news REGION MAGAZINE OF THE INSTITUTE OF THE REGIONS OF EUROPE • 49 / JULY 2018

Some progress in the fight against corruption and in judicial reform strives towards EU-Integration

3 Cultural 12 Local self- 14 Local and Heritage: government in Kosovo: municipal elections: International IRE- Expert Meeting with Deputy Prime Great Britain and Conference in Novi Sad, Minister Enver Hoxhaj in Schleswig-Holstein Vojvodina Brussels FOCUS IRE-Expert Conference Cultural Heritage

Sebastian Kurz Austrian Federal Chancellor 2nd International IRE- Expert Conference A Europe that protects “Cultural Heritage – Added value

Many of us have come to take for granted the benefits of the mediate neighbours. In this context, and according to ’s – a common currency, travelling in a Europe European and foreign policy, we have traditionally been sup- for the Regions of Europe“ without borders, being able to study or work in every country of porting the Western Balkan countries’ path to EU membership. the European Union. Moreover, the European Union has been In terms of economic and security policy, this region of Europe is the guarantor of peace in Europe for over 60 years. part of our continent, and has repeatedly proven to be a reliable Common European Cultural Heritage in the Western – International IRE Conference in cooperation partner during the migration crisis. During its presidency, Aus- In the second half of this year and for the third time, Austria will with the appointment of the City of Novi Sad as European Capital of Culture 2021. tria will work to give concrete shape to the EU perspective of all assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union. Western Balkan countries and to achieve measurable progress Under the motto ‘A Europe that protects’, we are committed in that respect. to re-strengthening the trust in the EU and to ensure that the Union is capable of fulfilling its tasks. In order to achieve this The approach Austria is choosing consists in strengthening For the second time, the Institute of the Regions of continue to preserve Europe‘s cultural diversity“, said objective, Austria’s approach will be built on the reinforcement our regions and the principle of subsidiarity. What is nee- Europe (IRE) organized, under the direction of former IRE-Chairman Franz Schausberger, opening the con- of the principle of subsidiarity - in terms of ‘doing less, but more ded is a European Union with an enhanced focus on the major Governor Univ. Prof. Dr. Franz Schausberger, on the ference. The former Governor of also poin- efficiently’. In this context, the regions play a key role. issues such as foreign, security and defence policy, protection 27th of April 2018 a conference on „Cultural heritage ted out that a common European culture can only be of the EU’s external borders, competitiveness and digitalisati- – Added value for the Regions“ on the occasion of achieved if it is based on a specific regional cultural For its upcoming presidency Austria has identified three priority on. Where issues can be better resolved by individual Member the nomination of the City of Novi Sad (Serbia) as Eu- identity. Above all, cultural heritage should be the areas: States or regions themselves, the Union should take a step back. ropean Capital of Culture 2021. In cooperation with foundation of a European vision for prosperity. the Central European Initiative (CEI), the City of Novi Security and migration, maintaining competitiveness When we talk about cultural heritage, we do not only This approach aims to take into account the motto of the Eu- Sad and the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, the through digitalisation and stability in the neighbourhood. talk about the past, but also talk about preserving ropean Union, ‘United in Diversity’. To that effect, the Aus- conference took place in the Regional Parliament of the culture of today and tomorrow. It is about „values ​​ Europe must be able to protect its citizens. It is therefore impor- trian Presidency will prioritise the protective role of the EU. By AP Vojvodina, highlighting the great importance of of the past that we transfer into the future to preser- tant to create a resilient union that is capable to take action and strengthening the element subsidiarity, the goal is to bring Eu- cultural heritage for all European cities and regions, ve the heritage of our culture, including cross-border in which efficient protection of external borders is guaranteed. rope closer to its citizens and make it more transparent. Citizens but above all for the candidate countries. cooperation and the conditions of cohesion, if these In this context, one of the highlights of the presidency will be the of all Member States should have the opportunity to become Cultural heritage has an important value for all re- circumstances are not ensured we cannot preserve informal meeting of the heads of state and government, which even more actively involved in shaping EU-policy in future. gions, cities, communities and societies. The pre- the cultural heritage“, said the President of the Regi- will take place in Salzburg on the 20th of September. The presidency of the Council of the European Union will give servation and salvation of cultural heritage is an onal Parliament of AP Vojvodina, István Pásztor, in From left to right: Digitalisation is becoming increasingly important for growth Austria the opportunity to achieve tangible results in significant important emotional criterion for Serbia‘s EU inte- his speech. In addition, he emphasized the diversity Franz Schausberger, and innovation. An intelligent policy for the digital transforma- matters. To do so, Austria will act as an honest broker in order gration, and forms the core for the common Euro- of cultural heritage as it encompasses various terri- Paul-Henri Presset, tion of the economy and society will enable us to continue to sa- to attain strong and sustainable solutions. Maintaining and pean cultural heritage by strengthening its regional tories, multiculturalism and inherited culture. The Johannes Irschick, feguard the competitiveness and sustainability of the European strengthening the unity of the Member States is of fundamental identity. „By cultivating our cultural heritage, we can ability to understand a common interest, regardless István Pásztor, single market in the future. To ensure that the digital economy importance here. As a Member State in the heart of Europe, Aus- Dragana Milošević can develop its full potential, a modern and balanced regulato- tria will attach particular importance to its traditional role as a and Dalibor Rožić ry framework is required. In addition to that, we plan to support bridge-builder and gathering place for international dialogue a large-scale modernisation-process of public administration and mediation. and the renewal of the European industrial policy, making them I would like to thank the Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE) more responsive to the challenges of digitalisation. Innovation for their support. ‘Newsregion’ will make a significant contri- power is primarily found in regional areas, where particularly bution to providing additional information about the way in SMEs strengthen our competitiveness. which the European Union works and to bringing Europe closer Stability, security and peace in the European Union are only to you, enabling us to strengthen the existing bridges and conti- possible if stability and security also prevail among the EU’s im- nue to build new ones with neighbours and partners.

2 newsregion 49 / july18 newsregion 49 / july18 3 FOCUS FOCUS IRE-Expert Conference Cultural Heritage IRE-Expert Conference Cultural Heritage

From left: Asja Drača Muntean, Boran Ivanoski, Adrian Tibu, Bosko Negovanovic (Moderator), Katarina Živanović and Ketrina Çabiri Mijo

From left: Dimitrije Tadić, Leylya Strobl, Bosko Negovanovic (Moderator), Mina Radmilović Pjevac, Tijana Palkovljević Bugarski, Marija Budimir, of political directions, should be at the center of the heritage for generations to come. The EU supports and above all stable projects. „In Albania, cultural Tomislav Paljak, Milan Popadić and Nemanja Milenkovic daily process of perception. This is an example of the cultural heritage and social cohesion in Serbia. goods are not limited to castles, but are extended to city of Novi Sad‘s claim to be a pioneer when it co- f.e. churches“. For this reason, a common understan- Regarding regional policy and social cohesion, Jo- mes to carefully and actively shaping its future. ding of what culture means should be developed. hannes Irschick, Director of the Austrian Cultural In Serbia, and especially in the city of Novi Sad, many Forum of the Austrian Embassy in Belgrade, focuses Boran Ivanoski (NALAS program officer for the Su- ethnic groups live in harmony. Dalibor Rožić (Mem- on joint regional projects for the preservation and stainable Tourism Task Force in Skopje, Macedonia) ber of the City Council for Culture) emphasized at promotion of regional cultural heritage. „It cannot goes one step further, stressing that „good coope- Ideas and innovations, based on the the conference that Novi Sad also promotes „univer- only foster our mutual understanding of supraregio- ration at local and regional government level is im- international concept of human rights, are sal, lasting and shared values“. The Novi Sad Cultural nal heritage, but also local and tourism development Dragana Milošević, portant to promote, among other things, tourism. essential for the protection of cultural heritage.“ Administration supports projects of national minori- and to initiate regional projects requires common Above all, this would bring social, economic and en- Provincial Secretary Leylya Strobl, Board Member of the Austrian Blue Shield Committee ties aimed at preserving their traditions and cultures, strategies and funding mechanisms“, said the direc- for Culture, Public vironmental effects“, says Ivanoski. For this purpose, while promoting initiatives for the recognition and tor. Information NALAS offers position papers on concrete measures “ emphasis of the common. and relations and recommendations for sustainable development. with Religious Another perspective was given by Dragana Best-Practice Examples of Cultural For Adrian Tibu, Director of the Municipal Theater Communities of Milošević (Provincial Secretary for Culture, Public „Gong“ in the City of Sibiu in Romania, is the key to heritage goes beyond the national framework. It was the Autonomous Heritage Protection and its inherited from the ancestors, represents a way of life Information and relations with Religious Communi- Financing success „the attitude to be ready to be part of the Province of ties of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina) in her EU“. The combination of culture and tourism would and shapes regions and cities. „Social development Vojvodina speech, when she stressed the interconnectedness Cultural heritage contributes to promoting social lead to benefits and opportunities, innovative pro- therefore influences what we understand by cultural of cultures that influence the regions and thus the cohesion across Europe and provides a framework grams and services are inevitable tools to make the heritage“, says Milenković. cultural heritage itself. Fortresses, monuments, fol- for participation, engagement, promotion of integra- cultural heritage accessible to citizens and visitors Cultural Heritage will be celebrated throughout the klore and archeology are examples that show the tion and cooperation. In the opening speech of the towards Europe. There are still daily cultural events year 2018 with various events and activities aimed different aspects of history. Panel „Best Practice Examples of Cultural Heritage and volunteer programs are taken place in the city at strengthening the common European identity Protection and its Financing“, Norbert Beckmann- of Sibiu in the framework of the Capital of Culture. For Paul-Henri Presset, Head of Information, Com- and providing new impetus for the development Boran Ivanoski (NALAS Dierkes (Head of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation munication and Press, Delegation of the European In Europe, the wealth of historical buildings and of social and economic sectors throughout Europe. program officer for the for Serbia and Montenegro in Belgrade) spoke about Union to the Republic of Serbia, the main focus lies sites, historical neighborhoods and cultural lands- „In order to develop the cultural heritage of na- Sustainable Tourism the current situation of the Western Balkan countries on citizens: „Making them aware of their own natio- capes is visible to the people. For Katarina Živanović tions in the long term, it must be protected in the Task Force in Skopje, “which are on the right track to the EU, for example nal identity a key to the EU accession process. Provi- (Archaeologist Europanostra Serbia) „cultural heri- case of threatening situations, so many state and Macedonia) by investing in cultural goods. Together, a cultural ding them with greater opportunities for their own tage provides European countries and regions with non-governmental organizations are actively invol- city can be built and Novi Sad represents such a city”. future is the foundation of sustainable prevention”. a unique identity, a basis for developing cultural tou- ved in the process of cultural heritage protection“, Cross-border and regional cooperation within Serbia However, in order to be part of the cultural path to rism and attracting investment“. To sum up, cultural Leylya Strobl (Board Member of the Austrian Blue and with the EU are important in preserving cultural the EU, the cultural asset „is economically, politically heritage is a key component and contributes to the Shield Committee, Austrian Roerich Society) further and socially important, which transcends borders, attractiveness of European regions and cities. In this explained in her speech. The exchange of ideas and nationalities and regions“, said Asja Drača Muntean way, it creates jobs and attracts talent, companies innovations for sustainable development, based on (Representative of Serbia to the Enlarged Partial Ag- and investors. the international concept of human rights, is essen- reement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe tial for the protection of cultural heritage. The aim is therefore to raise awareness of cultural heritage in ci- of Ministry of Culture and Information in Belgrade). Regional Cultural Heritage – Together, a cultural city can be built and In her opinion, a step towards the EU would be to vil society. „Only governments alone cannot handle Novi Sad represents such a city. “ start with small programs to gain experience. A European Vision for Prosperity this task“, explained Strobl. The UNESCO-affiliated NGO „Blue Shield International“ is an internationally In the panel discussion „Regional Cultural Heri- Norbert Beckmann-Dierkes, Head of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation for Additionally, Ketrina Çabiri Mijo, Head of the pro- recognized organization operating in 28 countries tage - A European Vision for Prosperity“, Nemanja Serbia and Montenegro in Belgrade ject „Network Creation and Promotion of Castles“ in and working to protect cultural assets. Milenković, Director of the Foundation Novi Sad Albania, highlighted the importance of sustainable “ (FNS20201), emphasized in his keynote that cultural Tijana Palkovljević Bugarski, Director of the Matica 4 newsregion 49 / july18 newsregion 49 / july18 5 FOCUS FOCUS IRE-Expert Conference Logistics and Transport IRE-Expert Conference Cultural Heritage

Srpska Gallery in Novi Sad, pointed to the question of a „national culture“. The gallery not only illustrates Serbian art, but also deals with the processes of pro- tection of Serbian cultural heritage in the region, especially in Hungary and Romania. „We need not only national identity or culture, but also the embe- dding in European culture, a broader view of Serbian cultural heritage in the European context, because cultural heritage knows no borders“, expressed Bug- arski. She also pointed out that these projects for the protection and prevention of secular and religious Serbian art, cooperation between Serbian, Hungari- Franz Schausberger presented István Pásztor the Friendship an and Romanian cultural institutions, develop and Chalice of the Institute of the Regions of Europe promote cultural diversity in the region.

Another example was provided by Marija Budimir (Head of Tourism and Culture in the Vukovar Srijem Milan Popadić (UNESCO Chair in Cultural Policy and in Croatia), stressing the importance of intangible Management, University of Belgrade). heritage, such as cultural festivals that to preserve the cultural goods. To create awareness, one must preserve the value of the past. The origin of the cultural heritage is that a Conference Tomislav Paljak, Vice-President of the Varaždin modern person must determine themselves in rela- partners: County in Croatia, emphasized the common history tion to their own past. „This is the past whose cultural in this context and referred to the closeness between value is acknowledged in the present, so the exi- Novi Sad and Varaždin. The decay of cultural heritage stence of the common heritage always involves the is an „inefficient way of dealing with culture. To re- recognition of common values, and caring for those vitalize a region, there is a need for skilled workers“, values while cultivating all layers of testimony on the highlighted the Vice-President. EU projects would common past can become social Prosperity on the contribute to the preservation of cultural assets. other hand, indifference certainly leads to social di- Financing transnational projects is important for sorientation „, both cities and regions. „In order to promote prospe- The Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE) has rity and preserve the cultural heritage for future ge- been dedicated to strengthening regions and cities nerations, the EU supports various projects related throughout Europe for around 15 years. The aim of to this theme with the most important programs for the conference was to present best practice examp- Serbia being the Creative Europe Program and the In- les of the preservation of cultural heritage in vario- strument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) ‚Creative us European regions, especially in Central, Eastern Europe‘ funds projects around the European Year of and Southeastern Europe, in order to exchange Cultural Heritage 2018 in the regions, enabling the experiences and knowledge for the preservation of revitalization of objects and the purchase of equip- cultural assets. Experts and politicians from all over ment that can stimulate culture development and Europe attended the conference to discuss innova- progress”, stated Mina Radmilovic Pjevac (Antenna tive financing mechanisms as well as sustainable Creative Europe Culture Desk Serbia, European Af- approaches to regional and local cultural heritage fairs Fund of AP Vojvodina). conservation activities. According to Dimitrije Tadić, Head of the Creative IRE-Chairman Franz Schausberger has held bilateral Europe Culture Desk in Serbia, an intensive exchange talks with, among others, the President of the Auto- of sustainable concepts, not only at national but also nomous Province of Vojvodina, Ištvan Pásztor, on at regional level, is necessary for cooperation with the ‘s recent progress report the EU. „Priorities and objectives are needed to fund on Serbia and on the EU‘s Western Balkans Enlarge- sustainable projects, so a detailed regional and state- ment Strategy. The importance of preserving the cul- level exchange is the first step“, explained Tadić. tural heritage, which is a cornerstone of the Europe- To create awareness, one must preserve the value of an Union, was emphasized. Around 120 participants the past. The origin of the cultural heritage is that a from eight European countries participated in the modern person must determine themselves in rela- international conference in Serbia. Conference part- tion to their own past. „It is the past whose cultural ners in Novi Sad were the Konrad Adenauer Founda- value is recognized in the present. The existence of tion Serbia, Europa Nostra, Blue Shield International, the common heritage therefore always includes the Raiffeisenbank International AG (Serbia), the Council recognition of common values. On the one hand, of Europe, European Institute of Cultural Routes and taking care of these values while cultivating all la- the Austrian Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration yers of testimony about the common past can lead and Foreign Affairs (BMEIA). to social well-being. On the other hand, indifference certainly leads to social disorientation“, concluded

6 newsnewsregionregion 48 49 / / may18 july18 newsregion 49 / july18 7 FOCUS FOCUS Western Balkans – Albania Western Balkans – Albania Albania on its way to EU-Integration

Meeting in Luxembourg on June 26, EU foreign ministers agreed to set out the path towards opening accession negotiations in June 2019. European Union member states have given a cautious green light to opening accession negotiations with Albania and Macedonia. The ministers required the two Balkan countries to demonstrate progress on reforms before the actual negotiations can begin at the end of 2019.

On June 25, , commissi- as security. oner for European neighborhood policy Subsequently, in all these processes local and enlargement negotiations, warned and regional authorities are playing a ma- against delaying the start of membership jor role, because broad public support for talks with the two countries, stressing the enlargement can only be achieved if the importance of giving a „positive signal“ to potential benefits of enlargement are ex- the whole Western Balkans region. plained to society at a grassroots level. To Austrian European Affairs Minister Ger- be successful in these efforts local authori- not Blumel said that EU countries took a ties, first and foremost, mayors are needed. „strong position,“ signaling to countries in Skanderbeg Square in the center ofAlbania‘s We may not overlook that in most of the the Western Balkans that they had a „clear booming capital Tirana Western Balkan countries that there is perspective toward the European Union.“ an urgent need for reform particularly in On the 22nd of May 2018, Franz Schausber- state-building, the rule of law and expansi- ger hold a lecture on “Western Balkans and on of administrative capacities at all levels, Judiciary reform and opening of Franz Schausberger met Arbjan Albania on the Road To EU-Integration“ at especially at regional and local level and EU accession negotiations Mazniku, Deputy Mayor of Tirana. the Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durres. also in better governance as well as effort The meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama to combat corruption and organized crime He mentioned in his speech, that the year focused on the ongoing judiciary reform and at every government stage. the opening of EU accession negotiations with 2018 offers a special window of opportu- th Albania. Rama hoped that the concerns of some nities for the Western Balkan Countries On the 6 of February 2018, the European western European countries could be cleared and their path to the European Union. In Commission presented a comprehensive up against accession negotiations with Albania. addition to the enlargement process, the Western Balkan strategy, which intends to Rama stressed that Albania is now shifting into the six countries are also closely involved give the six countries a perspective that is a new stage because of the clear recommenda- in the EU’s migration policy (Western Bal- oriented towards 2025. www tion from the European Commission to open kans route) and related policy areas, such negotiations. Albania aims to work and imple- ment all necessary reforms that are required to access the European Union as a member state In a meeting with Franz Schausberger, opposition leader Lulzim in the near future. Basha from the Democratic Party expressed that the accession ne- gotiations will not be opened very soon, because Albania has not yet met the conditions set by the EU. Subsequently, the Albanian Communal reform and decentralization government has not done its homework, i.a. corruption, crime and bad economic situation generate frustration and instability. Alba- Franz Schausberger and Deputy Minister of Interior Romina Kuko, held a nia has lost time in the fight against corruption and the judiciary detailed talk on communal reform and decentralization. Albania had re- reform is progressing at a small pace. Bahsa underlines his effort duced the number of municipalities from 373 to 61 in 2014. In the mean- towards lobbying to favour accession negotiations; however, the time, although municipalities have been given more competences, they opposition does not hide the truth in its duties. From left: Enver are under-funded; as a result, financial decentralization has not yet been Bytyci, Franz Schausberger, Lulzim Basha and Genc Pollo. satisfactorily implemented. According to experts, the problem lies in the failed reform in its goal to reduce administrative and operational costs. Furthermore, the reform also failed to improve revenues and the quality of services. The new large municipalities, which include administrative units (former municipalities), fail to provide the same quality services in their entire territory as they do in city centres. The new municipalities Franz Schausberger also met the former Prime Minister and have hired more employees, with the pretext of facing more work due to President of Albania, Sali Berisha. He said the situation of the enlargement of administrative units. Currently, every new municipa- Albania is dramatic and continuously rises even more. This lity has about 20-25% more employees. Schausberger underlined that is mainly due to the government’s connection with crime the trend towards regionalization and decentralization is an inevitable and criminal gangs. Therefore, above all, the judiciary reform process for Albania on its path towards European integration. must be promoted rapidly.

8 newsregion 49 / july18 newsregion 49 / july18 9 FOCUS Western Balkans – Albania

City of Salzburg From left: Klajda Gjosha, former Minister of Inte- gration of Albania, Genc Pollo, Chairman of the Integration Committee of the Parliament of Albania, Franz Schausberger, Andon Kume, Dean of the faculty of Political Science and Law and Prof. Enver Bytyci at a panel-discussion at Alek- sandër Moisiu University.

Salzburg Summit www „Front runners“ Serbia and Latecomer Kosovo Montenegro Kosovo is the taillight of the road to the EU, The negotiations with Serbia and Monte- hence, which is not by accident. Although negro are already well advanced. These it was gratifying that after three years the 1918 – 2018 – 2118 two countries are among the „front run- Parliament of Kosovo finally managed to ners“ in the EU integration process, alt- ratify the border agreement with Mon- hough there are still huge deficits in terms tenegro some regrettable events put the of democracy and freedom of media. If country somewhat back. they manage to carry out real and sustai- The European Commission adopted on SAVE the DATE nable reforms and, above all, that Serbia th the 17th of April, its annual Enlargement can conclude a comprehensive, legally Ksenela Sotirofski, rector of the 14 Conference of European Regions and Cities Package. The Commission recommended binding agreement for the normalization Aleksandër Moisiu University of to the Council that accession negotiations under the Austrian EU Presidency 2018 of relations with Kosovo, a membership Durres awarded Franz Schausberger should be opened with the former Yugos- could be in the prospect by 2025. the title „Doctor Honoris Causa“. th nd lav Republic of Macedonia and Albania, in Sunday, 30 September until Tuesday, 2 October 2018 the light of the progress achieved, maintai- in Salzburg Congress, Austria Accession negotiations with ning and depending the current reform momentum. Albania and Macedonia Parliament of Albania with an audience of The region‘s economies must be approximately 120 students. ”Europe 1918 – 2018 – 2118“ If the candidate countries Albania and For more information on the strengthened. If not, they remain uncom- Macedonia continue to make significant Franz Schausberger, Chairman of the IRE international conference petitive, with too much political interfe- progress, the basis for opening accessi- and the Western Balkans Working Group rence as well as an underdeveloped pri- “The force of regions – Subsidiarity & Europe” please see: www.institut-ire.eu on negotiations would be given. The fact of the Committee of the Regions, visited vate sector which affects growth and jobs “What became of the Europe of its founding fathers?” that in Albania all political forces are cur- Albania from the 21st to 23rd of May 2018. Your participation is free of particularly for the youth of the region. rently participating in the political and As part of this visit, the rector of the Alek- “What will become of Europe?“ None of the Western Balkans can currently charge. parliamentary process as well as that the sandër Moisiu University in Durres, Prof. Dr. “Europe: The future is digital“ be considered to have a functioning mar- progress in the fight against corruption Kseanela Sotirofski, awarded Schausber- ket economy nor to have the capacity to “The future of the energy supply of Europe“ Please register under: and in judicial reform is remarkable helps ger the title „Doctor Honoris Causa“ in a cope with the competitive pressure and [email protected] to bring them closer towards the EU. After solemn ceremony. The initiative was based “Rural depopulation – the fate of rural areas in Europe?” market forces in the union. violent conflicts in the parliament, political by Prof. Enver Bytyci, who has been wor- life in Macedonia has been stabilized again The adoption of a Multiannual Action Plan king closely with Prof. Schausberger and With high ranking speakers as: and the negotiations in the name dispute for the development of a Regional Econo- the IRE for a long time. with Greece make it possible for the first mic Area is henceforth a necessity. time to bring together a common solution. The entire Western Balkans region is sur- Federal EU Com- Federal CoR- rounded by EU member states. Under no Minister missioner Minister President circumstances should forces from outside Karin Johannes Elisabeth Karl-Heinz Possible candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina Europe – i.a. Russia, Turkey, reactionary Kneissl Hahn Köstinger Lambertz Islamic states or China – take the place of Bosnia-Herzegovina could be given candi- the EU. date status by 2025 if the country makes In addition to his speech, Franz Schaus- Honorary Patronage: Alexander Van der Bellen, President of the Republic of Austria the necessary efforts. The ability to agree berger participated in a panel-discussion on a constitutional reform of the electoral Honorary Committee: Sebastian Kurz, Johannes Hahn, Gernot Blümel, Wilfried Haslauer, with Klajda Gjosha, former Minister of In- law for the October 2018 elections will be Karl-Heinz Lambertz, Harald Preuner tegration of Albania and Genc Pollo, Chair- the litmus test of the country‘s suitability man of the Integration Committee of the for the EU. I am looking very much forward welcoming you at this Conference in Salzburg. newsregion 49 / july18 11 Franz Schausberger, IRE President FOCUS FOCUS Western Balkans – Kosovo Committee of theWestern Regions Balkans (CoR)

Meeting of Enver Hoxhaj and Franz Schausberger in Brussels

President of the Auto- A strong local self-government of Kosovo is important for the nomous Province of Vo- jvodina, Igor Mirović rapprochement with the European Union Funding for agricultural projects Issues of decentralization and strengthening of local Local Self-Government Act provides for twenty-five On 5th of May 2018, Igor Mirović, President of the Autonomous Province self-government in Kosovo were the focus of a con- key responsibilities for all communities in Kosovo, of Vojvodina, awarded 68 contracts to representatives of 41 municipalities. versation between Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo including the provision of clean drinking water, sani- The provincial secretaries of agriculture, water management and forestry Enver Hoxhaj and the Chairman of the Institute of tation, waste management, adequate housing, effi- from a total budget of 932.5 million dinars (800 million euros), 300 million the Regions of Europe (IRE) on the 15th of May 2018 cient transport, a clean environment, education and dinars (254 million euros) were allocated from the government. in Brussels. health services and economic affairs. Mirović emphasized that the government of AP Vojvodina has focused Enver Hoxhaj pointed out that Kosovo‘s municipa- Perhaps the biggest challenge is that large respon- since 2016 on economic development and agriculture as one of the most lities already have many skills, but they do not yet sibilities have been transferred from the central go- central points. have the necessary financial resources. The mayors, vernment to the municipalities without providing who are directly elected, have a strong position. The them with the necessary financial resources. Local The government of AP Vojvodina also has invested 500 million dinars (4.2 governments have limited resources to raise their million euro) in the development of the municipality of Ruma over the past own resources and depend on national government two years. Enver Hoxhaj, Deputy Prime Minister of grants for most of their revenues. The grants to the Kosovo with Franz Schausberger, Chairman Source: Government of AP Vojvodina municipalities amount to about one third of the Kosovo‘s municipalities already have large of the Western Balkans Working Group of state budget. responsibilities, but they do not yet have the the European Committee of the Regions necessary financial resources. “ Franz Schausberger pointed out that a decentrali- zation of tasks to the municipalities would be me- Apatin to become a university town in 2018 Enver Hoxhaj, Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo aningful only if this also involved financial decen- tralization. After 80 percent of EU legislation has to “ be implemented at regional and local level after EU Apatin has embarked on its way to become a university town, as the Bel- accession, involvement of the local level in the ac- grade Modern Business School plans to open another faculty in Apatin, cession process is of crucial importance. Therefore, stated Apatin’s mayor, Milan Škrbić and Professor Nenad Vunjak. The Mo- it is necessary to train the municipal administration dern Business School, which was founded by the Academy for South East and provide them with the necessary know-how, not Europe (A.S.B.) in Vienna, offers Bachelor‘s and Master‘s degree programs. least because they are able to work out good pro- Source: radioapatin.com RE jects for EU funding. The creation of a separate community association of thinking Serbian communities in the north of Kosovo and the fulfillment of the conditions for an early visa libera- Banja Luka invests in infrastracture Being part of a lization for the inhabitants of Kosovo were topics of means: the meeting. th The Mayor of Banja Luka, Igor Radojčić, announced on 16 of May 2018, borderless that the total budget of Banja Luka was increased by six million euros for investment. Private investors and the Republika Srpska will also participate community that is in the realization of projects. The largest projects involve the development of the wastewater system, successful in which will cost 50 million euro, and the construction of a multifunctional 14 CEE countries. IRE is congress center with an estimated value of around 20 million euro. Radojčić noted that Banja Luka was declared a European City of Sports in As an international business bank with a dense CEE 2018 and was also nominated for the European Capital of Culture 2024. „So network, we provide 1,200 corporate groups with our sponsored we have many long-term plans ahead of us, and in ten years‘ time, we will cross-border services. In order to perfect the process, transform our city into a safe and comfortable living environment“, said the we have developed the Global Account Management mayor. System. www.rbinternational.com by Source: Nezavisne.com

Mayor of Banja Luka, Igor Radojčić

RBI_ANZ_FRAU_1_170x120_abf_e_RZ.indd 1 28.06.2018 14:27:54 12 newsregion 49 / july18 newsregion 49 / july18 13 FOCUS CommitteeRegional of and the local Regions elections (CoR)

Local elections in Great Britain Municipal Elections in Schleswig-Holstein

Conservatives win, right-wing populists CDU leads, SPD loses, Greens strong Oberösterreich. Land der Möglichkeiten. After the parliamentary election last June, the local elections in The people of Schleswig-Holstein elected on the 6th of May 2018 Great Britain took place on 3rd of May 2018. 4,851 seats in English new municipal and district parliaments. Around 2.4 million people local councils were re-elected, including all 32 London boroughs, were eligible to vote. 47.1 percent of voters cast their votes, com- as well as six-city mayors. Additionally, Sheffield, Hackney, Lewish- pared to 46.7 percent five years ago. They decided on the compo- ham, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Watford held mayoral elec- sition in about 1080 municipalities in the district, in the indepen- tions. In the first five boroughs, the Labor Party won. dent cities Kiel, Lübeck, Flensburg and Neumünster as well as in the eleven districts. The Conservatives make 1,332 (-33) seats in the UK. The party has won in the London districts of Barnet, Westminster and Wands- The CDU continues to be the strongest political force in Schleswig- worth and in the communities Basildon and Peterborough. The Holstein‘s municipalities, cities and counties. After the preliminary party was unable to hold control of Trafford, Plymouth, Kingston official country result of the local election, the Union comes to 35.1 MEHR WIRTSCHAFT. and Richmond, losing a total of 28 seats. percent. The party loses 3.8 percentage points compared to the election in 2013. The SPD sinks heavily and lands at 23.3 percent The opposition Labor party reached 2,350 seats (+79). As expected, (-6.5). The Greens reach 16.5 percent (+2.8), the FDP 6.7 percent the party won in London and places 1,120 seats in the capital MEHR MÖGLICHKEITEN. (+1.7) and the Left 3.9 percent (+1.4), the SSW 2.3 percent (-0,6). (+60). Furthermore, the party has taken over Plymouth from the The AfD comes to 5.5 percent and participated for the first time in Conservatives and gained control of Kirklees and Tower Hamlets. a local election. Other parties and electorate communities come to The Liberal Democrats were able to improve their results from 6.7 percent (-0.5 percentage points).

the past election. They achieved a plus of 75 and thus a total of Source: spiegel.de, sueddeutsche.de, NDR.de OÖ auf Innovationskurs 536 seats. The party obtained the most votes in Kingston-upon- Thames, Richmond-upon-Thames, South Cambridgeshire and Three Rivers. Zukunftstechnologien, innovative Produkte und The Greens received more votes which resulted in 39 (+8) seats. The Welsh center-left party Plaid Cymru was able to gain 35 seats. Dienstleistungen sowie qualifizierte Fachkräfte sind The UKIP party, which achieved a good result in the last election in die Erfolgsfaktoren, um den Erfolgskurs des 2014, lost almost all seats (-123). The party now holds three seats. Wirtschaftsstandortes Oberösterreich weiter fortzusetzen. Source: zeit.de, bbc.com Das Wirtschaftsressort des Landes unterstützt das in vielfältiger Weise.

OÖ Leitprojekte in der Forschung Result of the municipal election 2018 Gründerstrategie „Start Up(per) Austria“

Ralf Steg- Leitinitiative Digitalisierung ner (SPD) and Daniel Günther Ausbau des ultraschnellen Breitbandes (CDU) Pakt für Arbeit & Qualifizierung

Bezahlte Anzeige Strategic Partner of the IRE

www.land-oberoesterreich.gv.at 14 newsregion 49 / july18 15 Fotos: © pressmaster – stock.adobe.com, xiaoliangge – stock.adobe.com

INS_Wirtschaft_297 x 210_NewsRegion.indd 1 25.06.2018 10:02:41 FOCUS FOCUS IRE Network – Members & Cooperations Europe & Brussels

The capital city is Poznań, Appeal for a „citizen-close“ EU on the annual Europe Day with an old town with picturesque tenements and notable highrises of the To visualize how great the loss would be if modern city. the EU breaks apart - that is one of the con- Reichenhall’s cerns of the annual Europe Day, which was Lord Mayor celebrated this year in Bad Reichenhall on Herbert Lackner the 28th of May 2018 with a ceremony in (left) and District the concert rotunda. Therein, former Go- Representative Rudolf vernor of Salzburg Prof. Franz Schausber- Schaupp (right) ger spoke. He campaigned for a citizen- thanked the keynote oriented EU, in which individual countries speaker Franz should not isolate themselves. Neverthe- Schausberger less, Europe‘s borders must be secured externally. Even if one can not approve of Delegation from Poland visited the IRE in Salzburg their policies on all points, one must be glad that Hungary and Austria have large- ly blocked the Balkan route for refugees. In order to avoid refugee flows from Africa in in peace and freedom is a great gift and by that the founding fathers, in establishing Discussion on future cooperation between the IRE and the future, one must start with a new po- no means self-evident. state-level coalitions in Europe, aimed at licy in Africa. So far, development aid has ending old hostilities, not least for econo- The keynote speaker, Professor Franz often only supported the local potentates mic reasons, between peoples. the Regional Parliament of Wielkopolska Voivodeship Schausberger, took up this topic. The long- and brought little to the peoples. term cooperation of the countries in the Source: heimatzeitung.de, Dieter Moosleitner A delegation of the regional parliament nection with Moscow, Berlin and Warsaw, In his greeting, Herbert Lackner empha- European Union has brought a great boon, of the Wielkopolska Voivodeship (Greater the region is ideally suited for foreign in- sized what great value Europe has for all and citizens should participate in their fur- Poland) led by the president of the regio- vestors. This is also reflected in the fact citizens. Furthermore he referred that a life ther development at all levels. He recalled nal parliament, Zofia Szalczyk, visited the that already 4,000 foreign companies have Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE) settled in this region. The development of on the 28th of May 2018 and met the IRE cross-border regional cooperation is one chairman Franz Schausberger and Secre- of the priorities of the IRE. It was agreed to tary General Joachim Fritz for a detailed intensify this in further meetings. discussion. President Zofia Szalczyk was Franz Schausberger and Zofia Afterwards, the delegation met with the Technology of accompanied by the Deputy-President of Szalczyk, president of the president of the state parliament (Land- the Regional Parliament Mirosława Rut- tomorrow: regional parliament of the tagspräsident) Josef Schöchl. „Wielko- kowska-Krupka and the President of the Wielkopolska Voivodeship polska Voivodeship is one of the country‘s Committee of Regional Development Stra- strongest economic regions and an in- tegy and International Relations, Mikołaj teresting growing market and Salzburg Grzyb, as well as members of three par- TODAY can offer know-how in organic agriculture liamentary groups of the regional parlia- or tourism to support the economic boom ment. As President Zofia Szalczyk empha- in this region great interest in future coo- “Fibre Optics are the sized, the visit was intended to strengthen peration“, Schöchl summed up the discus- cooperation between her Voivodeship and sions. data highway of the the Austrian provinces. Due to the good geographic location of the Wielkopolska Sources: Land Salzburg, Franz Neumayr, future” Photos Poznan: Przemov300 and Dennis Jarvisn Voivodeship and the excellent traffic con- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pozna%C5%84 EXPERIENCE: Our team has 15 years experience in design and construction of fiber optic networks and is very familiar with the current technologies of cable laying. CEO Hans-Peter Wilhelmer, MBA

From left: Deputy-President BUSINESS-NETWORKS: 11 years marketing Fibre Network Construction GmbH Gluckgasse 1, 4th floor, 1010 Vienna Mirosława Rutkowska-Krupka, experience with Fibre Network providers [email protected] and network-planning with connections Josef Schöchl, president of the www.fibre-nc.com state parliament of Land Salzburg up to 10,000 mobile phone masts speak for and president Zofia Szalczyk themselves. PRICE ADVANTAGE: Fibre Network Construction offers the possibility of an economic installation.

16 newsregion 49 / july18 newsregion 49 / july18 17 FOCUS FOCUS Western Balkans Info & Partners

New employee at the IRE

After Martina Balazic changed her profession this may after al- The IRE thanks Ms. Balazic for her valid most four years at the IRE, Julia Soldo is now her substitute and support and wishes her good luck and responsible for the IRE Office Management Administration. success in her bright future.

Julia was born in 1998 in Salzburg. Grown up bi-lingual (German More information about the new emplo- and Croatian), Croatian roots gave opportunity to easily learn yee can be found on the IRE-Website. languages (Russian, English and French), which was facilitated by Julia Soldo the education in HAKII Salzburg, within the field of “International Office Management, Partner Business”. Simultaneously, opportunities to go abroad arose from Desk, Conference Organisation & social engagement and language-contests. Most notably, the in- Regional Activities ternational Russian-Olympics in Moscow, as well as regional and [email protected] national wins at speaking competitions. Tel: +43 662 843 288 10

You can find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/institut.ire Twitter: www.twitter.com/Institut_IRE Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/institut_ire They have nerves of steel: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/ institut-der-regionen-europas-ire- The APG line teams need to keep balance. IMPRESSUM Media owner and publisher: Institute of the Regions of Europe, A-5020 Salzburg, Nonntaler Hauptstraße 58, Tel.: +43/662/843288-0, Fax: +43/662/843288-5050, Credit: Karl Michalski www.institut-ire.eu, [email protected] • Editor and layout: printmedia & pmverlag, 5020 Salzburg • Photos: IRE, Neumayr • Print: druck.at, A2544 Leobersdorf Insofar as this publication features only personal designations in their gender-specific forms, they relate – insofar as this can be considered with regard to the content – to men and women on equal terms.

The balancing act of electricity supply – Austrian Power Grid (APG) must strengthen grid

The European electricity supply is undergoing a transition. The construction of many additional wind and ab Salzburg! photovoltaic power plants calls for increased efforts in order to maintain the necessary balance between Flieg electricity generation and consumption at all times. Zu den schönsten Sommerzielen Split, Sardinien & Lefkada

The balance of generation and consumption APG invests in a secure electricity future

Electricity supply is based on a fundamental physical principle that Wind and photovoltaic power require an electricity grid that can is very simple: every single second, precisely as much electricity handle even great power fluctuations. “The restructuring of our must be generated as is being consumed at that moment. The rea- electricity supply towards renewable energy sources requires huge son for this is that electricity cannot be stored at will. If the balance investments in our electricity grid,“ says Baumgartner-Gabitzer. “In is disrupted, large-scale outages can occur. the next ten years, we will invest over 100 million euros annually to improve our facilities. This is the only way to maintain the high “Maintaining the balance every single second between generation standard of the Austrian electricity supply.“ and consumption is the core task of Austrian Power Grid,“ explains Dr. Ulrike Baumgartner-Gabitzer, CEO of APG. “What may appear One very central project is the Salzburg line. Over 600 million eu- simple becomes a daily balancing act due to the current changes ros are flowing into this project alone. Investments in the national in the European electricity sector: The higher the share of electri- electricity grid are important investments in the future and an im- city generated from wind power as part of the overall supply, the portant impulse for the national economy. Around 80 percent of greater the fluctuations that the electricity grid has to balance out. the invested funds benefit the Austrian economy. This also means that grid operators such as APG have to intervene fliegabsalzburg.at more frequently.“ You can find further information at www.apg.at Anzeige

air_Anz_059_IRE_170x120_MAI18_def.indd 1 08.05.18 15:57 18 newsregion 49 / july18 newsregion 49 / july18 19 ClaudiaSchmidtEU

“United in diversity” should not only be a motto, it needs to be lived! Therefore, regional cooperation and exchange have to be more than pretty words.

Inserat CS_.indd 2 14.05.2018 14:35:50