Second European Interactive Centre “Pro-Europa” to open in Balti

The second European Interactive Centre “Pro-Europa” will open in Balti on 30 March 2007, within a joint project of the Eurasia Foundation Moldova Representative Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova. The Centre will be operated by the Regional Centre CONTACT-Balti, while all informative activities will be implemented in partnership with the Press Monitoring Agency “Monitor Media”. According to a press release from the Eurasia Foundation Moldova, the objectives of the “Pro-Europa” Centre will be to inform and engage the public on issues related to European integration such as travel to the EU, work and education in EU countries. By offering a platform for discussion for the public (especially young people, women, farmers and teachers), local government officials, and business groups, the centre will seek to increase citizen participation in decision-making at local level. Following the opening of the centre, the regional conference “Cooperation between local public authorities, civil society and mass-media in the European integration process” will take place. During the Conference the Information and Communication Strategy for European Integration will be presented for public discussions. The event will take place at the State University of Balti. Both events will be attended by President of Moldova Vladimir Voronin. Members of civil society organisations, local public authorities, mass-media, diplomatic missions and the international donor community will also attend. The opening of the centre and its work are made possible by funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the United States Agency for International Development. The first European Interactive Centre “Pro-Europa” was opened at the State University in Cahul, on February 20.