THE 25 PIONEER PROJECTS FOR PROVINCES PREPARING FOR THE EU PROGRAMME SIGNED TODAY

The signature ceremony within the context of the "Provinces Preparing for the European Union Programme", has been realised with the participation of Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Mr. Egemen Bagis, Minister of the Interior Mr. Osman GUNES, Secretary General Ambassador Mr. M. Haluk ILICAK and the Governors from beneficiary cities, in Governors' House (Vali Galip DEMİREL Vilayetler Evi).

In the speech he made during the signature ceremony, Minister Bagis indicated that the application of 79 provinces out of 81 provinces to this Project have demonstrated Turkey's determination to benefit from EU funds and financial aid.

Indicating that in 81 provinces of Turkey, there were deputy governors who had been appointed as EU contact points, Bagis said: "The EU has reached an institutionalized structure in 81 provinces of Turkey. Thereafter, I believe that we will take important steps by working together in this process and raising awareness of the public on this common ground."

Indicating that one of the first projects of the Minister for the European Union Affairs was the assignment of the personnel with expertise on EU issues to carry out duties under the authority of deputy governors who had been appointed as EU contact points, Bagis mentioned that they aimed for this staff to work on preparing and guiding the EU projects.

Noting that they would struggle with prejudices, Bagis emphasized that they would give importance to communication, raise awareness of the public about EU principles and for this they needed the support of the media, academicians and non-governmental organizations.

The projects to be supported within the scope of the "Improving the Effectiveness of Governorships in the EU Accession Process Project", which has been carried out by the EUSG and the Ministry of Interior, aim to increase the technical and administrative capacities of the EU units at the Governorships within 81 provinces. "Provinces Preparing For the EU Programme" are financed through EUSG's own resources.

Source: AA