On 21 September 2021 Estonia-Russia CBC Programme celebrated 10th European Cooperation Day (EC Day) under the slogan “Cooperation Bridging Capitalization – another look on CBC”.
Video bridge across the state borders united two parallel events – in Vaba Lava Narva, Estonia and Baltic House Theatre-Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Over 80 participants, representing supported projects, Programme authorities, local municipalities and those interested in cross border cooperation in Estonia and Russia participated in the hybrid event on spot. In addition, Facebook live stream provided an opportunity to join the undertaking throughout the Programme territory and beyond.
This year we acknowledged supported project` s results, exchanged best practices and took a look at new opportunities for cross border cooperation through capitalization.
EC Day opening remarks were delivered by Mr Ants Liimets, Mayor of Narva City and representatives of National Authorities of the Programme Ms Anna Popova, Deputy Head of Department of Development of integration projects and CIS countries, Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, and Ms Margarita Golovko, Head of European Territorial Cooperation Unit, Regional Development Department, Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Estonia.
“Estonia-Russia Programme gives its input into creation of cooperation across regions. It creates platforms, creates dialogues and puts organizations and people in our countries to think of each other as a source of positive changes, good ideas and innovation”, said Ms Margarita Golovko.
“We are currently developing the architecture of the programme for the period 2021-2027 and it is necessary to preserve the positive experience of cross border cooperation, direct joint efforts to solve specific problems of border territories and for improving the living conditions of residents of the border regions of Russia and Estonia”, stated Ms Anna Popova.
Another look on CBC and presentation of achievements by the projects “River Promenades III”, “Borderless” and “NTIT” on both sides of the border and “Connecting Through Music” opened the bridge to the capitalization of project results.
Presentation by Interact experts Mr Ivano Magazzu and Mr Georges Mercier gave a thorough insight what it is – Capitalization.
Mr Dmitry Smirnov, the President of NCO WaterSportClub in Russia and Mr Indrek Paal, the President of the Estonian Fencing Association shared their positive experiences of cooperation focusing on motivation and idea behind it.
The interactive EC Day quiz created cheerful atmosphere and identified winners in Narva and St.Petersburg on the issues related to the Estonia-Russia Programme and cross-border cooperation in wider scope.
“It is great that thanks to the IT tools we can still go across the borders despite current travel restrictions and have a joint event”, concluded Ms Ege Ello, head of Managing Authority of Estonia-Russia Programme in closing words, focusing on preparation of the new programming period.
The musical interludes during the day were performed by young talented musicians from Estonia and Russia.
The event was moderated by Mr Eero Raun (Estonia) and Ms Karina Verigina (Russia).
Based on the feedback sheets, we are pleased to note that participants from both sides of the border were satisfied with joining the European Cooperation Day.
Please check out the photo gallery of the event in Narva, Estonia HERE and in St.Petersburg, Russia HERE.
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Photos by Rein Leib and Igor Yevokimov