Organized by SALAR International and the European Platform for the Development of Local and Regional Authorities (PLATFORMA), the EU-EaP Local Leaders Workshop, titled “Strengthening the Capacity of Local Governments for EU Involvement in the Eastern Trio: Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine,” was held on November 28 in Brussels.

From the Georgian side, the workshop was attended by Levan Abashidze, a PLATFORMA speaker and member of the Tbilisi Municipality Council; Nino Latsabidze, Mayor of Rustavi Municipality and a member of the Eastern Partnership Conference of the Committee of the Regions and Local Authorities for Eastern Partnership (CORLEAP); and Nino Vardosanidze, Deputy of the representative body of the capital.

The purpose of the meeting was to enhance the capacity of local authorities and foster the exchange of experiences in the process of European Union integration.

The session featured a discussion format, with the Georgian delegation emphasizing the importance of creating a favorable environment for European integration.

As Levan Abashidze explained, the active involvement of local authorities in negotiations for joining the European Union is essential, as approximately 70% of European directives are ultimately implemented at the local level.

During the seminar, Markus Holmberg, Director of International Relations and Head of the Brussels Office, and Boris Tonhauser, Director of SALAR International and PLATFORMA, highlighted the critical role of local authorities’ associations in implementing reforms and adapting them to local contexts. They also drew attention to the importance of local involvement in EU-funded programs until 2027.

The seminar was facilitated by Fabrizio Rossi, Secretary General of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR).

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