European Cooperation Day 2016

For a fifth consecutive year, the celebration of the European Cooperation Day took place across Europe. The aim of the initiative was to highlight the achievements of the cooperation between the regions and countries of Europe.

This year for European Cooperation Day, Interreg-IPA CBC Bulgaria – Turkey Programme organized a local event on 21 September 2016 under the motto “Together by air, land and water” in Burgas, Bulgaria. Representatives from all corners of the cross-border region – districts of Burgas, Yambol and Haskovo in Republic of Bulgaria and the provinces of Edirne and Kirklareli in Republic of Turkey took part in the celebration.

The event was opened on Scene "Snail" in the Sea Garden of Burgas by the popular compere Deo. The idea of the European Cooperation Day was presented by games with the audience, quiz and team building. The participants were greeted by the official guests: Mrs. Ruska Boyadzhieva - Deputy Mayor of European policies and environment of Burgas Municipality, Mr. Vladimir Krumov - Deputy District Governor of the Regional Administration Burgas, Mr. Niyazi Evren Akyol - Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Burgas, Mr. Zürfettin Hacioğlu - Chairman of the Confederation of Balkan and Rumelian Turks, Bursa, Mr. Nedim Donmez - Chairman of the Federation of Balkan Turks.

The participants from Bulgaria and Turkey visited also the island of St. Anastasia, where they learned about opportunities for cultural and historical tourism and the coastal areas development. The peak of the event was the balloon flights over the beach in Burgas. After the initial successful elevations, the flights were stopped for participant’s security reasons. The unwelcome situation couldn't dampen the festive mood and the confidence in the successful programme implementation during the new period 2014-2020.

All the guests were invited to learn more about the Programme and the European Cooperation Day initiative at the event Info Point, where the Programme representatives distributed a variety of information materials and promotional gifts.

Photos from the celebration of the European Cooperation Day could be seen below: