhotelsofia.bg
The deluxe business hotel Grand hotel Sofia is located in the very heart of Sofia. Business guests will appreciate its prime location in close proximity to the main administrative, financial and commercial sites of Bulgaria’s capital. Each of its unique spacious rooms of over 50 sq. m is elegantly appointed and offers luxury, style and comfort on a 5 star level.
10 The modern Convention Centre features 4 conference rooms, varying in size to accommodate from 10 to 150 delegates in different set up. At guests’ disposal is the elegant “Shades of Red” Gourmet Restaurant, overlooking the City garden and offering unique selection of gourmet delights from international and local cuisine. The Grand Café and the Lobby Bar are the perfect points to stop off for a pre theatre rendezvous or a convivial chat with coffee. Sofia club offers relaxing ambience after a hard day and have an aperitif while enjoying music until late at night. At guests’ disposal are Hair Style Studio, Health centre, Boutique. Distance from the “Annual Conference of the South East Europe Programme” venue, the Sheraton hotel: 200 m, 5 min. walking distance.
Radisson Blu Grand Hotel *****
4, Narodno Sabranie Sq., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria Telephone:+359 2 9 334 630, Fax: +359 2 9 334 605 e-mail: [email protected] www.radissonblu.com
Truly centrally located in the heart of Sofia, Radisson Blu Grand Hotel is ideal for business and leisure, offering convenient walking distance access to the business and administrative center of the capital, and to all entertainment and shopping areas. Stay with us and enjoy the variety of first class services and the magnificent views to Alexander Nevski Cathedral and Parliament square..
Arena di Serdica Residence Hotel*****
2 – 4, Budapest Str., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria Reservations tel.: + 359 2 810 77 88/ email: [email protected]
Arena di Serdica Residence Hotel is a unique property for Bulgaria. It gives you an exciting journey in the past and will take you centuries back to the ancient history of Serdica. When the construction started the amphitheatre of Serdica, dating between ІІІ ІV centuries, was discovered. The excavations are exposed at two levels in the Arena di Serdica Residence Hotel. 18 centuries after its construction, today the amphitheatre is arena for a lot of events again, thanks to the perfectly equipped four conference halls Arena , Forum , Serdica and Forum , and elegant restaurants Panorama Restaurant La Terrazza di Serdica and La Tribuna Bistro . Residence Hotel Arena di Serdica offers to its guests 43 spacious rooms furnished with style and 21 luxury suites. Apart of the amazing ruins, you can enjoy the Wellness centre , offering great variety of services, massages and procedures, modern gymnasium and relax room with unique atmosphere. Proximity to Sheraton Sofia Hotel, SEE event venue – 200 m / 2 min
11 Crystal Palace Boutique Hotel****
14, Shipka Str., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria Reservations tel: + 359 2 9 489 488/ [email protected]
The four stars Crystal Palace Boutique Hotel, located in the heart of Sofia, is a unique combination between architectural monument and modern business hotel. Crystal Palace was awarded for building of the year for 2004. The hotel offers 63 spacious, sunny rooms and suites, with wonderful view to the famous Doctor’s garden, the building of the National Library and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. In order to organize seminars or functions, there are two fully equipped conference halls at your disposal Crystal Hall and Shipka Hall. Their total area is 100 m² and they are ready to welcome up to 60 guests. At Crystal Palace Restaurant you can enjoy an international cuisine in sophisticated atmosphere. The hotel gives you the opportunity to rest in the cozy lobby bar or modern fitness and relax centre. Proximity to Sheraton Sofia Hotel, SEE event venue – 400 m / 5 min
Gloria Palace Hotel****
Tel: +359(2) 980 7895 +359(2) 980 3457 Fax: +359(2) 980 7894 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.gloriapalacehotel.bg
Gloria Palace Hotel is in occupation of a building from the 19th of century with a unique style proclaimed as historical monument of the Bulgarian architecture. Located in the heart of downtown Sofia, this delightful hotel is connected to the vibrant shopping, sports and attractions of the Bulgarian capital. Gloria Palace Hotel is only steps away from the main administrative, financial and commercial sites of the Bulgarian capital. Close proximity to all theatres, museums, the City Art Gallery, Bulgaria Concert Hall and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, easy access to the Airport and Vitosha Mountain positions Gloria Palace Hotel as the center of it all. Proximity to Sheraton Sofia Hotel, SEE event venue – 300 m
Hotel Sveta Sofia****
18, Pirotska str., Sofia, Bulgaria Telephone: +359 2 983 17 07 Fax: +359 2 983 17 23 E-mail: [email protected] www.hotelsvetasofia.com
The four star Sveta Sofia Hotel is located on one of the most famous trade streets and in theheart of Sofia city. It is close to the main administrative, trade and cultural centers. The Hotel is situated in a magnificent building displaying fabulous old style architecture from the end of the XIX century, completely renovated with modern and exquisite interior of hotel rooms, lobby bar and spacious lobby with wireless internet connection – free of charge for our guests. The building combines refinement, finesse, comfort and features all modern facilities. The hotel is comfortable both for your business trip and for acquainting yourself with the rich cultural and historical heritage of Bulgaria. There is number of museums, churches and ancient ruins on close proximity. Proximity to Sheraton Sofia Hotel, SEE event venue – 200 m
12 Hill Hotel***
76 B, James Bourchier Blvd., 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria Reservations phone: +359 2 806 55 55/ [email protected]
Hotel Hill is the newest business hotel of the FPI Hotels & Resorts in Sofia. Situated on the highest hill in town, Hotel Hill offers to its guests amazing views to Vitosha Mountain and the city center. In a walking distance there are a lot of important administrative buildings and shopping areas, which make the hotel preferred for business trips. Hotel Hill has 48 luxury furnished rooms. For the guests’ convenience there is modern gym and relaxation hall, comfortable business center. A nice lobby bar offers to the guests various drinks and cocktails. Located next to the office centre Hill Tower, the hotel is preferred accommodation venue for business guests and partners. Proximity to Sheraton Sofia Hotel, SEE event venue – 1 km / 15 min
Hotel Rila***
Telephone: +359/2 93 791 Fax: +359/2 980 48 13 E- mail: [email protected] Address: Sofia, 'Kaloyan' Str. 6 http://www.online.bg/rila/rila/info/index en.htm
Business hotel "Rila" is located in the quiet central area of Sofia (at 3 km. distance from "Alexander Nevski" Cathedral) where the business and cultural life of the capital city is concentrated. The immediate vicinity to the most government and national institutions and offices is a welcome advantage for officials and businessmen of various levels. It is a non stop working city hotel that offers individual and organized, congress and business tourism. The hotel is located 200 metres away from Sheraton Sofia.
SLAVYANSKA BESEDA Hotel**
SOFIA 1000, 3 Slavyanska Str. Tel.: 02/ 980 13 03, Fax: 02/ 981 25 23 E-mail: [email protected] www.slavyanska.com
The hotel is located on the corner of “Rakovski” Str. and “Slavyanska” Str., between the Military Club and the “Slaveikov” Sqr. It is easily accessible by direct public transport lines from all main transport terminals of the city. Around the hotel there are the many cultural and public buildings, 40 restaurants, nightclubs and casinos, the National Stadium, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church and many others. “Slavyanska beseda” hotel was built in 1935 and it is located in the heart of the city of Sofia. You are independent from the big city traffic. Nearby are the Ministerial Council, The houses of Parliament, the Presidensy, 6 Ministries, 6 Banks, 4 Exhibition halls, the National Opera house, “Bulgaria” concert hall, the Alexandar Nevski cathedral, the Russian church, many restaurants, bars and casinos. The hotel offers 90 rooms, 4 apartments, safe, room service, a modern conference hall for 40 persons, a coffee bar, a Chinese restaurant, a barber’s and a hairdresser’s saloon , a beauty saloon. Proximity to Sheraton Sofia Hotel – 400 m
Please be informed that the reservations are carried out based on the availability of each hotel. All reservations and payments are to be made by the participants.
13 CONTACTS
For questions related to the SEE Programme, conference agenda, speakers, media participation please contact: Ms. Lelia Rotaru Communications Manager SEE Joint Technical Secretariat H 1016 Budapest, Gellérthegy str. 30 32. Tel. office: +36 1 224 3154 Tel. mobile: +36 30 449 4088 E mail:rotaru@southeast europe.net; jts@southeast europe.net
For questions related to the conference organization (registration, logistics) – please contact: Ms Szilvia Feher Project Manager Promo Trade Promotion Ltd. H 1015 Budapest, Széna tér 1/a Hungary Tel.: (36) 1 224 7754 Fax: (36) 1 224 7750 E mail: [email protected]
For questions regarding the conference venue please contact: Emiliya Georgieva Banquet Coordinator Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan***** 5 Sveta Nedelya Square • Sofia 1000 • Bulgaria Phone: (359) (2) 937 8787 Fax: (359) (2) 980 30 30 E mail: [email protected] Web: www.luxurycollection.com/sofia
You can find detailed information about the SEE Programme at: www.southeast europe.net
14
ABOUT THE SEE PROGRAMME
THE SOUTH EAST EUROPE TRANSNATIONAL COOPERATION PROGRAMME BRINGS OUT NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE AREA
As part of the new European Territorial Cooperation Objective, the new South East Europe Transnational programme is a unique instrument to improve integration and competitiveness in an area which is as complex as it is diverse. The general aim of transnational cooperation is to foster a balanced territorial development and territorial integration, by increasing cooperation across member states on matters of strategic importance. Transnational cooperation programmes thus encourage a sustainable and balanced development of the European territory.
Regional cooperation in South East Europe is essential, regardless of the different stage of integration of the various countries. Among the transnational programmes, the South East Europe Programme is unique as it helps to promote better integration between the Member States, candidate and potential candidate countries and neighbouring countries. The SEE Transnational Cooperation Programme has been created out of the former INTERREG IIIB CADSES Programme. In the 2007 2013 structural Funds period , the CADSES transnational cooperation area has been divided into two spaces : South East Europe and Central Europe, each of them benefiting as a distinct area through two different programmes: South East Europe Programme and Central Europe programme.
The ERDF budget allocated to the programme is 206,7 million Euro for the 2007 – 2013 period. This amount is supplemented by national public funds, which brings the total available budget to 245,1 million Euro. In addition, the SEE Transnational Cooperation Programme actively seeks the full participation of non Member States in the programme area benefitting from the external Pre Accession Assistance and the European Neighbourhood Policy funding. Although the financial resources allocated are significantly higher than for the predecessor programme INTERREG IIIB CADSES (2000 – 2006), they are still rather small when compared to the Convergence programmes.
The South East Europe Programme targets the most diverse and complex transnational cooperation area in Europe. It is the transnational programme which involves the greatest number of participating countries 16 with a population of more than 200 million. In addition to geographical coverage, the programme is also unique in that there are not only 8 EU Member States participating, but an equal number of non EU countries candidates, potential candidates and third countries.
The programme supports projects which are covering the whole area but also which are aimed to develop specific sub areas as Black Sea, Adriatic, Aegean, Charpatian, Danubian, etc…
15 SOUTH EAST EUROPE PROGRAMME AREA
The eligible area of the program covers the whole territory of Albania, Austria, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Croatia, Bulgaria, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Greece, Hungary, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and parts of Italy and Ukraine
The Programme aims to support high quality, result orientated projects of strategic importance for the Programme Area. The successful projects will need to have a clear transnational focus, develop first class partnerships and deliver concrete and visible outputs and outcomes. The projects must bring together partners from at least three participating states, of which at least one shall be an EU Member State. Positively, although highly demanding, these conditions have not deterred potential beneficiaries from submitting their ideas. The 1st Call for Proposals has generated an enormous interest. 822 Expressions of interested were submitted in line to the objectives defined by the therteen open Areas of Intervention. Out of them – after and long and careful assessment process – the Monitoring Committee selected 40 projects to be co financed. Given this promising start, the SEE Programme is on the right course towards making a real difference in the area. The second call for proposals has been launched and a third call is already under development.
For more information about the SEE programme: SEE Joint Technical Secretariat, 1016 Budapest, Gellérthegy u 30/32, jts@southeast europe.net www.southeast europe.net
16