In the framework of ICDT’s project „Supporting the Activities of the Community of Democracies and its Task Force on Moldova”, ICDT organized a workshop on the experience and further possibilities of regional development along the Dniester River, in the town of Sárospatak on April 19.

In his keynote speech, Dr. Richárd Hörcsik, Chair of the EU Affairs Committee of the Hungarian Parliament presented the experiences of and the democratic values transmitted by the V4 cooperation.

Former Ambassador of Hungary to the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Dr. György Varga and current Ambassador of Hungary to the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Mátyás Szilágyi presented the process of establishing the Dniester/Nistru Euroregion, a prominent means and manifestation of cross-border cooperation in the region. They also welcomed the presence of all stakeholders of the organization at the workshop.

Dr. Sándor Köles, Senior Advisor of the ICDT and Member of the Council of the Dniester/Nistru Euroregion shared his experience of being involved in the creation of the Euroregion and delivered the message of Ambassador István Gyarmati, Chair of the Security Sector Reform Working Group of the Moldova Task Force of the Community of Democracies (CoD), expressing the commitment of the ICDT and the CoD for supporting the prosperity of Moldova and the Transnistria region.

The participants consisted of representatives of the Dniester/Nistru Euroregion attending a study trip in the Carpathian Euroregion between April 16-20. Further to the hungarian speakers, prominent members of the delegation also gave a speech at the workshop. Mr. Volodymyr Merezhko, Director of the Coordination Centre of the Euroregion gave an insight into the work and the future plans of the organization. Mr. Victor Sau, Vice-Head of the Council of the Dniester/Nistru Euroregion and Head of Soroca District in Moldova highlighted the importance of the organization. Representatives of Transnistria region expressed their interest in cooperating in practical issues in the framework of the Euroregion.

In his closing remarks, Ambassador László Várkonyi, President and CEO of ICDT underlined again the significance of such events contributing to regional development and cooperation along with sharing of experience and best practices.