Next Friday, November 29, at 11.30, the Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation between the Municipalities of Prespa, Resen, Pustec and Devoll will be signed in Prespa for the creation of a European Group for Territorial Cooperation (EGTC-EGTC). .

The event, hosted by the Municipality of Prespa, marks the commitment of the local authorities to cross-border cooperation, for the protection and sustainable development in the Prespa Basin, through the establishment of a European Territorial Cooperation Group.

As stated in an announcement by the Municipality of Prespa, the program includes – among other things – a speech by the ambassador of the European Union in Skopje, Michalis Roka, with an emphasis on the role of the EU in promoting cross-border cooperation as well as statements by the mayors of the cross-border Prespa Region.

The climax of the event will be the signing of the Memorandum, through which the four mayors will commit to their shared vision of sustainable development, environmental protection and preservation of cultural heritage.

After the signing, a visit will be made to the place where it will be built new border crossing point in Laimos, where there will be a brief presentation of the planned projects on both sides of the border.

“The Memorandum lays the foundations for strengthening cooperation in areas such as sustainable development, environmental protection and preservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage. Its goals include improving the quality of life of residents through upgraded municipal and public services, the collective management of natural and cultural resources, and addressing the effects of the climate crisis. In addition, the EOES of Prespa aims to promote the region as a single tourist destination, based on its unique natural and cultural wealth”, the announcement states.

The Memorandum includes the road map for the establishment of a European Group for Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) of Prespa. EGTCs are transnational organizations based on European Union Law (Regulations 1082/2006, 1302/2013 and 1059/2021 of the European Union), which facilitate cooperation between regions, municipalities and public bodies from different Member States and candidate countries. The aim is to promote cross-border, inter-state and inter-regional cooperation to strengthen territorial cohesion and sustainable development. The EGTC provides legal status, allowing its members to overcome administrative and legal obstacles, while facilitating the implementation of joint projects.

The initiative aspires to make the Prespa Basin, which, with the Prespa Park became the first cross-border protected area in the Balkans, a model of innovative cross-border cooperation and sustainable regional development for the wider region.

“This agreement not only signals our collective ambition for the Prespa region, but also our commitment to practical actions that will improve the lives of our citizens. The Prespa European Group of Territorial Cooperation will allow us to work together effectively to protect our common heritage and create new opportunities for prosperity on all three sides of the border,” said Prespa Mayor Georgios Stergiou.