GTZ RED implements capacity building measures at regional level for 2010 within the Programme activities on strengthening the capacities of regional centers, LED and other regional stakeholders. Within this activity GTZ organized a study tour in Slovenia and Croatia from 9th until 16th of May 2010. This activity is actually a continuation of a series of trainings that are organized by GTZ. The Study tour was attended by representatives from six centers in Macedonia and employees in several municipalities. Representatives from the Centre for Development of the East planning region participated were Dragica Zdraveva – Manager, Emil Vassilev – Coordinator for Regional Development and Katerina Koceva – Administrator.
The aim of the study tour on capacity building at regional level was introducing the participants with policies for regional development of Slovenia and Croatia, the work of regional development agencies, possibilities for joint cooperation of the regions of Macedonia, Slovenia and Croatia, getting acquainted with experience in elaborating and implementing projects financed by EU funds and other issues related to regional development.
For this purpose the following regions were visited:
Ljubljana urban region where they met with representatives from Government Office for Local Government and Regional Policy, Department for European Territorial Cooperation and Regional Development Agency of the Ljubljana urban region. Through this the participants got familiar with: The current situation in the regions, the system of regional development in Slovenia, management of European cohesion policy and management programs for cross-border cooperation.
The participants visited the Technology Park that was built with European funds.
– In-Notranjsko Krashka region representatives of the Regional Agency presented their region and plans for regional development. Then they presented EFRD projects for cross-border cooperation with Italy and Croatia.
After the presentation, they visited some implemented projects: Museum of Arms and Hotel Postojna cave.
The Director of ARR of the coastal region presented the planning of regional development and enforcement of contracts, while the director of ZTS for cross-border cooperation between Italy and Slovenia has presented the work of the ZTS, coordination of projects and programs of both countries as well as presentation of funds spent and the results of cross-border cooperation.
The Director of Development Agency in Pula presented the system for regional development of Croatia, the financial possibilities of the state, as the region is preparing to join the EU and others.
After a working meeting we went to visit the projects implemented by the EU funds as follows:
- Metris (Institute for testing of materials)
- Parancano (bike trail)
- Village Museum
The last day was the participants visited Rijeka municipality, where they were inroduced with the regional operational program, the got familiar with the Regional Agency Porin, and what are the activities and projects that have been realized through the EU funds.
Representatives from the Institute for Physical Planning Goranjskata County Primorsko-presented spatial planning process and other ongoing processes.
The study tour was very helpful because participants got familiar with the organization and functioning of regional agencies in EU member states – Slovenia and candidate country – Croatia, and Macedonia has the chance to use and transfer their experience. This study tour is also a networking tool for acquisition of partner for future projects financed by the EU.
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