On 8^th June , on the occasion of the 15^th anniversary of cooperation between Poland, Belarus and Ukraine within the European Union funds, in Uzhgorod, the capital of the Zakarpattya Region, an international conference "Cross-border cooperation in the Carpathians" took place. It was organized at the “Owl’s nest” – premises renovated within the Cross-Border Cooperation Program Poland-Belarus-Ukraine 2007-2013.

For Poland, the Programme is a very important tool for cooperation with our partners from Ukraine, not only at the national level, but also at the regional level, between voivodeships and districts. Local governments are the largest group of beneficiaries of our Programme representing their residents and therefore we can confidently say that every resident receives benefits from our project activities. Thousands of organizations, several thousand final beneficiaries are involved in our projects - said Rafał Baliński, director of the Department of Territorial Cooperation of the Ministry of Investment and Economic Development of Poland.

A key and important aspect of these programs is that all projects are implemented jointly by participating countries. It is a joint responsibility for the implemented activities and expected results, what encourages the border regions of our countries to deepen cooperation - emphasized Hanna Biełokołos, deputy director of the Department of Public Investment Projects and Development Support of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine

The achievements of the Cross-Border Cooperation Programme in the Carpathians and how to ensure sustainable development of the region were discussed at two "round tables". In particular, it was noted that coherent cooperation between public authorities, local government institutions, non-governmental organizations and natural persons brings very positive results.

The conference was summarized by the concert entitled "Cross-border Melodies ", which took place in the evening as a part of "Karpaty Fest".

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Karpaty Fest